The Kentucky/Tennessee Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has named the Greeneville Water Department's chief water treatment operator, David Ricker, as the recipient of the Section's 2012 Operator Meritorious Service Award.

The award was presented on July 10 at the Kentucky/Tennessee Section's annual Water Professionals Conference in Memphis.

The Operator Meritorious Service Award is given each year to two operators across the Section's territory, one in each state, according to a news release.

The release notes that there are approximately 1,500 licensed water operators in Tennessee.

Award-winners are selected on the basis of recommendations demonstrating nominees' proficiency in management, plant performance and maintenance, knowledge of treatment plant operations and regulations, innovation, and Section participation.

"We are so proud of David for this accomplishment, said Water Superintendent Laura White.

"David is truly an asset to the citizens of Greeneville and Greene County. This award is a token of appreciation for his many years of hard work and sacrifice that he has made to ensure that the customers of the Greeneville Water Commission have a safe, reliable source of drinking water," White said.

"He truly deserves this award and so much more," White added.

The release stated that the selection committee for KY/TN AWWA "endeavors to recognize water operators that have demonstrated exceptional performance in exceeding Federal Drinking Water Standards, and initiative to excel at the business of producing safe water for customers."

AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond, and is the largest organization of water professionals in the world, according to the news release.