During its annual awards event on April 11, 2018, EMWD was honored with two Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) awards – the top prize in each respective category. EMWD was recognized for its Water Bottle Fill Station and Employee Photo Contest programs.

EMWD was one of two finalists in the Most Innovative Communications category for its Water Bottle Fill Station program. EMWD has worked to install nearly 80 water bottle fill stations at parks, schools and public venues throughout its service area. The stations promote the use of tap water and have resulted in the reduction of tens of thousands of disposable plastic water bottles from landfills. The judges said they were “impressed with the long-term connection made with the community” through the Water Bottle Fill Station program.

EMWD was also one of two finalists in the Photography division and earned the top prize for its Annual Employee Photo Contest program. EMWD employees are encouraged to take photos during the course of their work activities highlighting the work they perform daily within the community. Employees then submit the photos each spring and the top photos are selected by their peers through open judging. Many of the photos are then used in marketing materials or as artwork within EMWD facilities.

CAPIO is a statewide professional organization dedicated toward advancing public sector communications through training, education and advocacy work.

# # #