​The Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBCWUD) was recognized Tuesday with the 2018 Division 8 Water Distribution System Award, as the best large water distribution system in the state, by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association.

The honor is based upon water quality, operational efficiency, system maintenance, professionalism, safety standards, emergency preparedness and cross-connection programs. The Division 8 award is given to a system that maintains a minimum of 130,000 connections.

"This award is a recognition of the hard work performed every day by our State-certified field staff," said PBCWUD Director Jim Stiles in accepting the award. "They ensure that high-quality water, that meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements, is delivered to our resident's homes and businesses whenever it is needed."

PBCWUD serves nearly 600,000 County residents across more than 193,000 connections. PBCWUD's service area covers more than 1,300 square miles, with 2,456 linear miles of pipe in the water distribution system.

PBCWUD also garnered the Division 8 Water Distribution System Award in 2011.

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