Bellevue’s Utilities Department has received an award from a national association of water agencies for maintaining an efficient, reliable supply of drinking water.

The department is one of just seven water agencies in the country to receive the Platinum Award for Utility Excellence this year from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies.

The Bellevue department ranked high for product quality, customer satisfaction, financial viability and infrastructure stability. In addition, it was recognized for exceptional public service, a renewal and replacement fund to maintain and replace aging infrastructure and a high bond rating without the use of debt financing.

Successful public education and outreach programs committed to sustainability and environmental protection were also highlighted.

The AMWA’s members represent the nation’s largest publicly-owned drinking water utilities, providing safe, clean drinking water to more than 130 million Americans.