Each year at the Annual Conference in St. George, RWAU honors the systems and individuals who go above and beyond. Most awards reflect achievements from 2025.

Know someone making a difference? Nominate them—or yourself—and help us recognize the people who keep Utah’s water and wastewater systems running strong. This is your moment to spotlight excellence.

Who’s Eligible?

If your parent or guardian works full-time for an RWAU member system—or serves on its board or council—you can apply. (Sorry, RWAU board and staff families aren’t eligible.)

What’s Available?

Two scholarships. $1,500 each.

Split across two semesters, $750 at a time. Just show proof of full-time enrollment, and it’s yours.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Office Personnel of the Year

For the clerks, recorders, treasurers, and administrators who keep it all running—this award honors exceptional performance, dedication, and engagement with RWAU.

Elected or Appointed Official of the Year

For mayors, board chairs, and councilmembers making a real difference. Recognizing leadership, service, and active involvement in the rural water community.

Outstanding Service – Water Operator

Awarded to a water operator with 10+ years of consistent, outstanding service in distribution or treatment. It’s about long-term impact.

Outstanding Service – Wastewater Operator

For wastewater operators with over a decade of dedication, expertise, and performance. Quiet excellence, recognized.

Water Operator of the Year

This is for the standouts—the ones who made extraordinary contributions in 2025 while managing the day-to-day of a water system.

Wastewater Operator of the Year

For those who went above and beyond in 2025, ensuring wastewater systems stayed safe, compliant, and efficient.

SYSTEM AWARDS

Most Improved Water System

For a water system that made big strides in 2025—whether through upgrades, innovation, or service improvements.

Most Improved Wastewater System

Recognizing exceptional progress made by a wastewater system during the award year. Growth worth celebrating.

Outstanding Water Service to Customers

Honoring 15+ years of consistent, high-quality service. Reliability. Excellence. Trust.

Outstanding Wastewater Service to Customers

For wastewater systems with 15+ years of outstanding performance. Quiet work with lasting impact.