Thanking Washington’s drinking water heros
Especially during the times of fighting COVID-19, we want to take the time to appreciate something we often take for granted — clean drinking water. This year we recognized our local heroes who do an outstanding job providing safe and reliable drinking water to their communities. Can you imagine this pandemic without clean water to wash your hands, make your critical cup of morning coffee, or drink a refreshing glass of water after “sweatin’ to the oldies” in your living room?
We celebrate Drinking Water Week every year during the first full week of May. The official Governor’s proclamation was delayed this year due to our state’s response to coronavirus, but National Drinking Water Week was as important an event as ever! Providing clean, safe, and reliable drinking water is a critical part of the public health system and we are proud to partner with these expert, steadfast drinking water professionals. Without further ado, here are Washington state’s local heroes and their stories.
Eastern Region
Lifetime Achievement: Dan Kegley, Director of Water and Hydroelectric Services, City of Spokane
Dan has served nearly thirty years with the City of Spokane, starting as a laborer and equipment operator, earning certifications and working his way to director. He has overseen many vital initiatives, such as removal of all lead services lines in Spokane, establishment of a safe and reliable drinking water interconnection with a struggling neighboring system, and provision of bottled water to a small community that temporarily lost their only source of water. In addition, Mr. Kegley mentors future water operators, volunteers in many capacities with many water-related organizations, and is passionate about protecting one of our most precious resources — water.
Friend of Drinking Water: Jon Ness, Environmental Health Director, Colville
Only Washington DOH Office of Drinking Water staff can nominate individuals for the Friend of Drinking Water award. After 20 years with Grant County Health, Jon recently moved to the Northeast Tri-County Health District. Jon was nominated due to his outstanding enthusiasm to advance the interests of sustainable drinking water and emphasize its critical importance to healthy communities. He is dedicated and tireless in his efforts to maintain safe drinking water standards. He is an excellent mentor to many staff and coworkers, and takes special care advancing ODW programs and standards for providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water.
Headquarters
Lifetime Achievement: Mary Howell, Chief Operating Officer, Backflow Management Inc.
Nominated for her superior contributions Mary is passionate and dedicated to the education and excellence of waterworks operators and environmental professionals. Mary is an innovative leader, helping many Washington communities achieve and maintain clean, safe drinking water through instruction and leadership to their certified waterworks operators.
Mary’s commitment is why Washington state has such highly qualified and knowledgeable water industry experts. Mary is a member of many professional waterworks associations and travels throughout the nation providing training, consulting, and delivering presentations and classes. Through her work, Mary goes above and beyond to protect public health.
Northwest Region
Lifetime Achievement: Chuck Clark, Chief Executive Officer, retired, Cascade Water Alliance, Woodinville
Chuck Clark led and managed water-related agencies and staff at local, state, and federal agencies for nearly fifty years. He leaves a legacy of innovation and dedication to stewardship of our water resources.
Cascade Water Alliance is a unique municipal corporation of five cities and two water and sewer districts in east and south King County. He is responsible for successful laws allowing water utilities to combine efforts in providing water services more efficiently and effectively; as well as protections for water districts and cities that provide fire protection services. He has dedicated his working life to ensuring regional water supply resiliency and sustainability.
Operator of the Year: Dave Muto, Operations Planning and System Control Manager, Seattle Public Utilities
Seven people nominated Dave Muto for the Operator of the Year award. Dave was the point person for a staggering array of new construction projects in the Seattle metro area. Updating and upgrading water system controls, flow-testing, and integration of a new UV treatment plant are just a few of the projects he led. He is also noted for his dedication to teaching and mentoring his employees. He selflessly shares his time and knowledge, and encourages his employees to grow and move into leadership positions. He remains calm in crises and his deep understanding of the water systems were critical in ensuring uninterrupted service during several emergency events. Mr. Muto embodies the core values of public health and safety.
Commitment to Excellence: Jim Patton, Executive Director, Whidbey Island Water System Association, Coupeville
Jim Patton is recognized for his long history of community service, his leadership, character, and insight. After retiring from the Port of Coupeville, Jim stepped up as executive director for his community’s water system. Whidbey Island’s access to potable water is a challenge and Jim found innovative solutions to the serious problems faced by the water association. He often brings together state, county, and local water system staff to address issues faced by the water system. He also educates the public and association members about water quality issues and, thanks to his tireless efforts and insight, his community can rely on safe, clean water.
Southwest Region
Lifetime Achievement: Bob Hunter, General Manager, Kitsap Public Utility District, Poulsbo
Working for Kitsap Public Utility District for almost 35 years, Bob Hunter has risen from operator to general manager. He has overseen extensive growth of the district’s drinking water utility, which currently owns and operates 28 Group A water systems and 25 Group B water systems. During Bob’s tenure, the utility worked closely with Department of Health staff to assist and consolidate troubled water systems in Kitsap County, contributing to the public health of the communities involved. Furthermore, Bob pushed for upgrades to the treatment plant to be more protective of the groundwater and ensure a sustainable supply of safe, clean water. Bob is also involved in many local groups related to safe and sustainable water sources on the peninsula.
Perseverance Under Adversity: Windolph Water Association, Olympia
The Windolph Association took ownership of their water system after a series of violations and orders to install disinfection and maintain pressure failed. The existing well had a three gallon-per-minute capacity and the reservoir could not maintain pressure at the upper homes. Twenty-seven homeowners took on a three-year challenge of identifying and obtaining an easement for a new well.
They used funds from our Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to drill a new water source, which produced a 40 gallon-per-minute flow, but could not maintain sufficient system pressure. They used another DWSRF loan to build a new reservoir. The community members spent countless hours working together with their operator, consultants, and ODW staff to ensure safe and reliable drinking water for all of the homes in their community.
