Spartanburg Water awarded for excellence in information and education

Utility one of only four water providers in the nation receiving major designation

Spartanburg Water was recently awarded a prestigious National Environmental Achievement Award for Public Information and Education by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). The award honors agencies for their inventive efforts to educate the public on the effects of reclaimed water treatment and pollution control on the environment. The utility was awarded for three programs created and carried out by Spartanburg Water team members: Water Matters, Choose Tap and Paddle Fest, and for two programs collaborating with Clemson Extension and the Department of Natural Resources: Pontoon Classroom and Lake Sweep.

“We value innovation and creativity in our efforts to demonstrate our mission and illustrate our vision,” said Chief Executive Officer Sue Schneider. “We have developed a public education and outreach program that allows us to share important information and encourage engagement with our customers and community. This award is a validation of the great work of our team.”

The three programs unique to Spartanburg Water:

• Water Matters Citizens Academy, an annual program presented for community members in seven topical sessions with both presentations and hands-on exercises, including a field trip to three Spartanburg Water facilities. Seventy-five people have graduated from the program in three years.
• Choose Tap, an outreach program to educate the broader community on the health benefits and environmental soundness of tap water. Team members designed, constructed and staff the Choose Tap Oasis, a mobile water station, at large community events. The program has recorded more than 8,000 Choose Tap pledges from stakeholders – a commitment to “Choose Tap over bottled.”
• Paddle Fest, four “human-powered” boating events on Lake Blalock offering staff- and self-guided education kayak/canoe/stand up paddleboard events. More than 250 people have attended Paddle Fest events in the past five years.

ABOUT SPARTANBURG WATER

Spartanburg Water, an award-winning utility, is comprised of Spartanburg Water System and Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District. It serves a population of more than 180,000 within Spartanburg County, as well as others in parts of Greenville, Union and Cherokee counties. With the help of its dedicated team of more than 250 employees, each day it produces an average of 25 million gallons of drinking water and cleans 12 million gallons of reclaimed water for its customers and community.