KRWA Conference 1999

Walking on stage to the applause of hundreds of friends and associates . . . life doesn't get much sweeter. Each year, Kansas Rural Water Association presents awards to "The best of the best." These women and men exemplify a commitment to service and excellence.

In 1999, eleven water and wastewater professionals received KRWA's highest honors. Among them, they have over 200 years' experience in the field. Check out their advice below to newcomers. These folks know what they're talking about! Even veterans could benefit from their words.

What's their commitment? Doing whatever it takes to get the job done. They showed the rest of us what "best" really means. They exemplify the 1999 conference theme, "Delivering quality every day" that was stated several times by Awards Committee chair Darrel Schlabach. Heartfelt congratulations to the latest KRWA award winners.

LeRoy Moore, RWD No. 1, Miami County, has provided invaluable service to his district. His outstanding work ethic shows in every facet in the daily business of delivering quality.

Moore's motto is "Do the best job the first time in the most cost-efficient manner." He truly puts other people's problems first. He sees that they are taken care of before his own. "He is always ready to give that extra gallon of effort for what is best for the water district," Schlabach stated.

LeRoy Moore's advice to newcomers: Get all the possible training you can from KRWA and the schools around the state. Attend the Wichita KRWA conference to keep updated on new materials and supplies that are available. That's where I learned a lot, especially checking those booths.

Moore concluded by saying, "You have to have patience and time. You think you can do that job in two hours and never do." Don't be in a hurry.

Judy Westerman, RWD No. 1, Woodson County, wasn't even in the industry eight years. At that time, she was a homemaker and operated a catering and cake-decorating business. It's a testament to her abilities and energy that today she manages a system serving nearly 600 users. Westerman is described as strong, vibrant, compassionate and very well organized. She is responsible for treating and processing river water as well as purchasing water from the City of Yates Center.

Her efficiency, belief in God and in herself make her the kind of person fellow employees are happy to work with and for.

Judy Westerman's advice to newcomers: Learn everything you can about the water business. Go out and look at the lines, see what's happening. Go into the plant and learn what's going on. See how things tie together and how the business can be made strong through teamwork.

Learn what you can. Don't be intimidated by either new regulations or by the fact that the rural water business is a man's world. Do your best. "It is almost a 24-hour job," Westerman concluded. "You will have a lot of setbacks. But the rewards of working through them are what count."

"Busy, just plain busy" is the best way to describe 1998 at Consolidated RWD No. 1, Leavenworth County. Spending over $2 million in one year was almost a shock for the system, but it was necessary to meet standards. It also provided a new office, 750,000 gallons more of storage and line capacity for an ever-increasing customer base. The district anticipates adding 1,000 new users over the next five years. New manager Lois Fulkerson accepted the award.

Lois Fulkerson's advice to newcomers: Make sure you're in this business for the right reasons. Leave personal feelings out. Don't do things for friends or developers, but for the best interest of the entire district.

Think about the future as well as about today. "It's easy to say you need this type of pipeline today," she said, "but you have to prepare for what's to come. Is there a school or industrial development planned? You have to understand what going on in the city and county."

Obtain a good working relationship with the board. Don't be afraid to introduce new ideas and thoughts. Long-time board members sometimes find that new ideas are good. "I ask my board what they think, then tell them what I think," she commented. The board is more productive when it is more involved. Fulkerson's final piece of advice: "Just have fun! I bring fun into this job."

Brad Mears, City of Holton, is no stranger to change. In fact, it might even be his middle name. A Governor's Fellow and graduate of Leadership Kansas, Mears' recent accomplishments include:

Brad Mears' advice to newcomers: Learn all you can. "There's a myriad of resources available. Most of them are more than willing to help you out, from trade associations to the Kansas Water Office," he said. Don't be afraid to ask questions. "You have to be willing to ask questions to get information about how things work."

Kids are special to Mears. He works with 7th graders who tour city hall on their annual walking tour. "Public service is a very honorable profession," Mears said. "We need more people to step into those roles."

Steve Dawson is the man who makes things happen in the City of Oakley's wastewater plant. He's responsible for improving the plant's appearance, such as new paint and landscaping, and replacing trickler arms and the grinder. Starting out on city crews, he was promoted to head of sanitation. In this essential job, he's responsible for the refuse service, city landfill and the wastewater treatment plant.

Steve Dawson's advice to newcomers: You can never get enough schooling or education on the subject at hand. "You have to be Mr. Wizard and a jack of all trades and all pumps," he said.

Take advice from others and work with it. "If I have trouble comprehending out of a book, I ask somebody." He has gotten much information from KDHE staff as well as from past plant operators and those in surrounding towns. "I talked with them. They eased my mind when I wasn't sure about outcomes."

It takes a lot of patience. "Out here you need to take it slow," he concluded. "It's hard to be a hero by yourself. Nothing happens overnight."

Employed by the City of Valley Falls for over 20 years, Paul Burns has done an outstanding job operating this small city's water and wastewater plants. He has kept up with technology. He's seen many changes in city administrations as well as in state and federal regulations.

Burns' present activities include participating in a voluntary atrazine testing program and serving on the steering committee of a large regional water supply district. In his spare time, he enjoys raising cattle. A faithful fan of Wednesday night softball games, he cheers for his favorite team. He also criticizes umpires, drawing on his own ump experiences in earlier years.

Paul Burns' advice to newcomers: Stay involved with KRWA. "We have used them here at Valley Falls for sewer smoking and for helping test water meters," he said. The city has been member for about 10 years. Also pay close attention to KDHE and do the things that it takes to make them happy.

When you work for the public, sometimes it seems that people scrutinize you all the time. You have to do your own job. "Be willing to do what it takes and be proud of your work," he stated.

In 1999, the Kansas Rural Water Association presented two Special Recognition Awards. One went to Evan Ellis in recognition of his 35+ years' of service as a rural water director at RWD No. 3, Coffee County. The other was presented to David C. Kendrick, City of Lyons, in recognition of years of dedicated service to the public water supply industry.

Evan Ellis could be called the father of Coffey County RWD No. 3. He spent countless volunteer hours going door to door, encouraging people to sign up in the early 1960s. At one house, Ellis and the homeowner gazed across the valley and discussed what rural water would mean. Just then, a thunderstorm broke . . . and the landowner decided he didn't need rural water.

Starting with 65 members, the system has grown to nearly 600 units. At the past annual meeting, just when he thought he might retire from the board, he was re-elected to his 12th three-year term.

Evan Ellis' hope for the future: That everyone has a water supply with the quality and quantity needed.

David C. Kendrick has delivered quality water for over 38 years to the City of Lyons. But his contributions are more than local; they span all of Kansas. A long-time member of the Kansas Section, AWWA, he headed up workshops and served on its board of trustees. He has enthusiastically supported KRWA's arranging for emergency equipment when staff were caught short-handed.

He has shown outstanding leadership to the waterworks industry. Kendrick is a virtual walking encyclopedia of knowledge, knowing all the ins and outs.

David Kendrick's advice to newcomers: Keep on learning! "Always get as much training as you can get, because you can never have enough of it," he stated.

Listen well to superiors. Learn from them. Salt information away because it will pay off in the end. "If they get all the training they can get and listen to others including other superintendents," he concluded, "newcomers will be on the right track."

Customers of RWD No. 1, Harvey County, know they'll get a smile from Sandra Lanzrath. They also get a personal phone call about late payments, helping avoid any late charges. She worked diligently to make personal contract with landowners to obtain easements for an upcoming construction project.

But Lanzrath's contributions don't stop with customer service; she's also well organized. For example, daily operations of the district are summarized for the board so members are truly well-informed. Active in church and social organizations, she helps ensure that her central-Kansas water district delivers quality every day.

1. Take advantage of the information that's out there. Attend workshops and seminars, like those KRWA puts on. "Be open to new ideas and suggestions," she urged.

2. Get to know others in the surrounding area who have the same kind of job. "I've gotten to know some of the other nearby managers and board members," Lanzrath reported. They have shared notes on charges for units and how to process water plan and sales taxes.

3. Be willing to be a moderator sometimes. Her nine-person board often has different opinions. "Sometimes you have to be a sounding board," she said.

4. Keep up with current technology. For example, some software companies put on seminars at local systems. "We keep our current computer system fairly new, to keep up with faster speeds and operating systems," she said.

5. Be customer oriented. "Our customers are the owners," Lanzrath concluded. "They are the reason for having the business."

The 1999 Friend of Rural Water Award was presented to Robert L. Morby by Dennis Schwartz in a special ceremony after the 32nd annual conference. Since 1995, he has been Chief, Office of Drinking Water and Ground Water, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7.

Robert Morby has worked for the public interest for nearly 30 years. He started his career with U.S. E.P.A. in 1971 in the Pesticide Section in Atlanta. Following a stint in Charlotte, NC, he relocated to Region 7 in 1973. His assignments included pesticides, toxic substances and SuperFund.

"Kansas Rural Water Association has found him to be a true partner for progress," stated Schwartz in presenting Morby with his award. "He works to make sure overall goals of state and federal regulators and programs such as those operated by KRWA all fit together and work." Congratulations to the 1999 Friend of Rural Water, Robert L. Morby.

Annually, the Kansas Rural Development Agency presents the Silver Faucet Award to a utility in recognition of outstanding performance in providing water to rural Kansas.

In 1999, the award was presented by Bill Kirk, State Director of Rural Development, and Gary Smith, Chief of Community and Business Programs. The winner was Consolidated RWD C-2, Bourbon County. J.W. "Jingles" Endicott, Manager, accepted the award (left) from Kirk and Smith.

"A few years ago, former Secretary of Agriculture Espy founded the Water 2000 initiative," Smith said. Secretary Glickman has continued to emphasize its importance in seeing that all American homes have decent, safe, sanitary water by 2000. Many rural households don't have safe, potable water in homes.

"Our recipient was in pursuit of providing to rural homes long before Water 2000 was initiated," Smith continued. Consolidated RWD C-2 of Bourbon County has exhibited leadership through:

6. Expansion into areas where rural households need water but creation of a new small water system would not have made good sense.

Jingles Endicott's advice to newcomers: In this job, you deal with the public. You'd better listen good and you'd better like to work with the public. If you don't you'll get in trouble.

Come to work every day with a good attitude. "When you provide customers with a service like water, most appreciate it," Endicott noted. However, you will never please people 100 percent of time.

"The thing I like about this job is that you never know where you're going to be," he concluded. "It's not dull."

Al Hermsen is a man ahead of his times. Today, experts say that people starting out will have five or six different careers. Fifty years ago, Hermsen started an odyssey that included rodeos, being a cowboy, farming, four years in the Navy working on boilers and other equipment, then working for the Postal Service and later serving as mechanical sanitary inspector for Topeka. In between, he acquired certification in water and wastewater in several states. What's the common theme? Anything mechanical.

It was at Topeka that he developed a backflow prevention procedure that has been taught, written up and used nationally. He has been active in and written materials for several national organizations, including the American Backflow Prevention Association and the American Society of Sanitary Engineering and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.

Hermsen (left) is well known in Kansas for workshops and conference sessions. Hundreds of attendees have learned about cross-connection control since he first started giving KRWA workshops in 1989. More important, they have taken that knowledge back to their communities, helping to protect the public's health.

At the 1999 KRWA conference, the rarely-presented Conger Award was given to Hermsen. Named for KRWA's first president, it is awarded for outstanding contributions to public water supply systems and the industry.

KRWA Awards Committee Chair Darrel Schlabach stated: "KRWA's award winner has thousands upon thousands of friends and admirers across Kansas and the nation. He's traveled mile upon mile, taking the message of good quality water with him to ensure that every public water system would be able to deliver quality every day.

"Our award winner has been working to help systems far earlier than most of us realized we even needed the help. He's the type of individual who will listen to the cares and concerns of anyone -- and he does this in spite of his own physical handicaps.

"Talk about dedication: Here's a man who would head out with a trailer load of equipment to a training session in a snowstorm to some remote corner of the country. And the best thing about him is that when he speaks it's from experience in the plumping and waterworks industry.

"KRWA used to introduce him as an 'evangelist' on the topic of cross-connection control. As his wife Lisa would add, 'He's been called a lot worse!' He is a true friend, true sport and true waterworks hero."

Al Hermsen's advice to newcomers: Be convinced that there's a need for your work and services. How to find out? Go to classes and workshops, such as those offered by KRWA. A local community college course in plumbing can be helpful.

Join national associations. For example, the American Backflow Prevention Association and American Society of Sanitary Engineering and the Univ. of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection and Hydraulic Research provide helpful newsletters, publications and training. USC developed the Manual of Cross-Connection Control which has been adopted by many jurisdictions. Another excellent reference is the Uniform Plumbing Code. Its section on cross-connection control is essential.

It's important to know water hydraulics. "They really need to have an understanding of mechanical systems and boiler systems that require backflow prevention," Hermsen said. Getting both water and wastewater certification helps.

"Newcomers have to understand that any connection from potable water is a cross-connection that must have an air gap or control device," he stated. "That covers everything from the yard hydrant o a water connection going into a nuclear plant."

Don't forget customer relations. "Explain to people the need for cross-connection control, not the fact that it is a law they need to comply with," Hermsen urged. "Don't get arrogant."


	KRWA Conference 1999 Award Winners

	Walking on stage to the applause of hundreds of friends and associates . . . life doesn't get much sweeter. Each year, Kansas Rural Water Association presents awards to "The best of the best." These women and men exemplify a commitment to service and excellence. In 1999, eleven water and wastewater professionals received KRWA's highest honors. Among them, they have over 200 years' experience in the field. Check out their advice below to newcomers. These folks know what they're talking about! Even veterans could benefit from their words. What's their commitment? Doing whatever it takes to get the job done. They showed the rest of us what "best" really means. They exemplify the 1999 conference theme, "Delivering quality every day" that was stated several times by Awards Committee chair Darrel Schlabach. Heartfelt congratulations to the latest KRWA award winners. Rural Water Operator of the Year LeRoy Moore, RWD No. 1, Miami County, has provided invaluable service to his district. His outstanding work ethic shows in every facet in the daily business of delivering quality. Moore's motto is "Do the best job the first time in the most cost-efficient manner." He truly puts other people's problems first. He sees that they are taken care of before his own. "He is always ready to give that extra gallon of effort for what is best for the water district," Schlabach stated. LeRoy Moore's advice to newcomers: Get all the possible training you can from KRWA and the schools around the state. Attend the Wichita KRWA conference to keep updated on new materials and supplies that are available. That's where I learned a lot, especially checking those booths. Moore concluded by saying, "You have to have patience and time. You think you can do that job in two hours and never do." Don't be in a hurry. Rural Manager of the Year Judy Westerman, RWD No. 1, Woodson County, wasn't even in the industry eight years. At that time, she was a homemaker and operated a catering and cake-decorating business. It's a testament to her abilities and energy that today she manages a system serving nearly 600 users. Westerman is described as strong, vibrant, compassionate and very well organized. She is responsible for treating and processing river water as well as purchasing water from the City of Yates Center. Her efficiency, belief in God and in herself make her the kind of person fellow employees are happy to work with and for. Judy Westerman's advice to newcomers: Learn everything you can about the water business. Go out and look at the lines, see what's happening. Go into the plant and learn what's going on. See how things tie together and how the business can be made strong through teamwork. Learn what you can. Don't be intimidated by either new regulations or by the fact that the rural water business is a man's world. Do your best. "It is almost a 24-hour job," Westerman concluded. "You will have a lot of setbacks. But the rewards of working through them are what count." Most Improved Water System "Busy, just plain busy" is the best way to describe 1998 at Consolidated RWD No. 1, Leavenworth County. Spending over $2 million in one year was almost a shock for the system, but it was necessary to meet standards. It also provided a new office, 750,000 gallons more of storage and line capacity for an ever-increasing customer base. The district anticipates adding 1,000 new users over the next five years. New manager Lois Fulkerson accepted the award. Lois Fulkerson's advice to newcomers: Make sure you're in this business for the right reasons. Leave personal feelings out. Don't do things for friends or developers, but for the best interest of the entire district. Think about the future as well as about today. "It's easy to say you need this type of pipeline today," she said, "but you have to prepare for what's to come. Is there a school or industrial development planned? You have to understand what going on in the city and county." Obtain a good working relationship with the board. Don't be afraid to introduce new ideas and thoughts. Long-time board members sometimes find that new ideas are good. "I ask my board what they think, then tell them what I think," she commented. The board is more productive when it is more involved. Fulkerson's final piece of advice: "Just have fun! I bring fun into this job." Municipal Business Manager of the Year Brad Mears, City of Holton, is no stranger to change. In fact, it might even be his middle name. A Governor's Fellow and graduate of Leadership Kansas, Mears' recent accomplishments include: Setting up the financing for constructing a new city hall, and getting construction under way Implementing a 1/4 percent sales tax for street improvement Initiating work on a wastewater collection system upgrade Receiving state approval for a public wholesale water district Getting water plant improvements under contract Starting an electrical distribution system upgrade along with improvements at the city's power plant Completing a new 750,000-gallon water storage tank Brad Mears' advice to newcomers: Learn all you can. "There's a myriad of resources available. Most of them are more than willing to help you out, from trade associations to the Kansas Water Office," he said. Don't be afraid to ask questions. "You have to be willing to ask questions to get information about how things work." Kids are special to Mears. He works with 7th graders who tour city hall on their annual walking tour. "Public service is a very honorable profession," Mears said. "We need more people to step into those roles." Municipal Wastewater Operator of the Year Steve Dawson is the man who makes things happen in the City of Oakley's wastewater plant. He's responsible for improving the plant's appearance, such as new paint and landscaping, and replacing trickler arms and the grinder. Starting out on city crews, he was promoted to head of sanitation. In this essential job, he's responsible for the refuse service, city landfill and the wastewater treatment plant. Steve Dawson's advice to newcomers: You can never get enough schooling or education on the subject at hand. "You have to be Mr. Wizard and a jack of all trades and all pumps," he said. Take advice from others and work with it. "If I have trouble comprehending out of a book, I ask somebody." He has gotten much information from KDHE staff as well as from past plant operators and those in surrounding towns. "I talked with them. They eased my mind when I wasn't sure about outcomes." It takes a lot of patience. "Out here you need to take it slow," he concluded. "It's hard to be a hero by yourself. Nothing happens overnight." Municipal Operator of the Year Employed by the City of Valley Falls for over 20 years, Paul Burns has done an outstanding job operating this small city's water and wastewater plants. He has kept up with technology. He's seen many changes in city administrations as well as in state and federal regulations. Burns' present activities include participating in a voluntary atrazine testing program and serving on the steering committee of a large regional water supply district. In his spare time, he enjoys raising cattle. A faithful fan of Wednesday night softball games, he cheers for his favorite team. He also criticizes umpires, drawing on his own ump experiences in earlier years. Paul Burns' advice to newcomers: Stay involved with KRWA. "We have used them here at Valley Falls for sewer smoking and for helping test water meters," he said. The city has been member for about 10 years. Also pay close attention to KDHE and do the things that it takes to make them happy. When you work for the public, sometimes it seems that people scrutinize you all the time. You have to do your own job. "Be willing to do what it takes and be proud of your work," he stated. Special Recognition Awards In 1999, the Kansas Rural Water Association presented two Special Recognition Awards. One went to Evan Ellis in recognition of his 35+ years' of service as a rural water director at RWD No. 3, Coffee County. The other was presented to David C. Kendrick, City of Lyons, in recognition of years of dedicated service to the public water supply industry. Evan Ellis could be called the father of Coffey County RWD No. 3. He spent countless volunteer hours going door to door, encouraging people to sign up in the early 1960s. At one house, Ellis and the homeowner gazed across the valley and discussed what rural water would mean. Just then, a thunderstorm broke . . . and the landowner decided he didn't need rural water. Starting with 65 members, the system has grown to nearly 600 units. At the past annual meeting, just when he thought he might retire from the board, he was re-elected to his 12th three-year term. Evan Ellis' hope for the future: That everyone has a water supply with the quality and quantity needed. David C. Kendrick has delivered quality water for over 38 years to the City of Lyons. But his contributions are more than local; they span all of Kansas. A long-time member of the Kansas Section, AWWA, he headed up workshops and served on its board of trustees. He has enthusiastically supported KRWA's arranging for emergency equipment when staff were caught short-handed. He has shown outstanding leadership to the waterworks industry. Kendrick is a virtual walking encyclopedia of knowledge, knowing all the ins and outs. David Kendrick's advice to newcomers: Keep on learning! "Always get as much training as you can get, because you can never have enough of it," he stated. Listen well to superiors. Learn from them. Salt information away because it will pay off in the end. "If they get all the training they can get and listen to others including other superintendents," he concluded, "newcomers will be on the right track." Business Manager of the Year Customers of RWD No. 1, Harvey County, know they'll get a smile from Sandra Lanzrath. They also get a personal phone call about late payments, helping avoid any late charges. She worked diligently to make personal contract with landowners to obtain easements for an upcoming construction project. But Lanzrath's contributions don't stop with customer service; she's also well organized. For example, daily operations of the district are summarized for the board so members are truly well-informed. Active in church and social organizations, she helps ensure that her central-Kansas water district delivers quality every day. Sandra Lanzrath's advice to newcomers: 1. Take advantage of the information that's out there. Attend workshops and seminars, like those KRWA puts on. "Be open to new ideas and suggestions," she urged. 2. Get to know others in the surrounding area who have the same kind of job. "I've gotten to know some of the other nearby managers and board members," Lanzrath reported. They have shared notes on charges for units and how to process water plan and sales taxes. 3. Be willing to be a moderator sometimes. Her nine-person board often has different opinions. "Sometimes you have to be a sounding board," she said. 4. Keep up with current technology. For example, some software companies put on seminars at local systems. "We keep our current computer system fairly new, to keep up with faster speeds and operating systems," she said. 5. Be customer oriented. "Our customers are the owners," Lanzrath concluded. "They are the reason for having the business." Friend of Rural Water The 1999 Friend of Rural Water Award was presented to Robert L. Morby by Dennis Schwartz in a special ceremony after the 32nd annual conference. Since 1995, he has been Chief, Office of Drinking Water and Ground Water, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7. Robert Morby has worked for the public interest for nearly 30 years. He started his career with U.S. E.P.A. in 1971 in the Pesticide Section in Atlanta. Following a stint in Charlotte, NC, he relocated to Region 7 in 1973. His assignments included pesticides, toxic substances and SuperFund. "Kansas Rural Water Association has found him to be a true partner for progress," stated Schwartz in presenting Morby with his award. "He works to make sure overall goals of state and federal regulators and programs such as those operated by KRWA all fit together and work." Congratulations to the 1999 Friend of Rural Water, Robert L. Morby. Silver Faucet Award Annually, the Kansas Rural Development Agency presents the Silver Faucet Award to a utility in recognition of outstanding performance in providing water to rural Kansas. In 1999, the award was presented by Bill Kirk, State Director of Rural Development, and Gary Smith, Chief of Community and Business Programs. The winner was Consolidated RWD C-2, Bourbon County. J.W. "Jingles" Endicott, Manager, accepted the award (left) from Kirk and Smith. "A few years ago, former Secretary of Agriculture Espy founded the Water 2000 initiative," Smith said. Secretary Glickman has continued to emphasize its importance in seeing that all American homes have decent, safe, sanitary water by 2000. Many rural households don't have safe, potable water in homes. "Our recipient was in pursuit of providing to rural homes long before Water 2000 was initiated," Smith continued. Consolidated RWD C-2 of Bourbon County has exhibited leadership through: 1. System expansion and continual upgrading of facilities 2. Consolidations and mergers with smaller systems 3. Advice and counsel to KRWA 4. Multiple water supply sources consistent with good water source planning 5. Support of the public wholesale water supply concept. 6. Expansion into areas where rural households need water but creation of a new small water system would not have made good sense. These initiatives have helped the system grow from 70 users in 1962 to 2,200 today. Jingles Endicott's advice to newcomers: In this job, you deal with the public. You'd better listen good and you'd better like to work with the public. If you don't you'll get in trouble. Come to work every day with a good attitude. "When you provide customers with a service like water, most appreciate it," Endicott noted. However, you will never please people 100 percent of time. "The thing I like about this job is that you never know where you're going to be," he concluded. "It's not dull." Hermsen wins Conger Award Al Hermsen is a man ahead of his times. Today, experts say that people starting out will have five or six different careers. Fifty years ago, Hermsen started an odyssey that included rodeos, being a cowboy, farming, four years in the Navy working on boilers and other equipment, then working for the Postal Service and later serving as mechanical sanitary inspector for Topeka. In between, he acquired certification in water and wastewater in several states. What's the common theme? Anything mechanical. It was at Topeka that he developed a backflow prevention procedure that has been taught, written up and used nationally. He has been active in and written materials for several national organizations, including the American Backflow Prevention Association and the American Society of Sanitary Engineering and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. Hermsen (left) is well known in Kansas for workshops and conference sessions. Hundreds of attendees have learned about cross-connection control since he first started giving KRWA workshops in 1989. More important, they have taken that knowledge back to their communities, helping to protect the public's health. At the 1999 KRWA conference, the rarely-presented Conger Award was given to Hermsen. Named for KRWA's first president, it is awarded for outstanding contributions to public water supply systems and the industry. KRWA Awards Committee Chair Darrel Schlabach stated: "KRWA's award winner has thousands upon thousands of friends and admirers across Kansas and the nation. He's traveled mile upon mile, taking the message of good quality water with him to ensure that every public water system would be able to deliver quality every day. "Our award winner has been working to help systems far earlier than most of us realized we even needed the help. He's the type of individual who will listen to the cares and concerns of anyone -- and he does this in spite of his own physical handicaps. "Talk about dedication: Here's a man who would head out with a trailer load of equipment to a training session in a snowstorm to some remote corner of the country. And the best thing about him is that when he speaks it's from experience in the plumping and waterworks industry. "KRWA used to introduce him as an 'evangelist' on the topic of cross-connection control. As his wife Lisa would add, 'He's been called a lot worse!' He is a true friend, true sport and true waterworks hero." Al Hermsen's advice to newcomers: Be convinced that there's a need for your work and services. How to find out? Go to classes and workshops, such as those offered by KRWA. A local community college course in plumbing can be helpful. Join national associations. For example, the American Backflow Prevention Association and American Society of Sanitary Engineering and the Univ. of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection and Hydraulic Research provide helpful newsletters, publications and training. USC developed the Manual of Cross-Connection Control which has been adopted by many jurisdictions. Another excellent reference is the Uniform Plumbing Code. Its section on cross-connection control is essential. It's important to know water hydraulics. "They really need to have an understanding of mechanical systems and boiler systems that require backflow prevention," Hermsen said. Getting both water and wastewater certification helps. "Newcomers have to understand that any connection from potable water is a cross-connection that must have an air gap or control device," he stated. "That covers everything from the yard hydrant o a water connection going into a nuclear plant." Don't forget customer relations. "Explain to people the need for cross-connection control, not the fact that it is a law they need to comply with," Hermsen urged. "Don't get arrogant."



	Highlights of Previous Years 2001 Photo Album 2000 Highlights Award Winners 1999 Highlights Award Winners 1998 Award Winners 1997 Highlights Award Winners