Author Archives: Idaho Rural Water Association

Nate Ward Graduates Class 2 Wastewater Apprenticeship Program through Idaho Rural Water Association

HAILEY, Idaho, Aug. 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is proud to recognize Nate Ward for graduating from the Apprenticeship Program’s Class 2 Wastewater track. His achievement was celebrated during the City of Hailey’s council meeting on August 11, 2025.

Image caption: Nate Ward is centered in the image. To his left is the Mayor of Hailey, Martha Burke, along with the city council members. To the far right is Bryson Elsworth, who is Nate’s mentor.

Nate’s graduation represents the completion of a rigorous, two-year registered apprenticeship that combines on-the-job learning with related technical instruction, designed to prepare Idaho’s next generation of skilled wastewater operators. The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes the program and supports rural utilities in building a competent, certified workforce.

“Graduates like Nate Ward are the future of Idaho’s utility workforce,” said Gary Sievers, Apprenticeship Coordinator of IRWA. “They keep our communities safe, our water clean, and our infrastructure strong. It’s a major milestone and we’re proud to celebrate his success.”

IRWA’s Apprenticeship Program was created to address workforce shortages and offer structured career paths in water and wastewater operations. Through collaborations with utilities statewide, apprentices gain practical experience while earning wages and working toward certification. IRWA’s mission is to deliver top-tier technical assistance and training, along with a strong voice representing the interests of Idaho’s water and wastewater utility systems.

For more information, visit https://www.idrwa.org/.

About Idaho Rural Water Association:

Idaho Rural Water Association Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation providing training and technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho with populations under 10,000. IRWA is currently comprised of over 365 direct member systems in Idaho. These members elect a seven-member Board of Directors that volunteer their time to govern the Association.

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Jake Slater
Apprenticeship Specialist
Idaho Rural Water Association
Phone: (208) 343-7001
Email: jslater@idrwa.org

NEWS SOURCE: Idaho Rural Water Association

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Idaho Rural Water Association), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/nate-ward-graduates-class-2-wastewater-apprenticeship-program-through-idaho-rural-water-association/

City of Castleford wins Best Tasting Water in Idaho Award

BOISE, Idaho, April 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The City of Castleford claimed the 2025 title of Idaho’s best tasting drinking water during the Idaho Rural Water Association’s (IRWA) Spring Conference on April 3, 2025. The other finalists were Rogerson Water and the City of Grace.

Image caption: Robert Dial, IRWA President with City of Castleford representative A.J. Gray.

IRWA will send a representative of the City of Castleford drinking water system to Washington D.C. with a sample of their drinking water to compete against the other states’ rural water association winners in a nationwide contest, The Great American Water Taste Test, which will take place in February 2025 as part of the Rural Water Rally.

Finalists were selected in a preliminary round. The final round was judged by a panel of experts which included Scott Short, Senior Drinking Water and Groundwater Advisor of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality; James Pratt, Disaster Recovery Circuit Rider Program Manager of the National Rural Water Association; and Noe Ramirez, Area Director of USDA Rural Development.

Judges rated each water sample based on its clarity, bouquet, and taste. Each of the judges commended the quality of water and noted the difficulty in choosing the best tasting water in the state.

The representative from the City of Castleford, AJ Gray, was honored to accept this award on behalf of the system during the Awards Banquet at Boise’s Riverside Hotel.

Idaho Rural Water Association is a non-profit association comprised of 370 water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho that primarily serve populations of 10,000 or less. IRWA’s mission is to provide technical assistance, training, and a strong representative voice for the benefit of Idaho’s drinking water and wastewater utility systems.

For more information, visit: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

NEWS SOURCE: Idaho Rural Water Association

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/city-of-castleford-wins-best-tasting-water-in-idaho-award/

IRWA recognizes USDA Rural Development with 2025 Friend of Idaho Rural Water Award

BOISE, Idaho, April 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is proud to recognize the team at USDA Rural Development as the recipient of the 2025 Friend of Rural Water award. This award was presented to USDA Rural Development representatives Noe Ramirez, Western Idaho Area Director, and Noel LaRoque, Idaho State Director, at IRWA’s annual Spring Conference Awards Banquet, held at Boise’s Riverside Hotel on April 3, 2025.

Image caption: USDA Rural Development Western Idaho Area Director Noe Ramirez, IRWA Board President Robert Dial, and USDA Rural Development Idaho State Director Noel LaRoque.

The Friend of Rural Water Award recognizes someone who provides outstanding service and exceptional contributions to further the goals of rural water in Idaho. USDA Rural Development was selected for the honor for their service, dedication, and excellence in their work for communities and public health.

Since 2012, USDA Rural Development appropriated over $415 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater facilities in Idaho. Since 2020, the agency has obligated on average, 295% of the state’s loan allocation and 328% of the state’s grant allocation.

“Because of [USDA Rural Development]’s efforts, Idaho communities have been able to thrive and grow in ways that might never have been possible otherwise,” said Shelley Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of IRWA. “Behind every dollar obligated and every project funded is a story of dedication, meticulous planning, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This team has shown us what it means to go above and beyond, to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to deliver more for the people of Idaho.”

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a non-profit association comprised of 370 water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho that primarily serve populations of 10,000 or less. IRWA’s mission is to provide technical assistance, training, and a strong representative voice for the benefit of Idaho’s drinking water and wastewater utility systems.

For more information, visit https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

NEWS SOURCE: Idaho Rural Water Association

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/irwa-recognizes-usda-rural-development-with-2025-friend-of-idaho-rural-water-award/

Idaho Governor Brad Little is Recognized as the ‘Friend of Rural Water’

BOISE, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is extremely proud to recognize and honor Governor Brad Little with its prestigious annual award, "Friend of Rural Water." Each year, the award is presented to a champion of rural water who has made a significant contribution in helping public drinking water and wastewater utility systems throughout the state. On April 4, 2024, IRWA's CEO, Shelley Roberts presented the well-deserved award to Governor Little at the IRWA annual Spring Conference Awards Dinner in Boise, Idaho.

Governor Little was acknowledged for his outstanding leadership and achievements related to water during the past few years. These include supporting tens of millions of strategic investments in long-term water projects and safe water systems for rural Idaho communities. His "Leading Idaho" initiative and recommendation to invest in Idaho resulted in an additional $115 million in water and sewer grant funds that were made available during last year's legislative session with the support of the Idaho House and Senate members.

More than two hundred projects benefited from this additional investment through infrastructure cost assistance or engineer planning studies. IRWA is especially grateful to Governor Little for recognizing the importance of clean, safe drinking water to provide all Idaho citizens; and for understanding the challenge of keeping up with regulatory requirements and the growing financial demands of maintaining dated, failing infrastructure.

About Idaho Rural Water Association

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation providing training and technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho with populations under 10,000. IRWA is comprised of over 365 direct member utility systems in Idaho. These members elect a seven-member Board of Directors that volunteer their time to govern the Association.

IRWA's mission is to provide training and technical assistance to help Idaho's rural communities deliver safe drinking water to its citizens while maintaining the high quality of life Idahoans hold so dear.

For more information, visit https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is extremely proud to recognize and honor Governor Brad Little with its prestigious annual award, "Friend of Rural Water." Each year, the award is presented to a champion of rural water who has made a significant contribution in helping public drinking water and wastewater utility systems throughout the state. On April 4, 2024, IRWA's CEO, Shelley Roberts presented the well-deserved award to Governor Little at the IRWA annual Spring Conference Awards Dinner in Boise, Idaho.

Related link: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

Idaho Wins Prestigious National Award

BOISE, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) earns the 2022 State Association of the Year Award in the Awards of Excellence competition awarded by National Rural Water Association (NRWA). IRWA has earned this prestigious award three times in the last seven years.

"We are honored to receive this prestigious award from National Rural Water Association," says Shelley Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of IRWA. "We are grateful to our members and others that support our Association so we can deliver high quality service to Idaho's rural water utilities and provide statewide training to Idaho's hard working drinking water and wastewater professionals."

The competition consists of seven categories including Outstanding Achievement in Training; On-Site Technical Assistance; Communications Publications and Public Relations; Legislative Initiatives; Member Services and the most prestigious award of State Association of the Year. Every year a five-member committee is tasked at selecting the state rural water association winners in each of these categories.

IRWA celebrates its 35th anniversary this year; a milestone that symbolizes longevity and success. Through innovation and willingness to challenge themselves to new heights, they have achieved numerous, record-breaking achievements in their 35th year.

About Idaho Rural Water Association

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation providing training and technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho with populations under 10,000. IRWA is currently comprised of over 365 direct member systems in Idaho. These members elect a seven-member Board of Directors that volunteer their time to govern the Association.

For more information, visit https://www.idahoruralwater.com/.

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) earns the 2022 State Association of the Year Award in the Awards of Excellence competition awarded by National Rural Water Association (NRWA). IRWA has earned this prestigious award three times in the last seven years.

Related link: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

Rogerson Water District wins Best Tasting Water in Idaho Award

BOISE, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- Rogerson Water District claimed the 2022 title of Idaho's best tasting drinking water during the Idaho Rural Water Association's (IRWA) Spring Conference on March 10, 2022. The other finalists were the City of American Falls, the 2021 taste test winners, and the City of Hagerman.

IRWA will send a representative of Rogerson Water District to Washington D.C. with their utility system's drinking water to compete against the other states' rural water association winners in a nationwide contest, The Great American Water Taste Test, which will take place in February 2023 as part of the Rural Water Rally.

Finalists were selected in a preliminary round. The final round was judged by a panel of experts which included Jami Delmore, Department of Environmental Quality; Johanna Bell, Association of Idaho Cities; and David Baird, Executive Board President for the National Rural Water Association.

Judges rated each water sample based on its clarity, bouquet, and taste. Each of the judges commended the quality of water and noted the difficulty in choosing the best tasting water in the state.

The representative from Rogerson Water District, A.J. Gray was honored to accept this award on behalf of the district.

This is the 2nd time Rogerson Water District will have competed at the national level. In 2014, the district was awarded the Best Tasting Water in Idaho and earned the nationally coveted silver Medal award in 2015 for the Great American Water Taste Test in Washington D.C.

Idaho Rural Water Association is a non-profit association comprised of 388 water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho that primarily serve populations of 10,000 or less. IRWA's mission is to provide technical assistance, training, and a strong representative voice for the benefit of Idaho's drinking water and wastewater utility systems.

Learn more at: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

Rogerson Water District claimed the 2022 title of Idaho's best tasting drinking water during the Idaho Rural Water Association's (IRWA) Spring Conference on March 10, 2022. The other finalists were the City of American Falls, the 2021 taste test winners, and the City of Hagerman.

Related link: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

IRWA Honors Two City of Buhl Water System Operation Specialist Apprentice Graduates

BOISE, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- Graduates of Idaho Rural Water Association's Registered Apprenticeship program will be recognized at the Buhl City Council meeting in Buhl, Idaho on February 14, 2022, at 7 p.m. The two city of Buhl residents, Colton Alvey and Garrett Williams are the 2nd and 3rd apprentices in the state to graduate from IRWA's Apprenticeship Program. They will be awarded their Certificates of Completion of Apprenticeship for the occupation of Water System Operation Specialist.

Idaho Rural Water Association was the 5th rural water association in the nation to adopt and register their apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor, office of Apprenticeship.

Gary Sievers, Apprenticeship coordinator for the Idaho Rural Water Association stated, "The IRWA Apprenticeship Program is now able to reach all corners of the great state of Idaho. We currently have nearly 30 participants. Colton and Garrett were two of our first round of apprentices. Due to Colton and Garrett, we have been able to learn a lot about how to improve the overall program and make it more available to others. Their efforts have paved the way for many others."

Colton and Garrett have worked for the city of Buhl throughout their apprenticeships. AJ Gray, city of Buhl Water System Operation Specialist and IRWA Board Member, has served as their primary mentor. After graduation, Colton Alvey plans to continue working for the city of Buhl as a Water Systems Operation Specialist. He will be testing for his level 2 license in Water Treatment and Distribution and is enjoying gaining new experience in the wastewater field. Garrett Williams is embarking on a new adventure. He has enlisted in the army and is currently in basic training.

More information about the Idaho Rural Water Association's Apprenticeship program can be found on the IRWA website https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

About Idaho Rural Water Association

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation providing training and technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho with populations under 10,000. IRWA is currently comprised of over 355 direct member systems in Idaho. These members elect a seven-member Board of Directors that volunteer their time to govern the Association.

Graduates of Idaho Rural Water Association's Registered Apprenticeship program will be recognized at the Buhl City Council meeting in Buhl, Idaho on February 14, 2022, at 7 p.m. The two city of Buhl residents, Colton Alvey and Garrett Williams are the 2nd and 3rd apprentices in the state to graduate from IRWA's Apprenticeship Program.

Related link: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

National Rural Water Association presents Idaho Rural Water Association with the 2020 State Association of the Year Award

BOISE, Idaho /ScoopCloud/ -- Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) earns the 2020 State Association of the Year Award in the Awards of Excellence competition awarded by National Rural Water Association (NRWA). This is the second time IRWA has earned this award since its incorporation in Idaho in 1987.

The competition consists of seven categories including Outstanding Achievement in Training; On-Site Technical Assistance; Communications Publications and Public Relations; Legislative Initiatives; Member Services and the most prestigious award of State Association of the Year.

Every year a five-member committee is tasked at selecting the state rural water association winners in each of these categories.

"We are honored to receive this prestigious award from National Rural Water Association," says Shelley Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of IRWA. "We are grateful to our members and others that support our Association so we can deliver high quality service to Idaho's rural water utilities and provide statewide training to Idaho's hard working drinking water and wastewater professionals."

About Idaho Rural Water Association

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation providing training and technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho with populations under 10,000. IRWA is currently comprised of over 365 direct member systems in Idaho. These members elect a seven-member Board of Directors that volunteer their time to govern the Association.

For more information, visit: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/

Media Contact:
Carrie Gilstrap
IRWA Membership & Marketing Coordinator
cgilstrap@idahoruralwater.com
208.343.7001

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) earns the 2020 State Association of the Year Award in the Awards of Excellence competition awarded by National Rural Water Association (NRWA). This is the second time IRWA has earned this award since its incorporation in Idaho in 1987.

Related link: https://www.idahoruralwater.com/