The division encourages water utilities to operate at their best to protect public health and the environment, and it’s important to recognize those systems that maintain long-term compliance, exceed regulatory compliance, and take proactive steps to overcome challenges.
The Pursuing Excellence Program is designed to recognize these high performing systems via two awards, given out each spring. The Commitment Award recognizes water systems that have either taken impressive steps to overcome a difficult challenge, or have shown an impressive commitment to a culture of health. The Outstanding Compliance award recognizes systems that have long-standing records of exemplary compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
For 2021, the division awarded the Commitment Award to Parker Water and Sanitation District, Denver Water, and the City of Grand Junction for their efforts in protecting water/wastewater utility workers from COVID-19. In the spring of 2020, FEMA made 70,000 cloth face masks available for Colorado water/wastewater utility employees, but needed utilities to distribute the masks. Parker Water and Sanitation District, Denver Water, and Grand Junction volunteered their time, space, and money to receive these shipments from FEMA, coordinate with water utilities, and distribute masks to every water/wastewater employee who needed them. The dedication of these three utilities (and the Colorado Rural Water Association, who also played an integral role) helped protect Colorado utility workers from COVID-19 and helped ensure Coloradoans continued to have access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
The division awarded 14 community water systems with the Outstanding Compliance Award. Drinking Water Regulations are designed to protect public health, and long-term compliance with these regulations is worthy of recognition. As of December 31, 2020, each of these systems has been in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act for over 20 years.
Surface water systems:
- City of Central City
Dillon Valley District
Montezuma Water Company
Ground water systems:
- Chateau Chaparrel
Forrest Grove Estates
Hermosa Village
Kingdom Park Court
No Name Creek Water System
The River Meadows
South Adams County Water and Sanitation District
Town of Sanford
Consecutive systems:
- Town of Crowley
Homestead Improvement Association Inc.
North Carter Lake Water District
