FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The City of Flagstaff earned high honors at the 98th Annual AZ Water Conference, held April 16 in Phoenix by the Arizona Water Association, recognizing the city’s outstanding achievements in water infrastructure, emergency management, and sustainability.
A major highlight was the Project of the Year Award, which went to a collaborative team including Engineering Senior Lead Project Manager David Pedersen, Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, Water Production Manager Brian Huntzinger, and contractors Hunter Contracting and Jacobs Engineering. The award recognized the successful Inner Basin Waterline Restoration Project, which was substantially completed in fall 2024. The project restored drinking water access from the Inner Basin, which had been critically damaged following the 2022 Pipeline Fire and subsequent monsoonal flooding. The restoration ensured the continued flow of safe drinking water to Flagstaff residents and was acknowledged by the Flagstaff City Council this week.
In addition, Troy Dagenhart, Wastewater Treatment Manager, was named Large System Operations Supervisor of the Year for his leadership of the Wildcat Hill and Rio de Flag Water Reclamation Plants. Under his direction, both facilities earned recognition from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program, a distinction given to organizations demonstrating environmental compliance that exceeds regulatory standards.
Flagstaff’s efforts in long-term water sustainability were also honored. The city’s Water Resources and Conservation Team received the Outstanding Sustainability Award. Led by Water Resources Section Director Erin Young, Conservation Program Manager Tamara Lawless, and Water Conservation Specialist Emily Melhorn, the team has over five decades of combined experience. Their work has contributed to reducing Flagstaff’s per capita water use from a peak of 189 gallons per day in the 1980s to just 89 gallons today—a remarkable achievement attributed to the city’s decades-long conservation program.
For further details on the AZ Water Association and the 2024 award recipients, visit azwater.org. To learn more about City of Flagstaff Water Services, head to flagstaff.az.gov/waterservices.
