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 2026 Living Water Award.
2026 Living Water Award Winner
Christopher Retty
Chris, Senior Manager of Production Support for Veolia Water New Jersey, is nominated for his extraordinary heroism and selfless dedication during a major regional crisis. On the evening of July 4th, a catastrophic storm knocked out power to the critical Haworth Water Treatment Plant, which serves nearly 900,000 residents. Abandoning his planned vacation, Chris drove through dangerous, storm-ravaged conditions—navigating downed power lines, fallen trees and torrential rain—to reach the plant. Leveraging his deep technical expertise, he manually engaged the backup generators and carefully guided the 200 MGD plant back online. Chris worked through the night to secure the system, ensuring safe, uninterrupted drinking water for the community and successfully protecting the water infrastructure needed to host a high-profile World Cup game the very next day.
2026 Living Water Award Nominees
Shawn Bunting
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Business Development – California Water Service Group
Adam Collins, John Lulewicz, and Rick Kilborn
Director of Engineering, Associate Director of Operations, and Associate Director of Operations – EPCOR
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.