Award Winners
Alice Darilek Water Conservation AwardThe Alice Darilek Award is to recognize an outstanding contributor to the water conservation field within the Rocky Mountain Section of the American Water Works Association. It's named in honor of Alice Darilek, whose dedicated work in New Mexico helped water conservation efforts throughout the region. The award is given annually to recognize a water conservation professional for exceptional performance and commitment to water conservation in the region. 2024 – Diane Block, Colorado Springs Utilities Distribution System Operator AwardThis award is to recognize an outstanding distribution system operator within the Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. It's awarded annually to recognize a water distribution system operator for exceptional performance, dedication and teamwork. 2025 – Isaiah Herrera, City of Westminster Outstanding Water Laboratory AwardThis award is to recognize an outstanding water laboratory within the Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. It is awarded annually to recognize a water laboratory for exceptional performance, dedication and teamwork. 2025 – Denver Water, Water Quality Lab Outstanding Water Treatment Plant AwardThis award is to recognize an outstanding treatment plant within the Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. It's awarded annually to recognize a water treatment plant for exceptional performance, dedication and teamwork. 2025 – Denver Water Foothills Water Treatment Plant (Large) & City of Louisville (Medium) Ralph M. Leidholdt Water Treatment Plant Operator AwardThis award is to recognize an outstanding water treatment plant operator within the Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. It's awarded annually to recognize a water treatment plant operator for exceptional performance, dedication and teamwork.
2025 – Leslie "Les" Markham, Denver Water
2024 – Jeff Owens, City of Louisville 2023 – John G. Droullard Sr., Centennial Water & Sanitation District 2022 – Brad Wyant, City of Arvada 2021 – Robert Magee, Denver Water 2020 – Chris Conte, Aurora Water
Water Treatment Plant Maintenance AwardThis award is to recognize an outstanding water treatment plant maintenance person within the Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. It's awarded annually to recognize a maintenance person for exceptional performance, dedication and teamwork. 2025 – Jerry Draper, Denver Water Dana Kepner AwardGiven in recognition of AWWA membership recruitment. 2021 – Deirdre Mueller State Membership AwardAwarded for highest growth rate in state membership for the Section. 2025 – Colorado Lyle D. Herman AwardGiven in recognition of contributions of time and talent to RMSAWWA. 2025 – Charlie Leder Outstanding Committee Chair AwardGiven to recognize an outstanding committee chair for their efforts on behalf of the Section. 2025 – Melinda Brown, Awards Committee Sue Mikkelsen & Karen C. Burgi Champion of DEI Award2025 – Michelle Young Volunteer of the Year Award2025 – Patricia Bolliger, New Mexico Water Workshop Committee JOINT RMSAWWA/RMWEA AWARDS
Volunteer Excellence Award2025 – Makenzie Chesak & Madeleine Harris Walt Weers Award2025 – Dave Lewis Young Professionals Award2025 – Jasmine Gamboa |
