Distinguished Public Service Award

About this program

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) offers the Distinguished Public Service Award, established in 1951 to honor AWWA members who have rendered distinguished public service outside the line of duty; the non‑monetary recognition includes an exquisite sculpture with a personalized inscribed nameplate. Eligible nominees are AWWA members who have demonstrated outstanding, long‑term voluntary public service in leadership roles within community‑based organizations or exceptional volunteer service to governmental entities, and who possess professional recognition in the water industry. Any AWWA member or section may submit a nomination by sending the nominee’s full name, address, and complete biographical information to the AWWA Executive Department in Denver; nominations received by November 1 are assured of full consideration and may remain under consideration for up to three years (re‑nomination permitted). A committee of the five most recent Past Presidents recommends a recipient to the Board for approval, and the award is presented at the AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition or another appropriate event.