Clayton County Water Earns Spring Conference Awards
Program of Excellence in Public Education, Golden Hydrant Society and 100% Compliance
May 20, 2025 (Morrow, Georgia) – – Clayton County Water Authority (CCWA) staff proudly accepted several top industry awards during the Georgia Association of Water Professional’s (GAWP) recent spring conference in Columbus, GA.
During the awards luncheon on April 15, CCWA received the Education Program of Excellence Platinum Award, Excellence in Community Engagement Award for its Newman Wetlands Center,
Sr. Communications Specialist Raven Reese accepts the Education Program of Excellence Platinum Award.
and 100% Permit Compliance Awards for several facilities. Additionally, two staff members were inducted into the Golden Hydrant Society.
According to CEO H. Bernard Franks, these awards are a significant achievement and reflect the dedication and commitment of CCWA’s water professionals. “One of CCWA’s core values is maintaining a strong focus on our customers and community,” Franks stated. “Our team takes great pride in actively engaging with the Clayton County community, so it is especially meaningful to be recognized for our efforts in public education and community outreach.”
Education Program of Excellence Platinum Award
CCWA’s Communications & Community Relations staff earned the Education Program of Excellence Platinum Award for activities in 2024. Recipients must score at least 90% to earn this award. Evidence is provided showing program planning, promotion, implementation, and follow-up. This award encompasses school programs, waterway clean up events like Rivers Alive, participation in national campaigns (Fix A Leak Week and Drinking Water Week), plus two additional original programs (Model Water Tower Competition and Wetlands & Watershed Festival). During 2024, 155 CCWA Ambassadors participated in 175 events, reaching more than 46,000 people.
Sr. Conservationist Danielle Bunch accepts the Excellence in Community Engagement Award.
Excellence in Community Engagement Award
CCWA’s Melvin Newman Wetlands Center staff earned the Excellence in Community Engagement Award for creating memorable outdoor experiences for the whole family through its annual Wetlands & Watershed Festival. This award recognizes a creative program which uses an edgy or nonconventional approach to public outreach.
Golden Hydrant Society
CCWA’s CEO H. Bernard Franks and Distribution & Conveyance Director Lamar Hamlin were inducted into the Golden Hydrant Society. This award society is organized through the Georgia Section of the American Water Works Association (GAWWA) for the recognition of professionals in the drinking water industry. Each year, five nominees are inducted into the society after first being nominated by a peer, followed by selection from members of the selection committee made up of the past year’s winners. Franks and Hamlin are shown in the above group photo. Franks is second from the right and Hamlin is on the far right.
Facilities Mark 100% Permit Compliance for 2024
Water production and water reclamation facilities earned awards for meeting 100% permit compliance for a calendar year. After earning Gold for five years, they earn Platinum Awards.
- W. Smith Water Production Plant – 16 years Platinum
- Terry R. Hicks Water Production Plant – 24 years Platinum
- J. Hooper Plant – 27 years Platinum
- Shoal Creek Water Reclamation Facility – Gold Award
- Northeast Water Reclamation Facility – Gold Award
GAWP educates, provides professional development, and promotes sound public policy in the water resources and related environmental fields.