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Mission Springs Water District was awarded three accolades at a special ceremony on Saturday hosted by the California Water Environment Association and its Colorado River Basin Section. The awards won by the District were Small Plant of the Year, Collection System Person of the Year, and Community Engagement & Outreach Project of the Year.

Joseph (Joey) McElrone, a Collection Operator II, has been named the 2023 Collection System Person of the Year. McElrone's responsibilities include inspecting, maintaining, and repairing the District's sewers and wastewater system. His supervisor, Chief Plant Operator Lee Boyer, commends McElrone for his hard work, dedication, and knowledge of the District's collection system. According to Boyer, McElrone goes out of his way to be available to others in the department and is a team player who works hard to keep the system clean and inspected.

McElrone has been working at the District for over two years and holds several certifications, including a Collection System Maintenance Grade II Certificate, a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator OIT, and is NASSCO Certified. 

MSWD has won top awards for its plant operations at the 'Alan L. Horton Wastewater Treatment Plant' in the small plant category and its Water 101 educational series in the Community Engagement & Outreach Project of the Year category (small plant). These achievements were recognized by CWEA, an organization that unites wastewater professionals from across the state to address real-time issues, develop and deliver cutting-edge training, raise awareness of the profession, and shape the future of wastewater. CWEA was founded in 1928.

Left to Right: Alan L. Horton Wastewater Treatment Plant staff, Chief Plant Operator Lee Boyer, Lead Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Andy Grunnet, Collection Operator II Joseph McElrone, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I Mark Vermeer, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II Chris Jacobson.

MSWD and its employees have received 38 Colorado River Basin Section CWEA awards, including nine individual awards and 14 plant of the year awards since 1989. Check out the MSWD Awards for a complete list of awards.