West Virginia water system operator recognized for performance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented John Inghram of Scott Depot, W. Va. with the EPA mid-Atlantic region’s award for excellence in operating a drinking water system.

“Public drinking water plant operators like John Inghram are our first line of defense against waterborne diseases and contamination that can cause serious, even fatal, illnesses,” said Donald S. Welsh, administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region. “Through this award, EPA calls attention to the importance of having highly qualified, trained professionals who have the expertise to operate water treatment plants.”

Inghram operates the drinking water treatment facility for the Putnam Public Service District in Putnam County. Through his leadership, the Putnam system was ranked as one of the top 10 systems in West Virginia for achieving area-wide optimization program goals set by the state. His contributions have improved the quality and taste of drinking water. Inghram has also assisted area water plants with security improvements and provided new equipment training to staff from the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health.

EPA’s mid-Atlantic region created this award in 2006 to highlight public water systems and recognize outstanding performance by public water system plant operators.

The award can be given to operators in two categories: large (serving more than 3,300 customers) and small (serving fewer than 3,300 customers) public water systems. Inghram’s award is in the large category. He was nominated for the award by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.