Drinking Water Week 2026—May 3-9
It’s time to recognize the people and systems that keep our drinking water safe and reliable. Through our annual awards, we honor exceptional water systems and operators who demonstrate outstanding commitment to public health and service. Award recipients are nominated by their peers, stakeholders, and others across the drinking water community.
If you didn't tell us their stories, we would know about their amazing efforts. We grateful to all who were nominated and wish that we could give awards for each person. It is a privilege to present this year's winners!
Governor's Proclamation
Each year, the Governor signs a formal proclamation recognizing Drinking Water Week in Washington. Read the proclamation here.
Here are Our Winners!
Above and Beyond
Cody Riggs, City of Cheney Water Department Operator. Cody built up the City of Cheney’s cross-connection control and backflow prevention program, expanding it in crucial areas. His backflow prevention work protects the city’s water system from inadvertent contamination and meets regulatory requirements. He works with customers whenever they need help, even if it’s outside of business hours, finding solutions with friendly expertise. He exemplifies professionalism and customer service in all his interactions.
Commitment to Excellence
John Weidenfeller, General Manager, Thurston PUD. Throughout his career, John has worked tirelessly to bring a high level of service to Thurston PUD’s water systems. He looks for creative solutions, gaining knowledge and expertise. John serves on the Washington Water Utility Council, as Chair of the Water Rights Committee, and stays at the forefront of emerging challenges. He engages with legislators, regulatory agencies, and stakeholder groups. He networks across water industry groups to share information and is a valued mentor and colleague.
Grace Under Pressure
Zach Resch, Bill Cochinella, and Dan Petersen, City of Arlington Water Treatment Plant Operators. The team dealt with two major events: the collapse of a reservoir roof and challenges from drilling a new well, handling the challenges with proficiency and expertise. The team isolated the reservoir and worked around the clock to maintain clean drinking water until it was fixed. The well drilling caused extreme turbidity in the existing wells, which required more round-the-clock monitoring and filtering. They maintained open communication with each other, the city, and their customers. They pulled together to tackle these challenges and kept the City of Arlington’s drinking water safe and flowing.
Perseverance Under Adversity
Micah Henderson, Colby Mackley, and James Ziolkowski of the Paradise Water Systems Utility Team at Mt. Rainier National Park, demonstrated exceptional resilience, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to public health and visitor safety. When an unexpected water service failure disrupted essential park operations, they quickly mobilized to locate the source and develop solutions to complex infrastructure challenges. Working across multiple park operational teams, they navigated remote, high-altitude terrain, harsh weather, and limited site access while providing round-the-clock temporary fixes. Within two weeks, they restored normal operations, resolved the issue, and strengthened future emergency planning. Their efforts safeguarded thousands of visitors and preserved critical park functions under extraordinary circumstances.
Lifetime Achievement
Joel Purdy, Senior Water Resources Manager, Kitsap Public Utility District. Joel has made enduring contributions in the drinking water industry over more than thirty years of service. He played a key role in foundational groundwater studies; he prepared and co-authored hydrostratigraphic descriptions that continue to instruct water planning work. Similar projects strengthened scientific understanding of local aquifer systems. His expertise is sought nationally and internationally, supporting fish hatchery water supply and protection. He will be greatly missed!
Brian Houghton, Operations Superintendent, Washington Water Services. Brian started his career over 32 years ago as a water utility worker, advancing his knowledge and expertise to his current role, protecting public health and providing our communities with a critical resource. Brian is a mentor and example to others in the industry, an invaluable resource to many in the drinking water industry and is relied on for insight and guidance. He worked tirelessly to ensure our water systems were run safely and efficiently. This award is a fitting tribute to a remarkable career.
Mike Miller, Vice President and Board Member, Deep Creek Ranchette Water Association. We recognize Mike for over forty years of dedicated service to his community. From routine maintenance to earning his waterworks certification, Mike was always willing to do what was needed. In 2017, PFAS contamination was discovered in the water system and he was proactive in ensuring annual testing and mitigation steps were taken. He attended numerous federal, state, and local meetings to understand the issue and network with others in the industry. His career has encompassed many challenges and triumphs.
Peg Wendling, Water Quality Technical Supervisor (retired), City of Bellingham. Peg retired after decades of invaluable contributions to the water industry. Her various contributions cross interdisciplinary boundaries and organizations. She successfully led a non-traditional chlorine distribution residual program and retested operators and measurement devices routinely. She dealt with constantly changing updates and protocols and gained a strong understanding of what was required. She responded quickly to emergencies and included regulators before concerns became problematic. She is an expert in the practical and academic side of lab methods and best practices. Well-deserved!
Read about Past Drinking Water Week Award Winners (PDF).
For ideas about how to celebrate with your community, visit the American Water Works Association's website.
If you have questions about Drinking Water Week, please email Elizabeth Hyde or call 360-890-6753.