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When you turn on the faucet and water flows out, you likely don’t think about all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to produce and deliver that liquid magic.
Louisville Water and Louisville MSD just wrapped up the Water Professionals Conference (WPC) which celebrated those in the industry and the accomplishments achieved, and shared insights on a vast array of projects and topics that impact the work they do. Nearly 2,000 water professionals from across Kentucky and Tennessee attended the annual conference hosted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Clean Water Professionals.
The Water for Life Festival at Carrie Gaulbert Cox Park helped welcome guests and gave the community a chance to learn all about water, how it plays a role in our community, and even how recycled stormwater can transform in a glass of beer! The location of the event was by design – it overlooked the Ohio River, the source that provides millions of gallons of Louisville Pure Tap®. It was also down the road from Louisville Water Tower and Louisville Water’s two treatment plants, which were included in tours as part of the conference.
The first full day of WPC began with a breakfast and food for thought on the value water and wastewater utilities bring to their communities.
“One in five Kentuckians enjoy our water and we’re proud of our water. We’ve trademarked our water- Louisville Pure Tap, we’re the only utility in the country that’s done that,” shared Louisville Water President & CEO Spencer Bruce. “Our communities could not be prosperous without drinking water and the wastewater systems that we provide each and every day.”
Mayor Craig Greenberg emphasized the significance of water in Louisville’s economic strategies.
“Water is so critically important to the future of our city. We have lots of high-quality, abundant sources of drinking water,” Greenberg said, acknowledging it’s a public service that’s not always given the credit it deserves.
“They (people) know when things go wrong, but they’re not thinking about the work that you and your colleagues do every day so that everyone else can go about their daily life the way that they want to.”
Over the next two days, attendees chose from dozens of educational sessions to learn, grow professionally, and gain different perspectives on issues and challenges in the world of water.
Awards, competitions, and milestone achievements added some flavor to the WPC. Topping the list, affirmation that Louisville has some of the best drinking water! Guests sampled six different cups of tap water and voted for their favorite without knowing where the water came from.
Twenty-four hours later, the results were announced: Louisville Water is the People’s Choice! A crowd of Louisville Water’s water quality and communications teams cheered as they accepted the coveted pitcher and bragging rights.
Also happening inside the exhibit hall at the Kentucky International Convention Center, the Lady Legends of Louisville Water competed in the tapping competition. A large, enthusiastic gathered around as the women worked intensely to open a ductile iron pipe and tap a water main. Emergency turners Toni Estes and Jesse Jewell, Field Technician Taya Burrell, and Distribution Associate Devinn Tytus beat the clock and are headed to the national competition in June 2025.
Louisville Water was proud to lead and collaborate in 20 sessions throughout the WPC, covering topics such as water treatment, infrastructure, communications, community programming, and Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. The conference also highlighted the role of women in the water sector which included a panel discussion with six of the seven women of Local 1683, Louisville Water’s union. They answered questions candidly and offered insight into the challenges they faced and still face in their jobs that is a predominantly male field.
Dr. Rengao Song Scholarship Award
Daniel O’Malley was awarded the 2024 Dr. Rengao Song Water Research Scholarship. The $10,000 scholarship will help O’Malley pursue his doctoral degree in chemistry at the University of Memphis. His goal is to work in the water treatment industry with a focus on water analysis and purification.
This is the fourth year for the award created in part by Louisville Water, to support the next generation of water quality scientists. Since the scholarship was established, it has attracted applicants who are passionate about advancing water quality methods and research.
Dr. Rengao Song retired in 2020 following a long career as Louisville Water’s Director of Water Quality and Research. Song is considered an industry icon who was passionate about innovation and excellence in water quality.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be a resident of Kentucky or Tennessee or enrolled in a graduate degree program in either state. It is awarded based on the value of the research and how it supports the improvement of water quality and treatment.
Outstanding Service Award
Congratulations to Louisville Water Manager of Advanced Metering Infrastructure Scott Clark for receiving the Outstanding Service Award.
The award honors a member who has gone above and beyond in their service to the Kentucky/Tennessee section through his or her work as an officer, committee activities, or other involvement.
I love to serve and support others. It is an incredible honor to serve and grow our water community,” Clark said, adding, “I am so overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by my peers. I never imagined when I joined the KY/TN AWWA over 25 years ago that it would mold and shape, not only my career, but my life.”
Clark encourages others to find a place to connect and invites other water professionals to connect with the KY/TN AWWA section.
AWWA Silver Drop Award – Celebrating 25 Years of Service
- Tim Kraus, Former VP/Chief Engineer
- Roger Tucker, Scientist II
- Andy Williams, Senior Technical Engineer
A huge thank you to all the committee members and volunteers who have worked for months to deliver a successful Water Professionals Conference, and we appreciate all the presenters. We’d also like to give a huge shoutout to the Pure Tap team who worked tirelessly to keep the ice-cold drinking water flowing. Guests never had to worry about going thirsty with coolers and cups abound. Cheers to another WPC in the books!
