AWWA awards inaugural Innovation Award to Utilis for SAR technology

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AWWA awards inaugural Innovation Award to Utilis for SAR technology

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) announced Utilis is the recipient of its inaugural Innovation Award. The new award recognizes AWWA members for fulfilling the vision of the Association’s Innovation Initiative to inspire and implement innovative thinking and best practices within the water sector.

Utilis, an AWWA service provider member, developed technology that lowers the cost of finding potable water leaks with its SAR (synthetic aperture radar) technology, which uses reflected signals from a satellite or aircraft to detect the underground presence of potable water.

"Utilis is honored and humbled to be the first ever recipient of an award from such a prestigious leader in the industry, such as the American Water Works Association,” remarked Elly Perets, Utilis CEO. “AWWA continues to value innovation as a key mechanism for utilities to address the challenges of aging infrastructure, and we are happy to contribute to the digital transformation of water utilities.”

“The AWWA Manufacturers/Associates Council (MAC) supports the Association’s efforts to bring together the water community to advance solutions to complex industry challenges, and that’s why we decided to establish an Innovation Award that highlights this priority,” said Kristin Kihs, MAC chairperson. “As our first recipient, Utilis exemplifies a service provider’s use of innovation to provide a game-changing solution for the sector.”

The annual Innovation Awards are for those who have inspired or implemented an innovative idea, best practice or solution to address a challenge facing the industry with significant positive results.

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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.

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