Department of Health Commitment to Excellence Award

Back to Announcements

District Water Treatment Plant Operator Kevin Cook Receives 2023 DOH Commitment to Excellence Award

During last night’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District (District) Board of Commissioners (Board), representatives of the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) presented District water treatment plant operator Kevin Cook with DOH’s 2023 Commitment to Excellence award. The Commitment to Excellence award recognizes individuals in the drinking water industry “who continuously strive for excellence in providing safe and reliable drinking water.”

In receiving the award, Mr. Cook was recognized for diligently and proactively operating and maintaining the District’s three Group A public water systems since his 2009 appointment to the position. Through Mr. Cook’s management, the District’s South Shore water system treatment plant, which serves Geneva and Sudden Valley, has received DOH’s Treatment Optimization Program (TOP) award a record 21

LWWSD Water Treatment Plant Operator Kevin Cook accepts the Commitment to Excellence Award from Washington State Department of Health representatives.

consecutive years. In addition, his implementation of the District’s Water Use Efficiency program has resulted in a downward trend in annual water consumption over his 14-year tenure, despite system customer growth.

“District staff take seriously our obligation to provide a constant supply of safe, clean drinking water,” said general manager Justin Clary. “Kevin’s receipt of the Commitment to Excellence award exemplifies his hard work and diligence in ensuring both compliance with all regulations and meeting the expectations of our valued customers.”