Two Spartanburg Water Employees win awards for excellence
January 18, 2016
A Spartanburg Water laboratory analyst was selected for recognition by the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC) recently. Lauren Ballenger, a longtime employee of the utility, was awarded the Blue Ridge Foothills District Laboratory Analyst of the Year for 2015 at an awards banquet on January 12.
This award is given annually to a water and/or wastewater treatment analyst for excellence achieved in the laboratory of a water and/or wastewater treatment plant in South Carolina.
“We could not be more proud of Lauren. She is committed to improving laboratory practices and manages to inspire others through her innovative and creative ideas,” said Syndee Poteet, Laboratory Services Manager. “She improved processes at all Spartanburg Water laboratories, including the selection of new methods, instrumentation and training of all staff members.”
The Blue Ridge Foothills District is one of 10 regional districts of the WEASC. The district includes Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson counties. Annually, members are selected for outstanding service in categories as defined by the WEASC. These individuals are now eligible to receive awards from the state organization in March.
Mike Russell was awarded the Blue Ridge Foothills District Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year for 2015 at an awards banquet on January 12.
The award is presented annually to a wastewater treatment plant operator for excellence achieved in the direct operation of a wastewater system in South Carolina. Russell is one of two lead operators for the Fairforest Reclaimed Water Treatment Facility, the largest of Spartanburg Water’s eight reclaimed water facilities.
“We are very proud of Mike Russell’s recognition for something he does every day – an outstanding job of managing our Fairforest Reclaimed Water Treatment Facility,” said Josh Smith, Reclaimed Water Treatment Manager.
The Blue Ridge Foothills District is one of 10 regional districts of the WEASC. The district includes Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson counties. Annually, members are selected for outstanding service in categories as defined by the WEASC. These individuals are now eligible to receive awards from the state organization in March.
ABOUT SPARTANBURG WATER: Spartanburg Water, an award-winning utility, is comprised of Spartanburg Water System and Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District. It serves a population of more than 180,000 within Spartanburg County, as well as others in parts of Greenville, Union and Cherokee counties. With the help of its dedicated team of more than 250 employees, each day it produces an average of 30 million gallons of drinking water and cleans 12 million gallons of reclaimed water for its customers and community. For more information on Spartanburg Water’s water quality efforts, visit us at spartanburgwater.org.
ABOUT THE WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA (WEASC): WEASC serves more than 3,000 members across 10 districts throughout South Carolina. It is affiliated with the Water Environment Federation (WEF), which is composed of affiliates and members throughout the world. Its purpose is to serve those whose vocation is the promotion, protection and preservation of the water environment. And, by extension, to serve all those who enjoy the waters of South Carolina for recreation or refreshment.
