LKSDs Eisen recognized with rural water system award

The Alaska Rural Water Association held its 20th Annual Training Conference from October 29 – November 1 at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel in Anchorage. A highlight of this event is the recognition of rural water systems, wastewater systems, and their operators for outstanding achievements. Award winners for 2018 include Ben Eisen with the Lower Kuskokwim School District. Eisen and LKSD were honored with the Wastewater Operator of the Year – Under 1,000 Population.
Ben operates several wastewater membrane plants involving complicated process control and UV disinfection, and monitors several wastewater systems using SCADA control systems. He has an outstanding preventative maintenance program and works with his remote operators to troubleshoot process upsets. Operating 12 water and 10 wastewater facilities throughout the school district, Ben ensures safe drinking water and sanitation.
The other award winners are:
Water System of the Year – Over 1,000 Population: City of Craig
Water System of the Year – Under 1,000 Population: City of Seldovia
Wastewater System of the Year – Over 1,000 Population: City of Wasilla
Wastewater System of the Year – Under 1,000 Population: City of Klawock
Water Operator of the Year – Over 1,000 Population: Russ Ferguson, City of Kotzebue
Water Operator of the Year – Under 1,000 Population: Paul Walton Sr., Village of Noatak
Wastewater Operator of the Year – Over 1,000 Population: Richard Klopp, City of Homer
Source Water System of the Year – Over 1,000 Population: City of Cordova
Source Water System of the Year – Under 1,000 Population: Village of Chenega
Water Taste Test Winner: City of Whittier
Attendees of the conference were asked to submit water samples from their systems to be judged in the annual water taste test competition. A total of ten samples were submitted this year and the winner, judged on clarity, taste, and odor by a three-judge panel, was the City of Whittier. As the 2018 Water Taste Test champion, Whittier will send another sample of their water in February to Washington, D.C., where it will represent the State of Alaska in the 2019 Great American Water Taste Test, a national competition.
The Alaska Rural Water Association (ARWA) is a member-based non-profit association that focuses on providing training and technical assistance to rural water and wastewater utilities throughout Alaska. ARWA is an affiliate of the National Rural Water Association, the nation’s largest utility membership organization with over 31,000 system members throughout the country.