INLAND EMPIRE, CA – During the winter conference hosted by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) received a National Environmental Achievement Award from NACWA’s Public Information and Education: E-Media category for the Agency’s Be Sewer Smart campaign.
“During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, IEUA’s Collections and Operations teams began to notice an uptick of items such as wipes and other hygiene products as well as fats, oils, and greases (FOG) that were improperly disposed down the drain,” stated IEUA Board President Marco Tule. “IEUA’s innovative Be Sewer Smart campaign equips residents with necessary and accurate information needed to make informed decisions in order to protect our sewer system and ensure our water continues flowing seamlessly.”
NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies and is a nationally recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues, as well as a top technical resource for water management, sustainability, and ecosystem protection interests. Their National Environmental Achievement Awards recognize individuals and NACWA member agencies that have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection and the clean water community.
Collateral for the Be Sewer Smart campaign was created completely in-house by External Affairs staff and provides insight into the effort required to maintain and clean sewer drains, items commonly found that pose issues in the sewer system, and related issues that occur. The award-winning pieces such as short-form videos, photos, and animated graphics can be found on IEUA’s social media channels @IEUAwater.
“The Agency is committed to staying at the forefront of the industry through education, innovation, efficiency, and creativity – all of which are captured through this campaign,” continued Tule. “We thank NACWA for their continued support and are honored to be one of the recipients of this prestigious award.”
Visit https://www.ieua.org/everything-water/ssmp/ for more information on the Agency’s Sewer System Management Program.