The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) has been recognized as a 2010 Laureate by the Computerworld Honors Program. Each year, a group of 100 Chairman/CEOs of global technology companies nominates individuals and organizations around the world whose technology applications promote positive social and economic progress. In addition to being named a 2010 Laureate, DC WASA was named a finalist among all Laureates in the division of Environment, Energy and Agriculture.

DC WASA was selected for the honor based on the case study describing ongoing work in partnership with IBM on its “Smarter Cities” Initiative. A central concept of “Smarter Cities” is to place instruments on equipment and infrastructure to measure their condition and operation. IBM has selected DC WASA as its model water utility and the two companies are working together to incorporate the DC WASA data collection network into an engine of predictive analytics. This project is considered to be a First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) use of a broad range of analytics technologies in maintenance, repair and operational aspects of water utilities worldwide. It uses both asset management and GIS data to measure asset condition and operational behaviors.

“The Smarter Cities program helps us serve our customers better by using technology to manage our operations,” said DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins. “To be named a Computerworld Laureate is an honor that will help inform the world about what a water utility can do.”

Added Mujib Lodhi, DC WASA Chief Information Officer, "It is an honor to receive recognition from such a prestigious organization for bringing intelligence to our assets. Now, we are not only listening to our assets, but taking action with enhancements in operational excellence, greater customer intimacy and more effective environmental stewardship.”

Bob Carrigan, Chairman of the Computerworld Honors Program Chairmen’s Committee and CEO of IDG Communications Worldwide, said, “Each Laureate selected for this honor understands the importance of using one’s resources and technical prowess to benefit one’s fellow man.”

This year’s Honorees were commemorated during the 22nd Annual Laureates Medal Ceremony & Gala Awards Evening on June 7, 2010 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. The technology achievements honored by this program are preserved and protected in national archives, and in over 350 universities, museums, and research institutions throughout the world.