DEP Presents 2017 Plant Excellence Awards to Central Florida Water Facility Operator

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 5, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP Presents 2017 Plant Excellence Award to Central Florida Water Facility Operator

~City of Clermont Water System recognized for innovative practices~

OCALA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recognized the city of Clermont East Water System as a recipient of the 2017 Plant Operations Excellence Award. Clermont East also won a Plant Excellence Award last year.

“The team at Clermont East have demonstrated over the years that they are innovators,” said Jeff Prather, DEP Central District director. “This award underlines the essential role that this facility and others in the region play in the vital task of producing high-quality, affordable potable water for its customers, while conserving resources and protecting the environment.”

The facility has a very proactive approach to maintenance, which helps reduce malfunctions. The facility has also implemented procedures and technologies to enhance its water conservation program, as well as the consistency and efficiency of their operations.

Each year, the department presents awards to domestic wastewater and drinking water facilities around the state that demonstrate excellence in operation, maintenance, innovative treatment, waste reduction, pollution prevention, recycling or other achievements. These awards recognize facilities that demonstrate a special commitment to excellence in management through dedicated professionalism and that have an impeccable history of record-keeping compliance. 

The department is awarding a total of 14 facilities, including six domestic wastewater facilities and eight drinking water facilities statewide. The other awards will be presented at district ceremonies during the Focus on Change Seminars in Pompano Beach, Punta Gorda, Haines City, Lake City and Panama City.

This is the 28th year that the Florida Rural Water Association has conducted the Focus on Change Seminar in conjunction with DEP. The seminar is designed to provide current regulatory information to utilities in order to improve compliance.