The city of Goodyear won two awards for exceptional water service at the Arizona Water Conference.

Barbara Chappell, the city’s water services director, was named Engineer of the Year by the Arizona Water Association.

The award recognizes exceptional engineers for their contributions to the water industry. Chappell has more than 20 years of experience in water management in local government. She spent nearly seven years as Goodyear’s deputy public works director. She oversaw the city’s water and wastewater utilities.

Earlier this year, she started a newly created position as the city’s water services director. The role seeks to enhance its focus on water as a vital resource.

In 2022, Goodyear became the first southwest Valley city to have a 16 million-gallon-a-day water treatment facility. Chappell played a pivotal role in the planning, designing and constructing of the city’s new water treatment facility, which won Project of the Year for outstanding engineering excellence and achievement.

“We are proud of Barbara and our entire water department,” said City Manager Wynette Reed. “As the ninth fastest growing city in the nation, it is a top priority to invest in our water future, and we have the best of the best leading the way.”