Each year, the Idaho Rural Water Association confers honors on individuals who have performed an outstanding job in the water and wastewater industry. This year’s Award of Excellence for Water or Wastewater Operations Specialist has been given to Mike Wade, whose work with the city of Dover exhibited his exemplary leadership abilities in water management.

“I have worked with and trained hundreds of operators in my 40 years,” wrote William C. Strand, PhD, Dover City Council president in his nomination letter. “I can say that Mike Wade is one of only a handful that I would consider for nomination of an award of this type. I make his nomination without any hesitation.”

Strand said that since Wade took over as lead operator of the water system around five years ago, there have been no significant incidents with the water and wastewater system.

“Perhaps as important to the city of Dover, he has taken a critical role in working with the city council, mayor and staff for planning the future upgrades and expansions of our system,” Strand said.

Besides managing water and wastewater for Dover, Wade also handles the water system for Laclede. With close to 30 years in the industry, Wade is accustomed to supervising others and working on his own. Wade said that he wasn’t expecting an award.

“I was completely surprised,” Wade said. “I didn’t believe it at first. It didn’t come with a cash prize, but it’s nice to be recognized and I got a pretty glass trophy. It was great!”

All of the 349 members of IRWA were invited to submit one or more nominations for one of the annual awards that included six different categories. All of these members are from communities with populations fewer than 10,000 people.

“IRWA is here to ensure Idaho’s rural communities are safe while still maintaining the high quality of life we hold so dear,” their website says.