Dave Dollinger Water Operator of the Year

     Dave Dollinger, Public Works Superintenedent for the City of Toluca  is named Water Operator of the Year from the Illinois Rural Water Association. On Tuesday, February 16, 2010 the Illinois Rural Water Association, the state’s largest rural utility association, selected Dave Dollinger as their “Water operator of the Year” at the 28th Annual Technical Conference in Effingham. The Illinois Rural Water Association’s Water Operator of the Year Award is given to an individual dedicated to the water industry. This person must be a selfless individual who gives back to the industry by furthering the goals and objectives of the operations and maintenance of the water treatment and/or distribution system. This accurately describes Dave, said Frank Dunmire, Executive Director of the Illinois Rural Water Association. “Dave has shown himself to be truly committed to furthering the professionalism of the Water Treatment and Distribution Industry by helping to insure a safe portable supply of water to the customers of the Village of Toluca.”  Mr. Dunmire continued, “Dave goes above and beyond to make sure their customers have a safe and protected supply of water for today and the future.”  The Illinois Rural Water Association is a private, not for porfit association of small water and wastewater systems, and is dedicated to training and technical assistance to those individuals who work in the water and wastewater industry. Dave has worked for the City of Toluca since 1991 and has worked as Public Works Superintendent for the past 21 years. Dave stated that in October Chuck Woodworth, Circuit Rider for IRWA on his monthly visit to Toluca told Dave he would like to nomiate him for Operator of the Year. Then in November Frank Dunmire, Executive Director, Wayne Nelson, EPA Training Specialist and Mark Mitchell, USDA Source Water Specialist came to Toluca and interviewed Dave. Dave stated he never gave the nomiation much thought after the interview and when his name was announced as the Water Operator of the Year he was shocked. Mayor Hank Zilm was thrilled that Dave won this award and was recognized for his outstanding work to the city of Toluca. Mayor Zilm, city council and the community has always recognized and appreciates all the hard work Dave has done for Toluca. Congratulations Dave. After Dave won Water Operator of the Award Toluca was announced as the Runner Up Water Plant of the Year and Dave accepted this award for the Toluca. The Illinois Rural Water Association’s Runner Up Plant of the Year award is given to a water system dedicated to managing their facilities to the highest of industry standards. This award must meet the strictest industry standards in appearance, record keeping, compliance and consistency of operations. “This really describes the Village of Toluca,” said Frank Dunmire, Executive Director. “Toluca has met or exceeded all compliance standards, and is managed, maintained and operated to the highest of industry standards.