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Former Staunton Public Water System Operator Recognized for Performance

Release Date: 08/24/2006
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected Christopher DeWald of Staunton, Va. as the recipient of the EPA mid-Atlantic region’s first ever award for excellence in operating a drinking water system.

“This award recognizes the outstanding achievements that Christopher DeWald has made at the Staunton treatment plant that help protect human health and the environment. Many significant improvements in our nation’s water quality can be attributed to better water treatment that is supervised by dedicated professionals like Christopher DeWald,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

DeWald’s contributions includes providing training to Virginia Department of Health employees and establishing a mentor program for high school students. For health reasons, DeWald retired from his position in July as a certified operator at the Staunton water treatment plant. He lives in Staunton with his wife Carol. They have three sons.

The award is the first of it's kind within EPA’s mid-Atlantic region and was created to highlight public water systems, recognize outstanding performance by public water system plant operators, increase public awareness of the important role the certified operator profession plays in protecting the public health; and encourage public support for maintaining high quality operators at public water systems.

The award is given to operators in two categories: large (serving more than 3,300 customers) and small (serving fewer than 3,300 customers) public water systems. DeWald’s award is in the large category. He was nominated for the award by the Virginia Department of Health.