At WaterJAM, we came together to celebrate the incredible people and organizations who make our Section and industry stronger. We honored individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, innovation, and dedication are making a lasting impact on the Virginia Section AWWA and the water industry.
Congratulations to our 2026 Award Winners!
George Warren Fuller Award
Jamie Hedges, Fairfax Water (Retired)
Herbert W. Evans, Jr. Distinguished Service Award
Josh Gelman, CDM Smith
Sherry L. Williams Leadership Award
Dawn Ray Panaguiton, Virginia Beach Public Utilities
Employer Support Award
GFT
Edward H. Reuhl Operator of the Year
Melissa Kessler, Newport News Waterworks
Outstanding Young Professional Award
Alec Pagano, Heyward
Heroism Award
Joe Shupp, Newport News Waterworks
Public Information Awards Water Awareness and Outreach: Newport News Waterworks Issues and Crisis Management: Lynchburg Water Resources Internal Communication: Western Virginia Water Authority Social Media: Upper Occoquan Service Authority (UOSA)
36th Annual Water Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo
October 5 - 7, 2026
Newport News, VA
Hosted by the Distribution Systems Committee, this traditional "hands-on" seminar is designed to provide distribution system personnel with practical information on relevant subjects. The ever-popular Utility Rodeo provides various utility-related competitive events in which participants compete against fellow utility personnel in demonstrations of skill, speed, and safety.
Come enjoy happy hour at Tradition Brewing Company in Newport News. Whether your celebrating your utility rodeo win or simply happen to be in the area, come join us for drinks, appetizers, and good company with your fellow Virginia Section AWWA members!
Imagine a Day Without Water Happy Hour
October 15, 2026 | 5-7pm
Virginia Beach, VA
What would your day look like without the water that makes our communities, businesses, and daily lives possible? Join us in Virginia Beach as celebrate Imagine a Day Without Water and come together to recognize the importance of clean, reliable water and the people who work every day to protect it. We will be there to enjoy a few drinks, apps, and a great time!
Fall Plant Operations Seminar
October 28, 2026
Blue Ridge Community College
Weyers Cave, Virginia
We hope you will join us for the annual Fall Plant Operations Seminar at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia (just south of Harrisonburg!) This is a one-day seminar is packed with plenty of opportunities for meaningful networking, professional development, and a tour of the Harrisonburg water treatment facility. This year's line up of topics include tank coatings, decanter centrifuges for solids handling, best lab practices, and more!
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to learn, network, and keep your professional development moving forward this fall.
Virginia Young Professional Summit
October 29, 2026
The Cultural Arts Center
Glen Allen, Virginia
Join the VA AWWA | VWEA Young Professionals Committee for the 2nd Annual Virginia Young Professionals (YP) Summit! This exciting event will bring together YPs from across the state to connect, learn, and grow alongside experienced leaders in the water industry and their peers. This year’s summit focuses on leadership, mentorship, and career development, offering valuable insights and interactive experiences designed to support emerging professionals.
Register by October 9th to take advantage of early bird pricing!
2nd Annual Ripple Effect Round Table: Virginia's Water Resources
November 4, 2026
The Place at Innsbrook
Glen Allen, VA
The Water Resources and Environment Committee invites you to a one-day seminar focused on the most pressing water resource issues facing our region.
This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts, engage in meaningful discussions, and network with fellow professionals in the water industry.
Topics of discussion include regional water planning, reclaimed water, data centers, planning districts, modeling, and more!
Secure your spot and be part of the ripple effect shaping Virginia's water future!
Excellence in Customer Service:
A Water Sector
Certification Training
December 3 - 4, 2026
Newport News, VA
This AWWA training goes beyond communication and customer service! Participants will also gain a foundational understanding of water treatment and utility operations, giving them a deeper appreciation for what it takes to deliver safe, high-quality water every day.
Facilitated by Jim Ginley, Primary Author of the AWWA Customer Service Training Program, this training will provide valuable skills, practical knowledge, and a fresh perspective...all while earning your AWWA Customer Service Certification.
Hear from 2nd place winner of the ACE26 Fresh Ideas Student Poster Contest on his experience presenting his research at WaterJAM and representing Virginia at ACE26.
Did you know that students can become members of the Virginia Section for FREE?!? Student membership is a great way to grow networks, expand knowledge outside of the classroom, and prepare to join the water industry upon gradation.
Applications are now open for AWWA’s Water Equation Scholarships!
In partnership with leading water companies and organizations, Water Equation offers 23 STEM scholarship opportunities with select opportunities in business, public relations, and environmental engineering to help support the next generation of water professionals.
Scholarship opportunities are available to undergraduate, graduate, and PhD candidates who are looking to advance their education and build careers that make a difference. Funding is also available for trade schools, certification programs, and community college coursework through the Water Operator Continuing Education Fund.
We hope you are able to celebrate in your community and recognize Source Water Protection Week from September 27-October 3, 2026.
Throughout the week, AWWA will be raising awareness about the importance of caring for our beautiful drinking water sources. AWWA has also curated materials and resources to help you celebrate. These resources are available to download below. Thank you for all you to do help protect our drinking water every day!
