Congratulations to Mike Popko, our Superintendent of Water Facilities, for receiving the Massachusetts Water Works Association's 2020 Water Works Pride Award! The award recognizes individuals that go above and beyond to make a difference in the water profession.

Mike is widely known as a reliable, positive, and integral member of the staff at West Parish Filters Water Treatment Plant. He holds Treatment 3-Operator-in-Training and Distribution licenses and maintains CDL-Class B and hoisting licenses as well. Mike joined the Commission 14 years ago and has professionally advanced through numerous positions, including Foreman, before becoming Superintendent of Water Facilities.

Mike's knowledge of the filtration and mechanical components of the plant are especially valuable, and he is always able and willing to jump in to fix sudden or unexpected problems. Last spring, when a key actuator in the filter backwash process failed in the middle of the night, Mike led his staff to find a working solution before on-call contractors could even arrive to help. The fix was critical to keeping the filtration process running smoothly until a new actuator could be procured.

Congratulations Mike, we are proud and grateful to have you on the team!