NEWWA Awards

NEWWA has numerous awards to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations. You are encouraged to review the following list and to send nominations to NEWWA, 125 Hopping Brook Road, Holliston, MA 01746. Phone (508) 893-7979, Fax (508) 893-9898, or e-mail Iseult Kavanagh at ikavanagh@newwa.org.

Award of Merit - Application Deadline June 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Kevin Reilly - phone: (617) 918-1694

This award may be bestowed annually upon an individual who has been a member of the association for a minimum of the past 5 years and who has demonstrated, in the opinion of the Award of Merit Committee, the highest level of outstanding services to NEWWA, a water utility, the water works practice, or any combination thereof.

George Warren Fuller Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Tom Marston- phone: (860) 669-8630

George Warren Fuller Awards are presented annually on recommendation of the sections to members of the American Water Works Association for their distinguished service in the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering skill, the brilliant diplomatic talent, and the constructive leadership that characterized the life of George Warren Fuller.

Kenneth O. Hodgson Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Richard Butler- phone: (781) 221-1000

To provide recognition for outstanding service to NEWWA and the waterworks profession by a member from the supplier service, manufacturing, or contracting area.

The Dexter Brackett Memorial Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Please contact the NEWWA office for more information at (508) 893-7979

The award is presented annually to the member of the association who authored the most meritorious paper published in the Journal of the New England Water Works Association during the previous year.

Operator Meritorious Service Award - Application Deadline August 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Jim Fay - phone: (802) 864-7454 x13

To recognize special performance by operators for compliance with public health standards, plant maintenance, development of new idea, training, and outstanding achievement beyond normal operating responsibilities. 

Distinguished Public Involvement Award - Application Deadline August 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Kathy Pedersen - phone: (413) 787-6256, Ext. 111

To recognize individuals or organizations who have significantly contributed in one of the following areas: created or expanded a public education or information program about drinking water; developed public policy to conserve, nurture, protect, or improve public drinking water supplies; or made a significant effort to share programs as described.

Water Works State Leadership Award - Application Deadline August 1 of each year
Committee Chairs - Current State Directors are Responsible for Gathering Nominations for Their State -
See BOD Page for Current List of State Directors

Presented to a state association member by the president of NEWWA to recognize the contributions of the recipient to his or her state association and to the water works profession in general. The president and board of directors of each state and regional association within New England are invited to participate. Once each year, the state or regional board will be encouraged to accept nominations from the board or their membership and will select from the nominations one person to receive the award. The nominee/recipient should be a member in good standing with the respective association. Specific criteria may include:
1. Contribution to state or regional association activities.
2. Activities that have achieved public recognition of the excellence of the water works profession.
3. Innovative ideas or programs that have improved service to customers.

Historical Landmark Award - Application Deadlines Ongoing
Committee Chair - George Palmiscano - phone: (401) 334-4100, Ext. 4104

To recognize and preserve a landmark at least 50 years old that has had a direct and significant relationship with water supply, treatment, distribution, or technical development. 

Public Communication Award - Application Deadline September 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Kathy Pedersen - phone: (413) 787-6256

One important challenge in the water profession is communicating with a more active and informed public. Many water utilities and their consultants have met this challenge by developing dynamic public outreach materials and programs. The association wants to highlight and share these programs by recognizing outstanding communication efforts.  

John H. Chafee Distinguished Public Servant Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Jim Marvel - phone: (401) 821-8639

To recognize individual(s) or agency(ies) that demonstrate clear leadership that embodies commitment to principles and pursues what is right while championing the causes of the environment and public health.

Younger Member Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Richard Butler - phone: (781) 221-1000

To recognize a NEWWA member under the age 35 or new to the water works profession who has demonstrated outstanding service to NEWWA through active participation in NEWWA programs, committees, and/or presentations. Award includes free registration to the NEWWA Annual Conference.

Employer Recognition for Younger Member Involvement Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Richard Butler - phone: (781) 221-1000 

To recognize an employer who has made a significant effort in supporting and promoting younger member involvement (a member who is under the age of 35 or new to the water works profession) through active participation in NEWWA programs, committees, and/or presentations.

Utility of the Year Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Mike Covellone - phone: (401) 521-6300 

To recognize up to three utilities (large, medium, and small) that made significant improvements to the water system infrastructure, customer service, staff training, and/or operations to further protect public health of the customers it serves.

Utility Service Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Mike Covellone - phone: (401) 521-6300

This award recognizes up to two utilities annually that made significant contributions to NEWWA via committees, programs, presentations, and/or volunteer service. Consideration shall be given to the size of the utility relative to the contribution.

Legislator of the Year Award - Application Deadline July 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Jim Marvel - phone: (401) 821-8639 

Presented to a member(s) of the U.S. Congress or a state legislative body who has substantially assisted in the promotion of legislation or the advancement of policy that protects public health and the environment while ensuring safe drinking water.  

Volunteer of the Year Award - Application Deadline October 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Kevin Reilly - phone: (617) 918-1694 

To recognize a NEWWA member who has demonstrated outstanding service to NEWWA throughout the calendar year or outstanding service to a committee within NEWWA throughout the calendar year that goes above and beyond the expectations of the committee. Current elected NEWWA officers are not eligible.

Most Innovative Program Award - Application Deadline December 1 of each year
Committee Chair - Tom Morgan - phone: (617) 452-6588 

This award recognizes utilities, consultants, vendors, or individuals, or a partnership within these groups that have developed a program or product resulting in demonstrated economic, operations, conservation, security, public relations, or general efficiency benefits.

Any questions related to the awards program can be directed to Iseult Kavanagh.