Living Water Award 2026 Nominee

Andrew Kennell

Water Treatment Technician 2, Texas Water Company, part of H2O America

Andrew, a Water Treatment Technician 2 with Texas Water Company, is nominated for his rapid, disciplined and courageous response during a life-threatening chlorine gas emergency. Upon arriving at a well site, Andrew immediately detected the odor of chlorine gas. Following his training precisely, he donned fit-tested respiratory protection, initiated ventilation and confirmed the leak. He swiftly coordinated a 9-1-1 response, providing early, highly accurate information that allowed emergency responders to prepare before arrival and helped local police establish safety perimeters and shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents. Andrew then went above and beyond by working directly with emergency crews to safely isolate the system and shut off the valve on the leaking chlorine cylinder, successfully protecting public safety and his fellow responders.