Compliance Awards
This is the compliance-based Award Program. The state data bases are queried for compliance information. The highest-scoring PWSs will be recognized and will be split among NTNC, small COM (<3,300 population), medium and large COM (3,301 and over population), and consecutive systems. Scores are tabulated on a point system based on the following criteria:
The system must be in compliance with the drinking water regulations for all of calendar year 2022 and the past five years. MassDEP will query the state database for any non-compliance. A system will usually fall out of contention for an award due to any noncompliance, be it a report not sent in on time, a maximum contaminant level (MCL) violation, a higher-level enforcement (HLE), etc.
Note: it is very important to correct any inconsistencies in your record of compliance. See EPA's website (SDWIS Federal Reports Search (epa.gov)) for a review of this information. Contact your regional MassDEP office immediately if you have any questions or corrections regarding your compliance history since this information determines your qualification in the awards program.
The systems will be notified in early April and personally be invited to join to the awards ceremony on May 11, 2023.
Additional Resources
Consistent Performers
It is an Award Committee rule that any system that has been an award recipient for three consecutive years is ineligible for one year. These systems however are recognized for their consistent performance. The system(s) will be notified in early April and personally be invited to join to the awards ceremony on May 11, 2023.
Additional Resources
Water Conservation Award
A system will be recognized for their water conservation and Water Management Act permit implementation efforts in 2022. This award is limited to systems subject to the Water Management Act permit registration. The system(s) will be notified in early April and personally be invited to join to the awards ceremony on May 11, 2023.
Additional Resources
STARL - Systems Taking Action to Reduce Lead Award
The STARL Award goes to a system(s) that has done a tremendous job in helping the schools in their area take action to reduce lead in school drinking water. The system(s) will be notified in early April and personally be invited to join to the awards ceremony on May 11, 2023.
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Regional Recognition
A system from each MassDEP Region will be nominated for recognition in the Awards Program. The systems chosen would have accomplished something out of the ordinary; for example completing an unrequired project, upgrading their system for future use, have outstanding management skills or any such matters that shows that the system is conscientious and forward thinking. The system(s) will be notified in early April and personally be invited to join to the awards ceremony on May 11, 2023.
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Distinguished Operator
An operator(s) from each region will be recognized at the Awards Day Ceremony. Each region will nominate an operator(s) who has illustrated outstanding awareness of what it takes to run a system efficiently and in compliance with regulations. The operator will be a many faceted person who can handle the essential duties of a drinking water operator, knows what it takes to run a system in compliance, and goes beyond what is simply required, making sure the system is run in top form no matter what disruptions occur or what emergencies can befall them. The operators will be notified in early April and personally be invited to join to the awards ceremony on May 11, 2023.