August 28, 2025
The City of Lawrence is proud to announce that its Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Plant has earned the Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for 2024 — the highest recognition for consistent excellence in permit compliance.
The Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant added another national honor to Lawrence’s track record of environmental stewardship by earning the Silver Peak Performance Award, which is a significant accomplishment as the plant was undergoing major construction and upgrades while operating at reduced capacities throughout 2024.
“These awards are a testament to the incredible, dedicated, and caring wastewater treatment team we have here in Lawrence,” said Trevor Flynn, Assistant Director of Municipal Services & Operations. “Their work largely happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to protecting public health and the environment. Meeting strict compliance standards day in and day out is an extremely challenging task — one that our team takes seriously. This is a great recognition for all of their efforts.”
About the Awards
The Platinum Peak Performance Award recognizes wastewater treatment facilities that have achieved five or more consecutive years of 100% compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The Silver Peak Performance Award recognizes facilities with no more than five violations over the past calendar year.
The Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Plant’s Platinum Award reflects years of consistent, flawless performance in meeting — and often exceeding — environmental standards. The Kansas River Plant’s Silver Award demonstrates a strong year of high performance and commitment to continuous improvement despite the challenges presented with the ongoing construction and upgrade project.
Behind the Scenes, Protecting Our Water
Lawrence’s wastewater treatment operators work 24/7 to ensure our community’s wastewater is cleaned to strict environmental standards before it is returned to local waterways. The process protects aquatic ecosystems, safeguards recreational water use, and keeps Lawrence in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The City thanks the entire wastewater team for their excellence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting Lawrence’s water resources.
For more information about Lawrence’s wastewater treatment facilities, visit lawrenceks.org/mso/wastewater.
Media Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.org
About the City of Lawrence
The City of Lawrence supports an unmistakably vibrant community with innovative, equitable, transparent and responsible local government. Together, we are creating a community where everyone can enjoy life and feel at home.