Local water and wastewater systems and operators honored

Several local winners were among those honored at the Alaska Rural Water Association’s 13th annual Training Conference at the Millennium Hotel in Anchorage recently. Local winners were:

• Wastewater Operator of the Year — Over 1,000 Population: Dane Shaver, city of Palmer. Shaver’s 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 more than 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. Kilgo wears many hats, with 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 quality plan. Palmer has taken a proactive approach toward protecting its source water through capital upgrades and a commitment to future planning.

• 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 its water in February to Washington, D.C., where it will represent Alaska in the Great American Water Taste Test, a national competition.

The Alaska Rural Water Association is a member-based nonprofit 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 more than 29,000 system members throughout the country.