SacSewer representatives accept the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) National Environmental Achievement Award, recognizing its Septic to Sewer Projects in the Operations & Environmental Performance category. Photo courtesy of SacSewer

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – 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 Projects 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 Projects focus 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 Projects demonstrate 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 National Environmental Achievement Award 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 National Environmental Achievement Award 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 National Environmental Achievement Award 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, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies has recognized outstanding achievements in environmental protection, sustainability and water sector innovation through its National Environmental Achievement Award 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.

The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) is the Sacramento region’s largest sewage collection, treatment, and resource recovery utility – providing service to more than 1.6 million people. We are the second largest sewage collection utility in California, and we own and operate the second largest water resource recovery facility of its kind in the nation – the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility located near Elk Grove. Learn more at sacsewer.com.