Anne Arundel County’s Department of Public Works has won national awards for its wastewater treatment plants from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). These awards recognize their outstanding work in following environmental rules that keep our water clean. It’s an impressive achievement, especially since these underground systems often go unnoticed, quietly working to treat our waste and protect our waterways every day.
According to a press release from Anne Arundel County, Executive Steuart Pittman commended the staff, saying, "This recognition reflects the extraordinary professionalism of the operators, engineers, and staff who run these plants with precision and pride." Pittman contextualized their efforts as pivotal to the county's overall safety and resilience—a reminder that excellence in these spheres is, in fact, a public service.
The Annapolis, Broadneck, Broadwater, and Cox Creek Water Reclamation Facilities (WRFs) were especially distinguished, each receiving NACWA Peak Performance Platinum Awards, highlighting their impeccable compliance records spanning at least five consecutive calendar years. These awards paint a picture of quiet diligence and unwavering commitment to environmental standards.
Providing further insight, Anne Arundel County's announcement boasted about the Broadwater WRF's impressive streak of 28 years without a NPDES permit violation, and Karen Henry, the DPW Director, lauded her team's exceptional performance, asserting that their "strong work ethic, innovative solutions, and dedication" significantly bolster the county's environmental safeguarding, an assertion that's hard to debate when you see the clean water it yields, swimable, fishable, emblematic of a job well done.
