Golden Heart Utilities and College Utilities were recently awarded the Large Water System of the Year Award by the Alaska Water Waste Management Association (AWWMA). The award is presented annually for recognition of the performance of a wastewater system serving 2,500 or more individuals or processing an average of 250,000 gpd or more of wastewater. GHU and CUC, both Fairbanks Sewer and Water utilities, are two of only four state large water systems, serving over 5,000 to achieve this distinction.

The nomination stated, “GHU and CUC stand as a model of excellence in water treatment, distribution, and operations. With over a decade of flawless regulatory compliance, these utilities have consistently upheld the highest industry standards, earning Department of Environmental Conservation URSA Major system excellence awards since the award program began in 2018. Beyond compliance and recognition, these utilities deliver uninterrupted, high-quality drinking water, reliable fire suppression access, and strategic capital deployment to serve the Fairbanks customers and community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Senior Vice President, Oran Paul, commended his team noting they operate a 5 MGD water treatment plant and maintain 250 miles of distribution main, 2,214 fire hydrants, 27 water circulation stations and serve 9,888 metered customers in -40 to -50 below zero weather. He said, “Their work requires discipline, planning, safety and most of all teamwork. I am proud of them every day and congratulate the entire team on this award.”

AWWMA is comprised of dedicated water professionals, managing the activities of the Alaska Section of the American Water Works Association, and is the Alaska Member Association of the Water Environment Federation.