On Monday, July 14, Cranbrook was awarded with the American Water Association Water Works award that recognizes 50 years of support for AWWA programs and goals by the city.
Public Works Director Joe McGowan accepted the AWWA Water Industry Award on behalf of the city, and mayor and council presented the award on behalf of the AWWA.
McGowan has been head of the Public Works department in Cranbrook for 16 years, beginning in May 1998.
In his position with the city, along with the direction of the Public Works department, he leads a water utilities team that is responsible for ensuring Cranbrook’s water is both clean and safe.
McGowan is a long-term board member and chair for the Environmental Operators Certification Program and champion for the development of the training registry for water utilities operators within that program.
Along with being a long-term member of the BC Water and Waste Association, an affiliated organization to the AWWA, McGowan is a proponent for the career development and effective training and associated certifications for water and wastewater operators.