BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton’s drinking water system has earned statewide recognition again, with the City’s Utility Services Department receiving the 2025 Outstanding Water Distribution System Award from the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association.
The award was presented at the Florida Section AWWA Conference in Orlando and is meant to recognize drinking water systems that show strong performance in areas that affect residents every day, from water quality and maintenance to safety planning and emergency preparedness. The recognition also considers staff professionalism, public outreach, and cross-connection control programs.
For Boca Raton, the award is another marker for a system that operates largely out of public view but touches nearly every home and business in the city. The Utility Services Department treats and delivers about 34 million gallons of drinking water each day to roughly 150,000 people, supported by more than 740 miles of water pipes and related infrastructure serving residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the community.
City officials said the award reflects consistent performance over time. Boca Raton’s Utility Services Department has now earned the honor three times in six years, a repeat showing that the city’s operations met the standards across multiple years, not just one strong stretch.
“This award recognizes the incredible work our team does every single day to make sure our community has safe, dependable, high-quality drinking water,” said Chris Helfrich, Utility Services Director. “From routine maintenance to emergency response, our staff takes great pride in protecting public health and delivering a service that residents can trust every time they turn on the faucet.”
The Florida Section of the American Water Works Association recognizes systems selected from both public and private utilities across the state. The City said Boca Raton stood out for operational performance and its overall commitment to protecting public health.
The American Water Works Association is described as an international, scientific, and educational organization focused on improving public health, protecting the environment, strengthening the water sector, and supporting safe, sustainable drinking water for communities. The Florida Section was established in 1926 and represents water professionals across the state.
For residents, the practical takeaway is straightforward: the pipes, crews, and systems responsible for keeping water reliable day after day were evaluated across multiple categories tied to safety and readiness, and the city’s program ranked among the state’s best. The work that wins awards is not a single moment. It is daily inspections, routine maintenance, cross-connection control, and the ability to respond when something breaks or conditions change.
The City of Boca Raton congratulated the Utility Services Department on the recognition and thanked employees for their continued work supporting the city’s health and safety, along with environmental stewardship.
Source: City of Boca Raton / Florida Section American Water Works Association (FSAWWA)
