Platinum Award for Public Utilities

Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies

PLATINUM AWARDS FOR SUSTAINED COMPETITIVENESS ACHIEVEMENT

October 2004

The competitiveness achievement awards program of Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies moves into its second phase this year with the introduction of the Platinum Awards for Sustained Competitiveness Achievement . While AMWA's Gold Awards for Competitiveness Achievement, launched in 2001, recognize the substantial progress public water utilities are making to set new business directions in an increasingly competitive environment, the Platinum Awards honor a new level of performance. The Platinum Awards commend those utilities that exemplify ongoing commitment and excellence in maintaining and expanding their successful competitiveness initiatives.

Left toRight: AMWA President Dave Rager (Director, Greater Cincinnati Water Works), presents Salt Lake City Public Utilities deputy director Jeff Niermeyer the AMWA Platinum Award

Salt lake City Department of Public Utilities is among 14 water utilities nation-wide to receive a Platinum Award. Executive director Diane VanDe Hei said, “Winners of the 2004 Gold and Platinum Awards are among the best-operated drinking water utilities in the nation, and the consumers and public health officials in their communities can be justly proud. AMWA takes great pleasure in recognizing their accomplishments.”

The following is an overview of the competitive performance of the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities:

Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities
LeRoy W. Hooton, Jr., Director

Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCPDU) maintains a high level of service to its customers and employees. The department emphasizes quality and retains a competitive position by providing excellent service at a reasonable price, and its success is reflected in high ratings from customers. The department's main achievements fall within four categories: customer focus, financial health, efficiency and effectiveness, and workforce quality. SLCPDU is continuously able to focus on these areas by tracking expressed goals monthly.

Customer focus led to improved convenience for the customer through additional on-line services. Outreach to advisory groups during critical path policy development not only helped with approval but also acceptance. Not forgetting internal customers, union cooperatives, rewards and recognitions and an outstanding safety program make the SLCPDU a great place to work, and work force quality is fostered by a comprehensive internal training program. Financial health is critical to sustained success, and the SLCPDU's AA stand-alone bond rating is a notable achievement that reflects the utility's commitment to effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, its aggressive focus on source protection, water treatment optimization and distribution maintenance ensures quality drinking water at the customer's tap.