Last week several of our staff were able to attend the 90th annual AZ Water Association Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix. This annual conference is where many of our staff are able to hear what is going on in the water industry, learn about new projects and products, and get their required education credits for their certifications.
We have mentioned AZ Water in our stories in the past, and this conference highlights one of the biggest services the association provides its members. As a section of the American Water Works Association and the member association for the Water Environmental Federation, the mission of the association is to preserve and enhance Arizona’s water environment. Needless to say, this is the place to be if you are a water professional in Arizona.
The conference consists of many facets and educational tracks. In addition to the typical presentations and panel discussions, the conference also has operator training and practice testing, meter construction competitions, a student poster contest, raffles, and this year the Arizona Pure Water Brew Challenge team was onsite giving tours of the portable water treatment truck as well as training volunteers for upcoming events promoting the Challenge. The photos below show the truck, the water treatment system installed inside, and volunteers learning how they can participate. This treatment system will head to locations around the state to allow Arizona brewers to use treated wastewater to brew beers for the competition to be held at the WateReuse Association national symposium this September in Phoenix. For more information on the Challenge click here.
The conference is broken up into several tracks for attendees to gain knowledge and experience in a variety of areas. Wastewater treatment, water resources, wastewater collections, water reuse, water distribution, safety, water treatment, energy, utility management, and many more are all brought together in one place. Our water operator, Justin, who attended this year, said “I liked the abundance of classes offered at the conference, as well as the interaction with other vendors and operators. I learned to think outside of the box. There are a number of obstacles we face today and I gained appreciation for what departments have to go through to complete projects.” Justin is able to bring back that knowledge and excitement and share it with the other operators and staff. This is one of the major benefits of our professional development program.
Mike with AZWater president Marie receiving his award for Operator of the Year - Wastewater Treatment Plant: Small System
We are also proud to announce that Marana Water won two awards this year! In recognition of our large reinvestment into the water system through electrical upgrades, reservoir maintenance, SCADA, and employee education and training our Water Distribution team was awarded Water Distribution System of the Year: Small System. Secondly, Mike O., our Chief Water Reclamation Operator, was selected as Operator of the Year – Wastewater Treatment Plant: Small System. This is in recognition of the the hard work our water reclamation team has done facing incredible challenges at a near capacity plant while continuing to operate at an incredibly efficient level. Way to go everyone!
Members of our water distribution team with Director John and AZWater President Marie accepting the award for Water Distribution System of the Year: Small System.
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