Okatie, SC – The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA)  honored Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) with its “Sustainability Award” on October 20 at its 2014 Executive Management Conference in Newport Beach, Calif. The award recognizes water utilities that have made a commitment to management that achieves a balance of innovative and successful efforts in areas of economic, social and environmental endeavors. It represents AMWA’s highest honor. Nationwide, only nine utilities received the award.

 

BJWSA was given the Sustainability Award based on several criteria:

 

  • Its commitment to sustainable practices includes financial conservatism to safeguard customers’ trust and to protect its strong rating in the borrowing community. The Authority’s current bond ratings are AA (Standard and Poor’s) and Aa2 (Moody’s).
  • Its infrastructure renewal program allows funds for needed upgrades as system demands increase, technology changes or regulatory requirements change.
  • The utility consistently produces high quality drinking water, its staff works to protect source water quality and available quantity, and an extensive reclaimed water system allows reduced use of potable water as an irrigation source. BJWSA has developed a 50-year Water Resources Plan, ensuring an abundant supply of drinking water for decades.
  • The Authority plays a key role in promoting community and economic development and, through local alliances and block grants, leverages funds to ensure critical water services are available to all areas of the community. BJWSA participates in both the Lowcountry Economic Alliance and the Southern Carolina Economic Alliance, promoting our plentiful capacity and robust systems to business prospects.

 

“AMWA awards recognize the serious commitment and significant progress these award-winning drinking water agencies are making toward long-term viability through innovative management practices, executive leadership and employee engagement,” said AMWA President Chuck M. Murray, General Manager, Fairfax Water.  “Sustainable communities cannot exist without sustainable water systems, and these award winners are invaluable assets to their communities and their customers.”

 

“We are beyond pleased to receive such an honor. Our expert staff works tirelessly to ensure we meet and exceed the expectations and needs of our special community,” said Ed Saxon, BJWSA’s General Manager.

 

The Sustainability Award is a new award to recognize exceptional utilities. Previously, BJWSA received both the Gold and Platinum awards from AMWA.

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