National Honors for NEW Water’s Former Executive Director

Longtime Wisconsin Utility Executive Enters NACWA’s Hall of Fame

(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – July 23, 2025) – The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) honored the recipients of the 2025 NACWA Peak Performance Awards, and inducted a utility executive into its Hall of Fame, at a ceremony during NACWA’s 2025 Utility Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

NACWA’S Hall of Fame Award

This award recognizes individuals who, through their actions and commitment to the organization, have significantly impacted either the Association's evolution or its ability to effectively represent the interests of the clean water community on a particular issue.

• Thomas W. Sigmund, Former Executive Director, NEW Water, the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, Green Bay, Wis.

Sigmund served on NACWA’s Board of Directors for nine years and as NACWA’s President from 2022 to 2023. In these roles, Sigmund distinguished himself as a respected leader among his peers and across the water sector. His insights and strategic leadership were vital in shaping NACWA’s advocacy agenda and organizational direction. Sigmund was deeply engaged in NACWA’s Farm Bill and PFAS Working Groups, testified before Congress several times and represented both his utility and the Association in critical conversations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Additionally, the Association recognized:

Peak Performance Awards

Additionally, NEW Water, the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, was recognized for outstanding permit compliance for 22 consecutive years of permit compliance at its Green Bay Facility. This year, NACWA recognized 512 treatment facilities at 199 of its member Public Agencies for outstanding levels of compliance and performance related to their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. A complete list of NACWA’s 2025 Peak Performance Awards can be found here. The 2025 Peak Performance Awards reflect permit compliance for the 2024 calendar year.

NACWA CEO Adam Krantz praised the Peak Performance recipients, noting:

“NACWA’s Peak Performance Awards honor not only operational excellence, but also the vital role clean water utilities play in safeguarding the health of our communities and the environment every single day,” he said. “These exceptional member utilities show unwavering commitment to clean water services that too often go unrecognized, yet are fundamental to everyday life.”

ABOUT NACWA

For over 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal, and communications advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.