The Wisconsin Water Association recently recognized the Utility with the Wisconsin Special Achievement Award for its dedication to the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Partnership for Safe Water Program over the last nine years. Wisconsin remains the only Wisconsin Utility to receive phase III designation through the program.

“Participating in this program over the past nine years assures consumers as well as local, state, and federal officials that we are on the leading edge of providing the safest, cleanest drinking water possible at reasonable rates,” said Steven N. Yttri, Utility general manager. “The award symbolizes the contributions of all Utility employees who seek more effective, efficient ways to produce high quality water.”

In 2003, the Utility was one of only 16 elite utilities nationwide awarded the “Five-Year Director’s Award” from the AWWA for commitment to continuously improving water quality beyond current regulatory requirements through Partnership for Safe Water.

The Partnership is a voluntary cooperative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AWWA and other drinking water organizations throughout the United States. The Partnership goal is to provide a new measure of safety to millions of Americans by implementing prevention programs where legislation or regulation does not exist. The preventative measures are based on optimizing treatment plant performance to increase protection against microbial contamination in  America's drinking water supply.

Commissioner Gass Recognized as Steward of Safe Water

Gary Gass becomes the Utility’s fifth commissioner to be awarded the Steward of Safe Water designation from the Wisconsin Water Association. Gass was recognized for his more than 10 years of leadership and service to citizens of Oak Creek. Now, all of the Utility commissioners have more than 10 years of service and are considered Stewards of Safe Water.

Utility Receives 13th Certificate of Excellence for Financial Reporting

For 13 consecutive years, the Utility has received the Government Finance Officers Association highest honor for its comprehensive annual financial report. The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is awarded by an impartial national panel. The panel bestows this honor on public entities with accounting and financial reporting that demonstrates a spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story in a fashion that motivates readership.