Julie Roney (502) 564-3410

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2005) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching an awards program to call attention to outstanding performance by water systems that supply drinking water to the public.

The 2005 Safe Drinking Water Act Excellence Awards are intended to highlight systems that demonstrate effective operations and maintenance as well as a commitment to maintaining and protecting drinking water and public water supplies.

The program’s principal objectives are:

1. To recognize systems that are demonstrating their commitment to compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act through outstanding operations and maintenance practices;
2. To heighten overall public awareness of the contribution of public water supplies for ensuring adequate and safe drinking water; and
3. To encourage public support for maintaining this exemplary status.

Nominations are being solicited in six categories, from small systems serving as few as 25 people up to those serving more than 10,000.  Both surface water and groundwater systems are included.

Details about the program and how to submit a nomination are on the Web at: http://www.water.ky.gov/dw/profi/tips/Excellence+Awards.

The deadline for submitting complete nomination packages to the Kentucky Division of Water’s Drinking Water Branch is April 15, 2005.  Nominations should be sent to Julie Roney, Kentucky Division of Water, Drinking Water Branch, 14 Reilly Road, Frankfort, Ky. 40601.  For answers to questions about the awards program, contact her at the above address or by phone at (502) 564-3410.

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