Since 2012, United Water has worked to gain the support of environmental groups for the award of a 20-year contract by Nassau County, N.Y. to operate and maintain its entire wastewater system. The spadework paid off last month. With strong support from the environmental community, the county signed the $1.1-billion agreement on July 28. The contract is expected to win approval by the county’s state-appointed fiscal watchdog in mid-August.