The American Membrane Technology Association and the American Water Works Association today announced four awardees at this year’s Membrane Technology Conference & Exposition. Awardees were recognized at an awards luncheon during the conference in San Antonio.

Robert Hildreth of the Colorado River Municipal Water District in Big Spring, Texas was presented with this year’s Robert O. Vernon Operator of the Year Award. The award recognizes outstanding contributions by a plant operator working at a membrane filtration, desalination or water reuse facility that resulted in significant, long-term improvement in water production and/or water reuse. Robert was cited for his remarkable job of learning a new process and taking ownership and pride as plant supervisor for the district’s Raw Water Production Facility.

Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System in Fountain Valley, Calif. was presented with this year’s Membrane Facility of the Year Award. The award recognizes an outstanding water/wastewater facility that uses any membrane technology with high efficiency in an environmentally friendly approach. The Groundwater Replenishment System is the world’s largest water purification system for indirect potable reuse and increases Orange County’s water independence by providing a locally controlled, drought-proof supply of high-quality water

Jim Lozier of CH2M in Tempe, Ariz. was presented with this year’s Water Quality Person of the Year Award. The award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual in government, academia, research or other to water supply improvement.

Ovivo USA, LLC from Austin, Texas was presented with this year’s Membrane Exhibit of the Year Award. The award recognizes and honors the organization that highlights the importance of membrane technology with an exhibit booth at MTC.

For more information on MTC, visit the conference’s webpage.