Lewisville, Texas -- Upper Trinity Regional Water District (Upper Trinity) is proud to announce several prestigious awards and professional recognitions received during the first half of 2026, highlighting the District's commitment to operational excellence across its water and wastewater services.
Aaron Legako was honored with the "Bill Tatum" Operations Excellence Award from the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT), a leading professional organization supporting water quality professionals across Texas through training, certification, and recognition programs. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in wastewater operations and acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and dedication to maintaining high standards in facility operations.
Ben Hodges received WEAT's "John Bennett" Water Utility Professional Award, presented to individuals who exemplify professionalism, leadership, and significant contributions to the water utility industry, reflecting a commitment to advancing the profession and serving the community.
Joe Thompson was featured as a "Featured Operations Supervisor" in Treatment Plant Operator Magazine, a national publication dedicated to water and wastewater professionals. This recognition highlights Joe's leadership, operational expertise, and the critical role he plays in ensuring efficient and reliable treatment plant performance.
Upper Trinity is also proud to announce that all four of its water reclamation facilities have earned another consecutive year of the Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the leading national organization advocating for clean water utilities, in recognition of outstanding treatment performance and 100% compliance with environmental permit requirements. This achievement reflects years of sustained operational excellence across the district's wastewater system:
Lakeview WRP (Lake Dallas): Platinum – 27 Years
Peninsula WRP (Aubrey): Platinum – 22 Years
Riverbend WRP (Paloma Creek): Platinum – 18 Years
Doe Branch WRP: Platinum – 10 Years
Additionally, the Texas Water Utilities Association (TWUA), which represents water utilities across the state, selected Upper Trinity for its 2026 "Best Tasting Water" Award at the regional level — the second consecutive year the district has earned this recognition for best-tasting surface water in the region. This honor advances Upper Trinity to compete for the same title at the state level in July.
"These recognitions are a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of our team," said Larry N. Patterson, Executive Director of Upper Trinity. " Aaron, Ben, Joe, and all of our hardworking operators represent the highest standards of professionalism and operational excellence. Their achievements not only reflect their individual commitment but also reinforce Upper Trinity's mission to provide reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services to our communities."
These honors collectively underscore Upper Trinity's continued commitment to excellence across all facets of water and wastewater operations, and its investment in developing industry-leading professionals and maintaining world-class facilities.
About UTRWD
Upper Trinity is a regional water district created by the Texas Legislature in 1989 for the benefit of cities and utilities in the Denton County area. Its mandate is to develop regional plans for water services, and to provide both water and wastewater services on a wholesale basis to cities and utilities within its service area, including all of Denton County and portions of Dallas and Collin Counties. Upper Trinity is a leader in public education regarding water conservation and water quality protection, and regularly conducts programs concerning drought tolerant landscape techniques, landscape practices and more efficient water use.
