Living Water Award
NAWC members are dedicated professionals, innovative thinkers, inspiring leaders and engaged environmentalists. NAWC’s Living Water Award honors the contributions of these exceptional individuals who display commitment to company, colleagues, community and the environment.
Check out the incredible people in the water and wastewater industry who were nominated by their colleagues to receive the 2025 Living Water Award.
2024 Living Water Award Winner
John “Kani” Kadowaki
During the Lahaina Fire in August 2023, Kani led a small team to ensure a safe, reliable water supply. Despite numerous challenges, Kani coordinated operations to provide water to firefighters, hotels, trapped tourists, and displaced locals. His leadership ensured that the Ka’anapali and Kapalua service areas avoided boil water advisories and outages, crucial for containing the fire. Even though he and his team were personally affected, Kani stayed positive, motivating his team to keep the water system operational and safe, reflecting his deep commitment to his community.
2025 Living Water Award Nominees
Theo Deleon and Jason Sapp
Operations Manager and Utility Worker II – Peoples Water Service Company of Florida, Inc.
Kelvin Ip Poon and Alauddin Mussa
IT Security Analyst and Intermediate Engineering Clerk – California Water Service
Joe Pearce and Lauren Raup-Plummer
Vice President of Emerging Contaminants and North Carolina Engineering Manager – Aqua North Carolina
Nominate a colleague
Nominate a colleague
Living Water Award recipients represent the best of the regulated water industry, specifically employees at NAWC member companies for work done well beyond their current job responsibilities. Some examples may include:
- Step up in a time of crisis or in an emergency
- Elevate environmental stewardship or community commitment
- Advance industry innovation that benefits customers
Nominate a colleague for the Living Water Award today.