Narragansett Bay Commission Honored as “Utility of the Future”

Narragansett Bay Commission Honored as “Utility of the Future”

The Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC), along with sixty-four other clean water utilities worldwide, has been recognized as a Utility of the Future (UOTF) for transformational initiatives in the clean water sector. The UOTF designation recognizes "utilities for recovering resources from wastewater, leading community engagement, forming unique partnerships, and building an internal culture of innovation."

The Utility of the Future Today program was launched in 2016 by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Research Foundation (WRF) and the WateReuse Association, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“This agency has made great strides for Narragansett Bay and our urban rivers,” said NBC Chairman Vincent Mesolella. “Narragansett Bay is cleaner than it has been in 150 years. Our shellfishermen have access to thousands of additional acres of grounds. NBC generates 80 percent of our own energy through renewable sources and we operate award-winning community and education programs. Thanks to an engaged and committed Board and a staff of environmental professionals, the NBC truly is embracing the future today.”

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NBC has received UOTF designation twice since the award’s inception.

“The innovations coming to the water sector present an opportunity for a paradigm shift in the way utilities think about and solve long-standing challenges to clean and reliable water,” said Jackie Jarrell, WEF President. “WEF is excited to recognize the Narragansett Bay Commission for embracing innovative ways to better serve their communities.” 

The UOTF lauded NBC’s leadership in renewable energy, robust environmental monitoring program, excellence in water treatment and management, and commitment to community support.