Distribution Systems
The Distribution System Committee aims to promote affordable education and training and to foster professionalism and communication among those responsible for operating and maintaining distribution systems. Among its many activities, the Distribution System Committee contributes relevant articles for publication in the section magazine, Tap into Virginia.
Each October, the committee holds the highly successful Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo, which draws over 30 vendors and approximately 250 attendees. Started in 1989, this three-day conference includes the widely popular Utility Rodeo, in which individuals and teams participate in the skill-based events of Buried Treasure, Meter Challenge, Splish Splash, Hydrant Hysteria, and Rapid Tappin'. Current Rodeo Event Rules are maintained on the Distribution Rodeo web page, and as always you can contact the committee chair with any questions about the events or the committee.
In addition to the Rodeo, the Committee holds a one-day seminar in the spring that focuses on topics that are relevant to the Maintenance and Operation of a Distribution System and are geared towards field level and supervisory staff.
2026 Utility Rodeo Winners
Hydrant Hysteria (Men)
1st Place City of Virginia Beach – 1:08.50
2nd Place Prince William Water – 1:10.69
3rd Place Prince William Water (2025 Champs) – 1:14.12
Hydrant Hysteria (Women)
1st Place Prince William Water - 2:06.18
2nd Place Newport News Waterworks - 2:17.62
3rd Place Fauquier County - 2:40.09
Water Taste Tests
People's Choice - Prince William Water
Best of Virginia - City of Norfolk
Meter Challenge
1st Place Mike Sherwood, City of Virginia Beach
2nd Place Austin Sullivan, Prince William Water
3rd Place Joshua Mays, Lynchburg Water Resources
Buried Treasure
1st Place Dave Burnett, City of Virginia Beach,
2 1/4", 4:17.00
2nd Place Eli Meri, Lynchburg Water Resources,
2 3/4", 4:10.00
3rd Place Guy Bennett, Newport News Waterworks, 3 1/4", 4:49.00
Rapid Tappin'
1st Place Spotsylvania County - 1:24.28
2nd Place Prince William Water - 2:03.25
3rd Place Lynchburg Water Resources - 2:04.69
Splish Splash
1st Place David Clark, City of Virginia Beach - 0:27.47
2nd Place Billy Lane, City of Virginia Beach - 0:31.96
3rd Place Allen Slaydon, Western Virginia Water Authority - 0:32.41
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Committee Contacts
Matt Hood | Chair
Consolidated Pipe and Supply Company
Clare Wallace | Vice-Chair
LB Water
Committee Meeting Schedule
Please contact the Chair for an invitation to the online and in-person meetings.
Upcoming Committee Events