Alaska Water and Wastewater Systems and Operators Honored

Wasilla, AK, October 31, 2011 – Alaska Rural Water Association held its 13^th Annual Training Conference last week at the Millennium Hotel in Anchorage. A highlight of this event is the recognition of rural communities, water systems, wastewater systems, and their operators for outstanding achievements. Award winners for 2011 are:

Water System of the Year – Over 1,000 Population: City of Kotzebue

Kotzebue is a class three conventional water treatment plant serving 3,150 people, producing 350,000 gallons daily from two surface water lakes best described as tundra tea. The operators of this system are all licensed and qualified professionals, and the complex processes used to produce their drinking water require a team effort and continuous adjustments. Kotzebue’s operators have demonstrated a professionalism and dedication in producing high quality drinking water that exceeds EPA standards.

Water System of the Year – Under 1,000 Population:  City of Elim

Elim’s water plant is well maintained and consistently provides safe and clean drinking water for its residents. The utility covers operational costs through sound financial stewardship and invests in new and replacement equipment to meet the increased demand of the system. Improvements are aggressively sought which reduces both time and equipment problems that often plague systems.

Wastewater System of the Year – Over 1,000 Population:  City of Homer

Homer operates an innovative wastewater treatment plan, unlike any other in the United States. They have certified, professional, and knowledgeable operators and their equipment and facilities are consistently clean and well maintained.

Wastewater System of the Year – Under 1,000 Population:  City of Wrangell

The Wrangell wastewater system ensures their operators are professional and up-to-date on their certifications. Over the past year, they have completed a lagoon evaluation to determine their sludge levels to ensure their lagoon was functioning efficiently. Smoke testing was also completed, with ARWA’s assistance, to correct inflow and infiltration issues.

Water Operator of the Year – Over 1,000 Population:  Joe Young, City of Homer

Joe started out as a mechanic for the treatment plant and has applied himself to learning the treatment techniques of both the water and wastewater plants in order to acquire certifications in both Water and Wastewater Treatment for the largest ultrafiltration plant in Alaska for drinking water. He performs lab work to try to optimize the plant operation and takes pride in everything he does.

Water Operator of the Year – Under 1,000 Population:  George Johnson, City of Quinhagak/Native Village of Kwinhagak

George has exhibited an outstanding ability to lead, supervise, and teach his staff. As an operator, he is very knowledgeable about the past and current operations of their plant. Under his consistent leadership, the system has exceeded the minimum regulatory limits for many years.

Wastewater Operator of the Year – Over 1,000 Population:  Dane Shaver, City of Palmer

Dane’s vigilant efforts have directly resulted in a significant increase in the quality of water being discharged from the City’s wastewater lagoon into the Matanuska River. As a City employee of over 10 years, Dane is very knowledgeable of the wastewater plant operations and exhibits the utmost professionalism.

Wastewater Operator of the Year – Under 1,000 Population:  Michael Kilgo, Talkeetna Water and Sewer System

Michael wears many hats, with being a wastewater operator just one. He places high importance on staying in compliance and aggressively resolving any compliance issues that arise. As a dedicated operator, he frequently works extra hours to keep the wastewater plant functioning optimally.

Source Water Protection System of the Year – Over 1,000 Population:  City of Palmer

Palmer’s Source Water Protection Plan has been recognized as one of the most comprehensive plans produced through collaboration between a municipality and ARWA. System operators and city staff exhibited outstanding cooperation in developing a truly quality plan. Palmer has taken a proactive approach toward protecting its source water through capital upgrades and a commitment to future planning.

Source Water Protection System of the Year – Under 1,000 Population:  City of White Mountain

White Mountain’s city administrator demonstrated a committed approach in the development of a quality Source Water Protection Plan for their community and is committed to its implementation. White Mountain’s water system operator was instrumental in providing operational information that served to increase the Plan’s overall quality.

2011 Friend of Rural Water Award:  Senator Lisa Murkowski

The 2011 Friend of Rural Water Award was presented to Senator Lisa Murkowski in appreciation for her continued support for rural water initiatives focusing on providing safe drinking water for all Alaskans.

Water Taste Test Winner: City of Wasilla

Attendees of the conference were asked to submit water samples from their systems to be judged in the annual water taste test competition. A total of five samples were submitted this year and the winner, judged on clarity, taste, and odor by a three-judge panel, was the City of Wasilla. As the 2011 Water Taste Test champion, Wasilla will send another sample of their water in February to Washington, D.C., where it will represent the State of Alaska in the Great American Water Taste Test, a national competition.

The Alaska Rural Water Association (ARWA) is a member-based non-profit association that focuses on providing training and technical assistance to rural water and wastewater utilities throughout Alaska. ARWA is an affiliate of the National Rural Water Association, the nation’s largest utility membership organization with over 29,000 system members throughout the country.

For anyone interested in copies of the webinar presentations at the conference, please click below:

Nitrification

Anerobic Digesters