DPU Wins National Gold Award for Exceptional Water Utility Performance

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) was one of 20 public drinking water

AMWA President Scott Potter and DPU Director Bob Steidel

systems recognized by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) for its utility management.

DPU received AMWA’s Gold Award for Exceptional Water Utility Performance, Oct. 17.

“These awards spotlight the impressive advances and substantial achievements of public drinking water utilities that are leading the nation in their efforts toward sustainability through innovative management practices, executive leadership and employee engagement,” said AMWA President Scott Potter. "Communities count on their drinking water systems for reliable and adequate supplies of clean, safe water, and those served by AMWA’s 2016 award winners can take pride in their outstanding accomplishments.”

AMWA’s Gold Awards recognize outstanding achievement in implementing the nationally recognized Attributes of Effective Utility Management, which include product quality, customer satisfaction, employee and leadership development, operational optimization, financial viability, infrastructure stability, operational resiliency, community sustainability, water resource adequacy, and stakeholder understanding and support. These Attributes were developed by a blue ribbon committee of water industry executives at the request of the U.S. EPA, AMWA, and other water organizations.

DPU is one of the largest water producers in Virginia, operating a modern water treatment plant that can treat up to 132 million gallons of water a day from the James River. Its treatment plant and distribution system consists of approximately 987 miles of mains, nine pumping stations, one reservoir, and 10 ground and/or elevated water storage tanks providing water to approximately 63,000 customers in the City.

DPU also has wholesale contracts to the surrounding counties, resulting in a facility that provides water for approximately 500,000 people in the greater Richmond region. In addition to supplying water to customers, the water utility provides water for fire protection throughout the City and maintains fire hydrant water valves and water mains as well as provides routine and emergency services.