DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne Utilities wastewater facility has captured a Plant Excellence Award for last year’s operating performance; the award was presented at the Alabama Water Environment Association’s annual meeting.

Just last July the utility was named to the Wall Street Journal’s 2009 Top 35 Small Workplaces in America. A month later, The Alabama Water and Pollution Control Association bestowed two of its top annual awards.

The water and sewer system won Best Operated Plant Awards for both ground water quality at its Central Plant Facility and wastewater treatment at the Daphne Water Reclamation Facility.

The association is a non-profit, educational and technical organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and managing Alabama’s waters since 1977. It is a statewide organization arm of the National Water Environment Association.

“We’re very honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Rob McElroy, general manager. “Not only because AWEA is a highly respected organization, but it is only given with the endorsement of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.”

To win the award, the association inspected Daphne’s wastewater treatment plant and all regulatory paperwork.

“We are very proud of this honor as it recognizes our employees’ commitment to operating our wastewater treatment facility in the most efficient and the most environmentally responsible manner possible,” McElroy said.