INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
The Phoenix Water Department was recognized for several projects and staff members were honored at this year’s AZ Water Association's annual conference
The association is a nonprofit with the mission to “advocate for Arizona’s water through bold leadership, connecting professionals, providing education and inspiring environmental stewardship,” according to a release.
Mike Vega, a senior water quality inspector, was recognized in the “Gimmicks and Gadgets – Renewable Energy” category for developing a solar charging station for auto-sampler batteries.
The idea was for safety, not free power, according to the release.
Because there is not enough property ventilation in a building where the batteries would need to be charged, the solar charging unit “provides safe and cost-free energy,” the release stated.
“The unit charges the batteries faster than the electrical charging stations and charges three batteries at the same time.”
The station fabrication took eight hours, and the solar panels and metal framing were repurposed items. The only cost was the two solar charge controllers at $40 each, according to the release.
Other winners:
Eric Davis received this year’s Electrician of the Year Award at the conference. He has been with the city department for seven years and became the lead electrician at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, leading a crew of six electricians and an apprentice.
Ruth Haldeman received this year’s Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award. She works at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant and “takes on many research projects and helps the operational staff optimize processes and solve treatment problems,” the release stated.
The conservation team led by Dr. Max Wilson was recognized as the Sustainability Program of the Year. The highlights of the team’s work included the launch of HOA and business efficiency checkups, water waste door hangers and the Water Wrangler’s volunteers’ program, which has inducted 18 volunteers in less than a year.
The 23rd Avenue Wastewater Treatment project was recognized for a new grit system that lowers energy costs and is designed to reduce maintenance at the facility.
The Phoenix Water Services Department was noted for its NW Masterplan wastewater system project effort in conjunction with the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
