HCWA Rings in the New Year with Industry Awards
The HCWA rang in the New Year by reflecting on several industry awards the utility brought home during 2023.
During the end of the year Fall Conference of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP), the HCWA received both the (Wastewater) Collection System and Water Distribution System Platinum Awards for grading out at 95% or higher on the annual evaluation of these respective operations for five consecutive years.
This past fall, the HCWA also won the Wastewater Laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Gold Award for receiving a grade of 95% or higher on its annual evaluation of the Walnut Creek Water Reclamation Facility Central Laboratory.
In addition, the GAWP Fall Conference saw the Authority’s Cliff Hardin inducted into the Association’s prestigious Golden Manhole Society.
The GAWP Water Distribution System Platinum Award recognizes those utilities that excel in the management, operation, and maintenance of their water distribution system. According to GAWP officials, by achieving a Water Distribution System Excellence Award, the HCWA has demonstrated the highest quality water system operations for the benefit of its customers, while improving and sharing valuable insights with fellow water professionals from across the state.
The GAWP Collection System Platinum Award recognizes those utilities who strive to continually improve their sewer collection and conveyance systems through proper management, maintenance, and operations. The grading criteria follow practices that include preventative maintenance, system evaluation, rehabilitation programs, training, and more.
The GAWP Laboratory QA/QC Award encourages the professional advancement of laboratories within the water industry in Georgia. The awards judging process provides an avenue for peers to exchange ideas, circulate technical expertise, and offer productive feedback. According to GAWP officials, this award recognizes those laboratories who are demonstrating outstanding quality assurance programs.
The GAWP Golden Manhole Society, which the Authority’s Cliff Hardin now joins, recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the art and science of collection system operations through the operation, maintenance, design, construction, management, planning, education, training, or certification of collection systems.
Earlier this year at the GAWP Spring Conference, the Authority’s Patrick Chesley won the Top Wastewater Plant Operator Award for Georgia’ District 3, while Wayne Blanton won the Top Water Distribution Operator Award for District 3 as well.
The GAWP Top Op Awards are presented to members from each of the Association’s eight districts in Georgia, recognizing certified operators who have excelled in their duties, while setting a positive example for other water professionals. According to GAWP officials, a District Top Operator Award is a high honor within the profession.
Finally, the HCWA also won the GAWP Public Education Program of Excellence Award this spring. The purpose of the GAWP Education Award is to recognize public water utilities that have superior public education programs. The Authority received its Education Program of Excellence Award within GAWP’s water conservation/water supply category.
For more information on HCWA awards and accolades, please visit our Awards page on this website here.
Captions for photos (top to bottom)
The HCWA staff celebrates three industry awards for Top Operators and Public Education Programming following the GAWP Spring Conference.
The HCWA received four industry awards during the GAWP Fall Conference this year, including Platinum Awards for its Wastewater Collection System and Water Distribution System, as well as a Laboratory QA/QC Award and a Golden Manhole Society inductee.
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