INLAND EMPIRE, CA – The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) recently received two awards from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). The two award categories and recognitions received at the State level were: second place for the Community Engagement and Outreach: Project of the Year – Small Award and second place for the Gimmicks and Gadgets Award. Both awards previously received first place at the local level, which was what qualified the programs to compete at the State level.
The CWEA awards highlight outstanding contributions to the water industry and celebrate the agencies and individuals who lead the way in the protection and enhancement of the water environment.
“It is an honor for the Agency to be recognized and to receive such esteemed awards at the State level,” said IEUA Board President, Steve Elie. “IEUA strives to stay at the forefront of the industry by leveraging our incredible staff’s hard work, skills, and experiences to develop creative, efficient, and innovative award-winning solutions.”
The Community Engagement & Outreach – Project of the Year (Small Budget) Award was presented to the Agency for its “2021 Virtual Earth Week” event. The week-long virtual event provided attendees the opportunity to explore the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park in an immersive, 360-degree realm while learning environmental lessons, participating in virtual activities, watching educational videos, and discovering ways to preserve one of Earth’s most precious resources: water.
The Gimmicks and Gadgets Award was presented to the Agency for the Spare Motor Auto Rotator device, which was designed, fabricated, and installed by the Electrical and Instrumentation Team. This award is meant to recognize innovation and creativity in developing solutions to performing routine tasks or functions in maintenance, operations, or the construction of wastewater collection systems. The spare motor auto rotator will ensure that large capacity spare motors are maintained properly by automatically rotating the shaft and bearings on the motor to prevent static pressure on these components from leading to premature failure. The device saves time, increases reliability, and reduces ambiguity in the maintenance required while the motor remains in storage.
“IEUA is constantly thinking in terms of tomorrow, and we remain committed to establishing and maintaining programs and initiatives that benefit the region and our water resources,” continued Elie.