The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Citrus County Utilities with a 2018 WaterSense Partner of the Year Award for its creative approach to supporting WaterSense and promoting water efficiency in 2017. The utility received one of 21 WaterSense awards today at the WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas.

Since 2006, Citrus County Utilities and more than 1,900 other WaterSense partners have helped consumers save more than 2.7 trillion gallons of water, or more than the amount used by all U.S. households for nearly 100 days. In addition to water savings, WaterSense labeled products and homes have helped reduce the amount of energy needed to heat, pump, and treat water by 367 billion kilowatt hours—which is enough to power more than 34.1 million homes for a year—and save $63.8 billion in water and energy bills.

“Through innovation and commitment, our partners are helping to transform the marketplace for water-efficient, high-performing products and homes,” said Veronica Blette, WaterSense program manager. “The WaterSense Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence Award winners are leading the charge to save water, energy, and money for future generations.”

The utility was honored as a three-time Partner of the Year Award winner for its expanded outreach at events, in classrooms, and with community partners.

“Citrus County contains three major spring systems that are fed by groundwater resources, so water conservation is a significant concern for our utility.  The WaterSense partnership provides a valuable resource for us to assist customers in reducing their water use, which helps to manage our groundwater resources and preserve our environmentally sensitive areas,” said Ken Cheek, director of the Citrus County Department of Water Resources.

(Photo  L to R: Ken Cheek, Water Resources Director; Sarah Wilson, Senior Secretary; Ed Bugbee, Water Conservation Specialist; Debra Burden, Water Conservation Manager; Thomas McConnell, Water Conservation Specialist; Deborah Hooper, Water Conservation Specialist; Steven Davis, FFL Program Coordinator.)