Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
COMPANY LAUDED — The Houlton Water Company has been selected to receive the 2015 New England Small Utility of the Year award from the New England Water Works Association. The award will be presented on Sept. 22.
HOULTON — For the second time in two months, the Houlton Water Company has earned a prestigious honor.
President John Clark stated HWC was selected to receive the 2015 New England Small Utility of the Year award from the New England Water Works Association. The HWC is in the small division of companies serving 10,000 people or less.
“The award recognizes HWC’s significant improvements to the water system infrastructure, customer service, staff training and operations to further protect public health of the customers it serves,” said NEWWA Executive Director Ray Raposa in a letter dated Aug. 6.
“Although the award focuses on the outstanding work of Water Operations Supervisor Brian McGuire and staff of Kenneth Gonya, Thomas Rouse and Matthew Lincoln, it also recognizes the commitment of our customer service department consisting of Supervisor Jane Lynds and staff Nancy Williams, Elsie Jones and Kelsey Fitzpatrick,” Clark said. “The honor distinguishes as well, all the HWC personnel and directors.
“Employees in the wastewater and electrical departments contribute positively to any success we have in the water operations and customer service departments,” he continued. “In addition, a competent board of directors assures HWC was the necessary policies and financial and human resources available to provide quality drinking water for the community. Without all, the HWC would not have been selected for this award.”
The company will officially receive its award during a membership recognition gala at Mt. Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, N.H. on Sept. 22.
In June, the Maine Water Utility Association presented HWC with the “Excellence in Operations” award during a special ceremony at the Houlton Lodge of Elks. The award recognizes outstanding performance where a team effort has coordinated to excellence in the following areas: consistent public health and environmental compliance; maintenance of system infrastructure and equipment; continuous water quality improvement; training and education of utility employees; public education and outreach; and research to improve the quality of drinking water.
