Monday, November 3, 2025
Peel Region has received international recognition for its leadership in sustainable water and wastewater management, earning the Utility of the Future Today award from the Water Environment Federation.
The global program celebrates utilities that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and community collaboration in water management. Peel was recognized for its work advancing resource recovery, engaging with partners and residents and integrating sustainable practices into daily operations.
“Peel Region is an established leader in water and wastewater service delivery, and we are simply the best at what we do,” said Regional Chair and CEO Nando Iannicca. “I am so proud of this achievement by our staff.”
Each day, Peel treats more than 1.7 billion litres of drinking water and 660 million litres of wastewater, serving a growing population in one of Canada’s fastest-developing regions. The Region has focused on improving performance, efficiency and environmental outcomes through a range of initiatives and certifications.
Among its recent achievements, Peel earned a 100 per cent inspection rating from Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks across all seven of its municipal drinking water systems—a measure of its continued commitment to water quality and public health.
The Region is also progressing toward ISO 45001 certification for occupational health and safety management and ISO 55001 compliance for water and wastewater asset management. In addition, Peel is evaluating a triple-bottom-line approach to managing biosolids and biogas at its water resource recovery facilities and applying Lean initiatives to improve customer service and investment decisions.
Anthony Parente, general manager of water and wastewater, said the award reflects the collective effort of Peel’s workforce. “This recognition reflects the incredible work our teams do every day—from frontline operators to our technical teams, project managers and everyone supporting behind the scenes,” he said. “Their commitment to innovation, sustainability and service excellence is what made this achievement possible.”
The Utility of the Future Today program, established by the Water Environment Federation and its partners, brings together like-minded water utilities involved in advancing resource efficiency and recovery, developing proactive relationships with stakeholders, and establishing resilient, sustainable, and livable communities. The initiative encourages collaboration among utilities worldwide to share best practices and promote resilience in water management.
