The WRA received two awards during a ceremony at the NACWA 2023 Winter Conference in Sonoma, CA.
The Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) was honored with two National Environmental Achievement Awards at the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) 2023 Winter Conference.
Training Specialist Tim Runde and Engineering Manager James Beck attended the NACWA Winter Conference in Sonoma, CA, which focuses on exploring how utilities can maintain the trust they have built while confronting the realities of environmental and infrastructure challenges. Runde and Beck accepted awards on behalf of the WRA in the Public Information & Education and Workforce Development categories.
The Public Information & Education category honors agencies for their inventive efforts to educate the public on the effects of wastewater treatment and pollution control on the environment. The WRA team was selected in this category for the Facility Tour Video Series, which was produced to help educate the Des Moines metro communities served by the WRA about the facilities and processes used to protect the public's health and treat wastewater through sustainable practices.
The Workforce Development award is presented for programs which embody effective, sustainable solutions that address the need for a qualified, diverse and knowledgeable utility workforce. The WRA was recognized in this category for its Operator Specialist Apprenticeship Program. Every new operator since 2009 has started their career at the WRA through this program.
The awards serve as recognition of the WRA's dedication to sustainable wastewater treatment and their commitment to preserving public health in the Des Moines metro area.
Learn more about the NACWA 2023 National Environmental Achievement Awards here.