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Dave Neiman Source
columns

Water Protection Award

E
Mike Strodtman, MRWA Source Water Protection Specialist

Every year the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA)
jointly recognize public water systems who demonstrate outstanding commitment to protecting their
drinking water source. The winner and finalists are announced at the Minnesota Rural Water Conference
and are presented a Governor-signed certificate in their hometowns.

Beginning in 2021, the awards will be renamed the “Dave Neiman Source Water Protection Awards” to
celebrate and commemorate the contributions that Dave Neiman made to source water protection in
Minnesota over the course of his career.
If you’ve developed a Wellhead Protection Plan or worked on Wellhead Protection Implementation
efforts there is a good chance you either knew Dave Neiman personally or materials you utilized were
influenced by him. Dave joined MRWA in 1995 and graciously shared his knowledge and passion for
the protection of drinking water. If you had the chance to hear him speak, you probably remember
his unique ability to articulate what he was saying in a slow and methodical means to bring clear and
concise understanding of any subject.

Bruce Olsen, former MDH SWP Unit Supervisor said of Dave,
“Dave is one of the pioneers involved with developing the
wellhead protection program and has greatly helped MDH
staff determine the role that planners have in preparing and
implementing wellhead protection plans. Dave is responsible
for developing the roles that MRWA plays in protecting public
sources of drinking water and was instrumental in helping the
MDH assess the practicality of state wellhead regulations as they
were being developed. The people of Minnesota owe a debt of
gratitude to Dave for his devotion to drinking water protection
and for the countless hours that he has contributed to helping
public water suppliers protect everyone’s drinking water.”

In March of 2020, Dave passed away. He will greatly be missed, although his love and passion for the
environment and the importance of source water protection will live on through the Dave Neiman Source
Water Protection Awards. Dave has left an amazing legacy and his efforts will continue to influence the
future of source water protection.

Do you know a public water supply system, individual, or organization who has shown the
following?
Long term demonstration of commitment and efforts to the protection of a source of drinking
water.
Initiative shown by the nominee to protect or improve the source of drinking water.
Leadership exhibited by the nominee through their ability to get the job done.
Results of activities completed which led to the improvement or protection of their source of
drinking water.
Sharing the successful results achieved with Source Water Protection efforts.
Two winners will be selected for their excellent Source Water Protection efforts. One for a water system
who serves a population greater than 1,000 and the other for a water system who serves a population
less than a 1,000.

We would love to hear from you if you are either involved in, or aware of a project to protect source
water resources that deserves recognition! Award nomination forms will be available in the upcoming
months, watch this magazine and MRWA’s website for the nomination form!

22 MRWA TODAY S WINTER 2021