The Great Lakes Water Utility Energy Challenge Launches

Washington, DC, December 7, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​​The Great Lakes Protection Fund and American Water Works Association are excited to announce the launch of The Water Utility Energy and Efficiency Challenge (WUEC), an innovative program which engages water operators in a competition to reduce the emissions sourced in their energy generation. The competition is aimed at connecting the utilities with new innovative software while fostering an awareness of the associated emissions, particularly mercury.

The technology is open source for utilities across the United States, but the inaugural challenge and prize dollars will be focused on the Great Lakes Basin. There is no cost to enter, and competing utilities will receive software and tools to assist in monitoring and reporting emissions as well as hands-on technical assistance. The competition will run through 2018 with award and cash prizes presented that spring.

With its cutting edge technology and training component, the partnership will help water utilities optimize their energy consumption, use cleaner energy sources and, importantly, help keep the Great Lakes clean.

David LaFrance, AWWA CEO

More information on the challenge can be found by visiting www.AWWA.org/competition

"AWWA is eager to collaborate with the Great Lakes Protection Fund on this forward-looking work. With its cutting edge technology and training component, the partnership will help water utilities optimize their energy consumption, use cleaner energy sources and, importantly, help keep the Great Lakes clean," said David LaFrance, AWWA CEO.

WUEC Milestones & Key Dates

December 1, 2016 - Trial Applications Open (eligibility & rules available here)

February 28, 2017 - Trial Round Applications Close

March 2017 - Finalists Announced

April 2018 - Winners Announced

"This challenge will showcase how utility leaders can use the cleanest energy to deliver clean, safe drinking water to their customers. The winners will demonstrate a new standard for reducing emissions and improving the financial health of their systems. We are delighted to partner with AWWA and its collaborators to protect and restore the health of our shared Great Lakes waters," said David Rankin, Vice President of Programs, GLPF.

About the Water Utility Energy Challenge

The Water Utility Energy Challenge (WUEC) is a technology competition focused on water utilities in the Great Lakes Basin. Offering two top cash prizes of $20,000 and $10,000, the Water Utility Energy Challenge is supported by the Great Lakes Protection Fund. It is a collaborative effort of the American Water Works Association, CDM Smith, E2I, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, Growth Capital Network, and Wayne State University. For more information, visit www.AWWA.org/competition.

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About the Great Lakes Protection Fund

The Great Lakes Protection Fund (GLPF) is a private, nonprofit corporation formed in 1989 by the governors of the Great Lakes states. It is a permanent environmental endowment that supports collaborative actions to improve the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. To date, the Fund has made 265 grants and program-related investments representing over $75 million to support the creative work of collaborative teams that test new ideas, take risks, and share what they learn. www.glpf.org

About the American Water Works Association

Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world's most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.

Press Contact:

Lauren Bigelow
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Source: American Water Works Association