LAKE WALES – City staff in the public works division were recognized with two state awards for best practices in water and wastewater operations, according to a press release from City of Lake Wales:
The Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) recognized staff with the FRWA Small Public Water System of the Year Award for their outstanding service to their customers and accomplishments in 2025.
“It’s a priority to us that we consistently practice efficient water management,” Holly Brit, utilities operations manager said.
Continuing the winning streak, Doug Riesenback, systems technician was awarded the Florida Water & Pollution Control Operators Association’s Raymond Bordner Award. Riesenback was recognized for his tenure with the City of Lake Wales, and his outstanding personal performance and high level of skill in the operation and maintenance of water systems operations.
“Both awards are a nice complement to the work we do, especially while we’re in the process of replacing the aging headworks at our wastewater facility which was installed 30 years ago,” Sarah Kirkland, director of public works said.
The new headworks is projected to increase efficiency by about 25%.
