Drinking Water Week 2010

Most Improved:

Sunrise Beach Association Board of Directors - A few years ago, the Sunrise Beach water system on Lopez Island struggled with frequent water outages, bacterial contamination, arsenic levels that exceeded safe drinking water standards, and a continuous boil-water advisory.

The board completely rebuilt the small water system. Its customers now have consistent access to safe, reliable drinking water.

Photo: Sunrise Beach Assoc. Board of Directors with ODW's Director, Denise Clifford (right).
 

Grace Under Pressure:

Kennewick Water Treatment Plant - The City of Kennewick faced a perfect storm last July. The Kennewick Irrigation District had a canal leak that would leave the city without irrigation water service for two weeks. Temperatures were above 100 degrees. The city also had electrical problems with pumps at its water treatment plant and water storage levels were declining.

Chief operator Paul Briggs and the plant staff kept the pumps working, despite some failures, and got the city through the crisis.

Photo: ODW's Director, Denise Clifford presents award to Kennewick Mayor Steve Young.
 

Going Above and Beyond:

Paula Brock, Pine Terrace Water Association - Paula had to navigate several setbacks, yet refused to give up her quest to upgrade the community's undersized, inadequate water system. The upgrades are now complete.

Photo: Paula Brock (center) with Assoc. members and ODW's Deputy Director for Field Operations, Jerod Davis (3rd from left).

Operator of the Year:

Carl McCrary, City of Kalama - The nomination of Carl McCrary says it all: "One person's attitude can make a big difference in the success of the utility." McCrary, the City of Kalama's public works director, has faced challenges including flooding, maintenance issues and a significant water outage.

"Carl responds very quickly to any emergency, always praises his staff and ...considers himself a true partner with us in the business of providing safe drinking water for his town," the nomination said.

Photo: ODW's Deputy Director for Field Operations, Jerrod Davis presents award to Carl McCrary.
 

Lifetime Achievement:

Monte Brachmann, City of Camas - Monte Brachmann, recently retired public works director for the City of Camas, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his many contributions to the drinking water industry.

Brachmann helped found the Lower Columbia Subsection of the American Water Works Association. He led and serves on the Washington Waterworks Operator Certification Advisory Committee and state advisory boards.

Photo: Monte Brachmann
 

Friend of Drinking Water:

Drew Noble - Drew Noble of H20 Management Services in Mason County is the 2010 "Friend of Drinking Water." Noble, who has served on the Department of Health's Water Supply Advisory Committee, has helped struggling water systems through technical and managerial problems.

ODW workers said he has "a passion for providing safe and reliable drinking water...and tries to do so at a reasonable price."

Photo: ODW's Director, Denise Clifford presents award to Drew Noble.