The Forsyth County Department of Water and Sewer was recognized by Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) President Brian Skeens during the April 25 Forsyth County Board of Commissioners work session for winning awards for excellence in water and wastewater systems operations including four awards for 2022 and two awards for 2023. 

“Without clean, safe drinking water and environmentally sound wastewater practices, you really have nothing and can’t do anything in a community,” said Assistant County Manager Barry Lucas. “We are fortunate in Forsyth County to have the resources and a department of 140 personnel to make sure we have clean, safe drinking water and sound wastewater practices 24/7, 365 days a year.” 

The awards presented to Forsyth County Water & Sewer include:

• 2023 Water Reclamation Facility of the Year Award to the Forsyth County James Creek Water Reclamation Facility in the category of Advanced Treatment 1.1 MGD – 2.9 MGD.
• 2023 Water Reclamation Facility of the Year Award to the Forsyth County Fowler Water Reclamation Facility in the category of Advanced Treatment 3 MGD – 5.9 MGD.
• 2022 Platinum Award for Outstanding Operation of a Collection System.
• 2022 Platinum Award for Water Distribution System Excellence.
• 2022 Water Reclamation Facility of the Year Award to the Forsyth County Dick Creek Water Reclamation Facility in the category of Advanced Treatment 1 million gallons per day (MGD) or less.
• 2022 Water Reclamation Facility of the Year Award to the Forsyth County Shakerag Water Reclamation Facility in the category of Advanced Treatment 1.1 – 2.9 MGD.

According to Skeens, the annual GAWP awards competition includes committee members and inspectors visiting each eligible facility and spending four to six hours inspecting every aspect of the facility such as safety, maintenance, operations, documentation, lab operations and industrial monitoring.

“Forsyth Water & Sewer should be proud of its staff for winning these six awards and reaching this impressive level of achievement. This is an important accomplishment and speaks volumes about the exceptional commitment and level of service that Forsyth County provides,” said Skeens.

Founded in 1932, GAWP aims to help utilities be successful in providing safe water for the residents of the state and its members include water utility workers, plant operators, state regulators, engineering consultants and other water professionals. 

For more information about the Forsyth County Department of Water & Sewer click here. More information about GAWP is available here. A full recording of this and other Forsyth County Board of Commissioner work sessions is available at forsythco.com/meetings.