In December 2023, the City of Tuscaloosa’s Water Department qualified for a President’s Award from the American Water Works Association through the Partnership for Safe Water.
This treatment optimization program works with high-performing utilities to assess and optimize plant treatment performance. Through a treatment optimization subscription program, Tuscaloosa’s plants have completed plans to continue to exceed all regulatory requirements, as well as have an extra support system in emergency scenarios.
Tuscaloosa Water has completed Phase 1 and 2 of the program, thereby qualifying for the President’s Award. Completion of Phase 3 of the program will qualify Tuscaloosa Water for the Director’s Award.
Tuscaloosa Water is one of only four utilities in the State of Alabama that has opted in to this program. The other three subscribers are: the Birmingham WW Board, the City of Madison, and the Decatur Water Department.
The Partnership for Safe Water is a voluntary effort between six drinking water organizations: the American Water Works Association, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, the National Association of Water Companies, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Water Research Foundation. Participation in the program provides utilities with tools to assess the performance of treatment plants and distribution systems and develop plans to improve performance beyond even proposed regulatory levels. Learn more at https://www.awwa.org/Resources-Tools/Programs/Partnership-for-Safe-Water.
