Orono-Veazie Water District recognized for Excellence in Water Utility Operations

ORONO, Maine — The Orono-Veazie Water District was awarded the Excellence in Water Utility Operations from the Maine Water Utilities Association during its annual February Trade Show and Conference in Augusta. 

The award was a surprise to Boyd Smith, the district’s superintendent and his team of four, who aren’t ones to sing their own praises. The district was given the award for its response last year after discovering legionella — the bacteria that causes Legionnaires Disease — in the water, Smith said. 

[Bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease found in Orono-Veazie water supply, but officials say it’s safe to drink]

“Superintendent Boyd Smith and his employees do a great job for the Orono-Veazie Water District customers,” Old Town Water District Superintendent Steven Lane said. “They undertake many projects in-house, resulting in significant savings to their rate payers. They are always willing to assist other area utilities during an emergency.” 

Smith, who has worked at the district for 26 years, said his employees are well deserving of the recognition. “They take pride in their jobs … I couldn’t do it without them.”