Nomination Request for the 2026 Operator of the Year Award for Personnel of Tribal Water/Wastewater Systems
Have you noticed a dedicated water/wastewater operator working in Indian Country who:
- Goes above and beyond assigned job duties?
- Lends support to co-workers or staff members?
- Provides assistance to another utility?
- Volunteers within the community?
- Consistently goes the extra mile?
Here is your chance to recognize and celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of Tribal water and wastewater personnel who safeguard public health and the environment. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA), through its National Tribal Water Systems Programs, is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Operator of the Year Award, honoring outstanding professionals serving Tribal communities across Indian Country.
A committee of volunteer Tribal water and wastewater operators will review the nominations and select the recipient of the 2026 Operator of the Year Award. All nominees and the selected winner will be announced and formally recognized at the Awards Ceremony on September 18, 2026, held during the National Tribal Water Utilities Workgroup Meeting.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for nomination:
- The nominee must currently work at a Tribal water or wastewater system serving fewer than 5,501 people.
- The system must be located on Federal Trust Tribal lands (Indian reservations) within the ITCA National Tribal Water Systems Programs service area, which includes United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regions 5 through 10.
- A utility manager may be nominated if they consistently perform the day-to-day operations and maintenance duties of a small, rural Tribal water or wastewater system.
Nominations that do not meet the eligibility criteria may be determined ineligible during the pre-screening process.
Nomination Deadline: July 10, 2026
How to Nominate an Operator
Complete the attached Nomination Form and return it to ITCA by one of the following methods:
Email: TWSInfo@itcaonline.com
Fax: (602) 258-4825, or
Mail: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
NATIONAL TRIBAL WATER SYSTEMS PROGRAMS
Attention: Anisa Flores
2214 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Click Here: 2026 Operator of the Year Nomination Packet
Click Here: USEPA Regional Map
