INLAND EMPIRE, CA – Last month, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) attended the California Water Environment Association’s (CWEA) Annual Conference where multiple staff members were presented with prestigious awards highlighting leadership, innovation, and their significant contributions to the water and wastewater industries.
“At IEUA, we pride ourselves in knowing that our mission and values provide opportunities that empower staff to become leaders within the industry and across the State,” said IEUA Board President Marco Tule. “We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team whose leadership and innovative work continue to set high standards throughout the water industry.”
CWEA is committed to empowering, educating, and connecting water professionals to protect public health and the environment. CWEA’s awards highlight outstanding contributions to the water industry and celebrate the agencies and individuals who lead the way in the protection and enhancement of the environment. During the conference, staff presented impactful sessions on Mutual Aid collaboration, Be Sewer Smart campaign initiatives, implementing machinery vibration analysis for critical assets, CCTV best practices, water quality optimization, and sewer system resilience. Staff were also presented with the following awards:
Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) – First Place was presented to Robert Delgado, Director of Operations & Maintenance, Lucia Diaz, Manager of Facilities & Water System Programs, and Sushmitha Reddy, Manager of Laboratories. The award is presented by water environment associations, such as those working with sewage and sewage treatment, to honor those who have made a particular contribution to the industry.
PICK Award – First Place was presented to Lucia Diaz, Manager of Facilities & Water System Programs, Edward Makowski, Collection System Supervisor, and Yvonne Taylor, Executive Assistant. The award recognizes volunteer efforts in service to the CWEA Collection Systems Committee with Professionalism, Ingenuity, Contribution, and Knowledge.
Richard D. Pomeroy Award was presented to Lucia Diaz, Manager of Facilities & Water System Programs. The award is presented for the practical application of an original concept that expands known techniques of wastewater collection. Lucia is the second woman in CWEA history to receive this distinguished award, and the first recipient since 2018.
“We are thrilled to see IEUA’s staff recognized for their remarkable leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving water and wastewater systems,” stated CWEA President Gilbert Barela. “The awards presented at this year’s Annual Conference reflect the outstanding contributions of these individuals, whose work exemplifies the best of our industry. At CWEA, we believe in the power of collaboration and education to drive positive change, and we are proud to support the IEUA team in their continued efforts to elevate the water sector. Their commitment to excellence sets a high standard for all of us in the field.”
“These awards are a testament to staff’s commitment to excellence and serving our community with forward-thinking solutions. We are honored to have them receive recognition from CWEA on behalf of their work at IEUA on such a large scale,” continued Tule.