March 28, 2002, Topeka, KS—The Silver Faucet Award was presented by Chuck Banks, Kansas USDA Rural Development State Director, and Gary Smith, Community and Business Programs Director, to Public Wholesale Water Supply District (PWWSD) No. 11 during the banquet at the 35^th Annual Water and Wastewater Conference and Exhibition in Wichita, Kansas, on March 27, 2002. Each year USDA Rural Development presents the award to a water supply system in Kansas that truly exemplifies spirit, leadership, and dedication in providing high quality and quantity water to rural water users.

PWWSD No. 11, a.k.a. Bone Creek, was originally conceived in the 1930s as a WPA project. The present project, organized in the late 1980s, serves the following entities: Arma, Cherokee, Chicopee Cooperative, Columbus, Girard, Mulberry, West Mineral, Arcadia, Weir, Rural Water Districts #1, #2 and #6 in Crawford County and Cherokee Rural Water District #6.

The communities’ poor water quality was the driving force behind the formation of the public wholesale. Aside from the typical hard water problems, their water contained hydrogen sulfide and radium. During periods of drought, water was in short supply.

The public wholesale board recognized the existing problems and also had the foresight to anticipate the need for growth. Their solution was a surface water source.

During the ten years of bringing the project to fruition, the board was faced with many challenges. The board was able to focus on their goal of improving water quality for their individual communities despite the many disappointments they faced.

The project consisted of the construction of a 540 surface acre reservoir, treatment plant, elevated storage tank, and 87 miles of distribution line. The system is designed to accommodate the future expansion needs of many of the communities in Southeast Kansas. Total project cost at the time of completion in July 1997 was $11,076,000. The partnerships of Federal, State and Local interests ensured the success of the project.

Today, the lake serves not only as a water source, but also as a recreational area. Through funding provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, access roads and foot paths around the lake have been constructed. Boat ramps, handicap accessible fishing berms and parking lots were funded through grants provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The district purchased 300 acres of land surrounding the lake and planted nut trees to enhance wildlife habitat.

"Public Wholesale Water Supply District #11 is very deserving of the Silver Faucet Award. Their perseverance and dedication in overcoming overwhelming challenges and meeting their objective of quality and quantity water for the communities of southeast Kansas is to be commended," remarked Gary Smith.