Ogden City Honored with Statewide Prestigious Award for Improving Water Quality

Each year, Utah’s Water Quality Board recognizes an individual who has shown outstanding leadership and achievement in the field of water quality. This year, the Board honored an entire city.

Ogden City spearheaded the 1.1-mile, $6 million Ogden River Restoration project, transforming a blighted river corridor in downtown Ogden into a showcase that other cities hope to emulate.

"Our city removed 13,000 tons of concrete, trash, glass, and auto bodies, along with 2,500 used tires," explained Ogden City Mayor Mike Caldwell, describing the two-year project. "We stabilized the river’s stream banks, improved water flow, restored natural vegetation, and added eleven pedestrian access points to enhance the visitor experience."

This prestigious Sudweeks Award, named for Calvin K. Sudweeks, recognizes those who demonstrate professionalism, personal integrity, and dedication to improving water quality. Mr. Sudweeks, who served as director of the Utah Bureau of Water Pollution Control for many years, ushered in significant safeguards for water quality that resulted in dramatic improvements in wastewater treatment and protective standards for Utah's waters. Mr. Sudweeks personally presented the award to Ogden City—this is only the second time in the award's 24-year history that he has presented the honor himself.

"This project restored not only the water quality of the Ogden River, it helped revitalize Ogden's downtown," said Walt Baker, director of the Division of Water Quality. "It demonstrates the economic, educational, recreational, and social benefits that clean water provides to our communities. Ogden City is to be commended for its unprecedented vision and leadership in this monumental effort."