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. 2026 – Lilly Cory, Town of Johnstown 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. 2026 – Tyler Rope, 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. 2026 – Aurora Water Quality Control Laboratory 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. 2026 – 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. 2026 – Max McPike, City of Louisville 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. 2026 – Isaiah Biermann, City of Louisville 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 Wendell LaDue Utility Safety AwardThis award, established in honor of Wendell R. LaDue, is a Section-level award presented to recognize distinguished water utility safety programs within the Section’s geographic range. 2026 – City of Louisville Water Treatment Plant Lyle D. Herman AwardGiven in recognition of contributions of time and talent to RMSAWWA. 2026 – Stephanie Elliott Outstanding Committee Chair Award2026 – Doug Ashworth, Water Distribution Committee Sue Mikkelsen & Karen C. Burgi Champion of DEI Award2026 – Marina D'Souza Volunteer of the Year Award2026 – Natalia Hoogesteijn, Annual Conference Committee JOINT RMSAWWA/RMWEA AWARDS
Volunteer Excellence Award2025 – Makenzie Chesak & Madeleine Harris Walt Weers Award2025 – Dave Lewis Young Professional of the Year Award2025 – Jasmine Gamboa |
RMSAWWA
CSU Spur Hydro
4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216
(720) 404-0818
