And the winner is…
Celebrating Drinking Water Week
Every year, during the first full week of May, we recognize those who provide safe and reliable drinking water in Washington and present awards for excellence to individual water systems and operators. All winners were nominated by their peers, customers, stakeholders, or others in the industry. It’s a great way to kick off Drinking Water Week!
Congratulations 2019 Drinking Water Week Award Winners!
Lifetime Achievement: Peggy Barton, director, Washington Certification Services at Auburn Green River College. Peggy oversees administration of the Department of Health’s professional growth program for certified water works operators, its annual renewal program, and backflow assembly testers’ certification program. For over 35 years, her commitment, high standards, and dedication to contemporary training programs, with clear and relevant instruction resulted in highly trained, exceptionally competent waterworks operators for Washington state. Peggy will be honored Monday, April 29, 4:00 p.m. at Green River College in Auburn.
Commitment to Excellence: City of Spokane. Spokane Water Department serves about 230,000 customers, some who had lead service lines. The city completed removal of all lead service lines ahead of the schedule in the Governor’s Directive on Lead, at no cost to homeowners, even for portions of lead service lines located on private property. They are also good neighbors to the City of Airway Heights, whose primary wells were contaminated with PFOS/PFOA. Dan Kegley, Director of Water/Wastewater, and his staff initiated a temporary intertie, providing safe drinking water, and helped with fill stations and other needs until the crisis was past. The City of Spokane will be honored May 6, 11:30 a.m. at the water department, 914 E North Foothills Drive, Spokane.
Most Innovative: City of Anacortes. When the city water department was tasked with updating its telemetry to fiber optics, options were limited. They discovered a method used in Europe installing micro-duct into active water lines. After research and design adjustments, Brent Christensen, Water Distribution Lead, along with his crew, were able to deploy roughly 15 miles of micro-duct efficiently. It was an extensive process that included installing breakouts and handhelds to divert around existing valves and elbows. They were able to improve on the original idea, saving time and money, while ensuring continually high water quality. The city will receive its award Monday, May 6 at 5:00 p.m. at their regularly scheduled city council meeting, 904 6th Street and Q Ave, Anacortes.
Commitment to Excellence: Emilia Blake, Water Quality Coordinator, Skagit Public Utilities. Emilia heads up the drinking water laboratory and is responsible for water quality at the water treatment plant and distribution system, where she performs at an exemplary level. She is responsible for lab accreditations and procedural efficiencies, such as upgrading and maintaining instrumentation equipment. She conducts extra research to enhance water treatment plant operation and optimization projects. Emilia also spearheaded a proactive effort in preventing water quality issues with the PUD’s reservoir. She earned this award through her dedication, attention to details, and going above and beyond her job duties. Emilia will be honored Tuesday, May 7, 4:00 p.m.at the Skagit PUD Board Meeting, 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon.
Commitment to Excellence: Dave Brown, Yakima Assistant Public Works Director. Dave began his career as a Water Treatment Plant Supervisor and worked his way up to his present position. He teaches certification training and is invested in his staff’s advancement and career goals. He provides steady, reliable leadership in times of crisis. In addition, he chairs the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan Water Use committee and is a board member of several other entities and boards. Dave played a key role recently in assisting two failing water systems overcome adverse conditions and find a safe, reliable water source. Dave will receive his award Tuesday May 7, 5:30 p.m. at the Yakima City Council meeting, 129 N 2nd St, Yakima.
Lifetime Achievement: Paul Robischon, retired from Washington Water Services. During his tenure at Washington Water Services, Paul initiated and developed many new ideas to solve existing challenges that were efficient and also made it safer for personnel. One of his ideas changed the way a tank manufacturer sealed the topmost joint between the tank wall and roof. Paul’s resourcefulness brought him to the attention of regulators and he was asked to serve on several Department of Health (DOH) committees. He also taught at DOH-sponsored trainings. His career was marked by service, teaching, and mentoring others in the water industry. Paul will be honored Wednesday, May 8, 2:00 p.m. at the Department of Health offices, 101 Israel Road, Town Center One, Room 163, Tumwater.
Lifetime Achievement: Kathleen Cahall, retired Bremerton Water Resources Manager. During Kathleen’s tenure, Bremerton’s drinking water system received multiple state and federal awards for excellence. She was proactive in protecting Bremerton’s source water, initiating many measures to ensure the safety and security of the Union River watershed. She was instrumental in improving the distribution system and maintaining regulatory compliance, working well with Department of Health regional engineers. Kathleen was a proven leader and the public face of the utility, which serves over 55,000 people, as well as the Puget Sound Navy Shipyard. She was an outstanding mentor to her staff and cared about customer concerns, public outreach, and education. Kathleen will be recognized Wednesday, May 15, 5:30 p.m. at the Bremerton City Council meeting, Norm Dicks Government Center, First Floor, 345 6th Street, Bremerton.
