At Zeeland Board of Public Works (ZBPW), we’re thrilled to announce that our Water Department has been honored with the 2024 Professional Excellence Award by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievement in water utility management, and we’re incredibly proud of our dedicated water team for earning this distinction.
Individual Award Winner: Chris Pillsbury
In addition to the Professional Excellence Award, team member Chris Pillsbury has also received the 2024 Professional Excellence – Individual Award. As the GIS Specialist for the ZBPW, Chris plays a pivotal role in utility operations, facilitating capital planning, asset management, streamlined workflows, and comprehensive record-keeping. We are so grateful for his continued dedication to the planning and future of ZBPW.
A Team Committed to Excellence
Serving over 3,000 customers across West Michigan, our Water Department is small but mighty. With five full-time staff members and a part-time employee, this team works around the clock to ensure that our community has access to reliable, high-quality water. This dedication is especially evident during the summer months, when demand can soar to an astonishing 11 million gallons per day.
Driving Innovation and Reliability
Over the past two years, the ZBPW Water Department has made significant strides in improving our water infrastructure and service delivery. One of the standout achievements has been the deployment of 52% of our Sensus AMI fixed network solution. This advanced system is a game-changer, allowing for more efficient and accurate utility management—something that benefits both our team and the community.
The team’s commitment to enhancing water quality and system reliability is further demonstrated through our ongoing five-year plan to replace over 1,000 galvanized service lines. This proactive approach ensures that our water system remains robust and dependable for years to come.
Embracing Technology for a Better Future
In addition to these efforts, our team has been upgrading pump stations, a crucial component of our water delivery system. These upgrades include upsizing pumps, installing variable frequency drives (VFDs), and adding insertion meters—all aimed at optimizing performance and boosting energy efficiency.
Perhaps the most transformative project has been the development and implementation of a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS). This cutting-edge technology has revolutionized our operations, streamlining workflows and providing valuable data insights that will guide our efforts in serving the community for decades.
Looking Ahead
The AWWA Professional Excellence Award is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our Water Department. As we look to the future, we remain committed to enhancing our services, embracing new technologies, and, most importantly, ensuring that our community has access to the best possible water service.
We couldn’t be prouder of our water team and their accomplishments. This award is not just a recognition of their efforts but also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to serving the greater Zeeland community with excellence and reliability.