Operator’s Meritorious Service Award

About this program

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) sponsors the Operator’s Meritorious Service Award at the Section level to recognize sustained excellence in water treatment and distribution operations, including continuous public‑health compliance, outstanding plant maintenance, equipment or process innovations, operator training, and exceptional acts of public service; recipients receive a plaque (no monetary award). Normally one award is given per Section per year (larger Sections may grant additional awards by membership ratio), and no award is made if no meritorious candidate is identified. Eligible nominees are Section members who performed in any operations‑related capacity during the period of the meritorious activity. Participating Sections must submit an entry form at least 60 days before their annual conference, appoint a selection committee that includes at least one member with operational expertise, and have that committee select the awardee 60 days prior to the conference for presentation by the visiting AWWA official and publication in Journal AWWA.