Water treatment plant operators have a tremendous responsibility to provide water to the people. Customers are often vocal and quick to complain when something goes wrong with the water or sewer system but sometimes less likely to express gratitude when all is running smoothly. Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your water treatment plant staff and let them know that their work is appreciated and valued.
There are a variety of ways to formally recognize water treatment plant operators:
There are a variety of ways to formally recognize water treatment plant operators:
- The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) recognizes a Tribal Operator of the Year. The deadline for nomination is the 31st of August and is open to all water/wastewater system operators in Indian Country. Check in on the ITCA Tribal Water Systems News page to catch the upcoming year’s nomination forms when they become available.
- Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative (ARUC) Operator Recognition Calendar: The Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative, a utility management cooperative including 27 rural Alaskan communities, puts together a calendar recognizing 12 water treatment plant operators each year. Check out their Operator Recognition Form which could be easily adapted to any region or method of acknowledgement.
- Indian Health Service (IHS) Utility/Operator Recognition Calendar: Indian Health Services puts out a calendar each year recognizing exemplary utilities and outstanding operators from each IHS region. Contact your local IHS representative to find out how you can nominate your local operator or utility provider.
- Facilitate the opportunity to celebrate your community’s cultural ties to water through a project such as the Water is Life mural project. Use one of the associated events to publicly acknowledge you water treatment plant operator.