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News & Updates
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District Manager Certification
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District Manager first in Kansas to achieve certification in Utility Management
Hillsdale, KS, December 23, 2010: Gerald Bennett, General Manager of Rural Water District No. 2, Miami County,
is the first rural water manager in Kansas to achieve new certification in Utility Management through Water University.
Water University is a program available through the auspices of the National Rural Water Association, which provides
training and technical assistance through its affiliates such as the Kansas Rural Water Association which facilitates
the certification program.
Bennett has been manager of RWD 2 since 1991. The district serves nearly 3600
metered customers in Miami, Johnson and Franklin counties, as well as, six municipal and rural water wholesale
customers; the district operates a 6.6 mgd treatment plant at Hillsdale Reservoir. Bennett has been previously
recognized for his work proficiency, as he was the recipient of the 1994 Manager of the Year Award by the Kansas
Rural Water Association. He has also worked as City Manager for LaCrosse, KS and instructor of environmental technology
for Dodge City Community College. He earned a bachelor degree from Friends University; he presently holds Class IV
certification in both water and wastewater treatment with the State of Kansas. He has maintained his dual
certifications by continuing to meet the training requirements established by the state.
“This certification is recognition that Jerry has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the water industry,
attained through years of experience and hours of training,” said Elmer Ronnebaum, General Manager of Kansas Rural
Water Association. “Today, the water and wastewater industry is more complex than ever before. Economics, increased
complexity in regulatory requirements and a changing society are crafting the water and wastewater systems of tomorrow.
As the industry changes, there is a strong need to recognize the individuals who provide leadership to the industry and
create a standard for the future,” Ronnebaum said.
The Water University certification program is designed to recognize the professional
educational achievements of individuals and to market their achievements
and skills to increase the value of today's water professionals. Water
University certification requires a high level of training and completion
of a specialized test. The specialized test requires the applicant to
demonstrate the ability and understanding of all aspects of utility
management including managerial, financial and technical capacities.
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