National Environmental Achievement Award recognizes SacSewer’s operational excellence and environmental performance
Sacramento, Calif. — The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) has been awarded a 2026 National Environmental Achievement Award (NEAA) by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), recognizing its Septic-to-Sewer Program in the Operations & Environmental Performance category. The national honor highlights SacSewer’s leadership in protecting public health, improving water quality, and delivering innovative infrastructure solutions that produce measurable environmental results.
SacSewer’s Septic-to-Sewer Program focuses on replacing aging and failing septic systems with modern sewer infrastructure in environmentally sensitive and historically underserved areas. By expanding access to reliable sewer service, the projects reduce environmental risks posed by aging septic systems, improve long-term system reliability, and help protect groundwater and overall water quality.
“This award reflects SacSewer’s commitment to delivering reliable, affordable sewer service through operational excellence and environmental protection,” said General Manager Christoph Dobson. “Our Septic-to-Sewer Program demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investments can protect public health and water quality while bringing long-overdue, dependable service to historically underserved and disadvantaged communities”
The Operations & Environmental Performance NEAA category recognizes programs that go beyond regulatory compliance to achieve superior environmental outcomes through innovation, efficiency, and leadership. SacSewer’s approach integrates strategic planning, community coordination, and data-driven decision-making to address long-standing challenges while strengthening system resilience.
Three NEAA Awards in Two Years
This latest recognition marks SacSewer’s third NEAA in two consecutive years, underscoring the agency’s consistent national leadership across operations, community partnership, and public education.
In 2025, SacSewer was honored for its Confluence Regional Partnership Program, a unique grant initiative that leverages non-rate revenues to support regional environmental restoration, education, rate assistance, and economic vitality through collaborative partnerships. Additionally, the agency received an NEAA for its Stop the Clog Campaign, a public education initiative that uses engaging content and clear calls to action to reduce sewer blockages caused by fats, oils, grease, and improperly flushed items.
Collectively, these awards reflect SacSewer’s holistic approach to clean water stewardship—pairing strong operations with innovative programs that engage the public, support partners, and protect critical infrastructure.
For more than 50 years, NACWA has recognized outstanding achievements in environmental protection, sustainability, and water sector innovation through its NEAA program. SacSewer’s continued recognition at the national level reinforces its role as a forward-thinking utility committed to safeguarding water resources today and for future generations.
