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RWA Water Quality Manager Tom Barger Awarded Prestigious AWWA Fuller Award

May 30, 2025

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — May 30, 2025 — The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) is proud to announce that Water Quality Manager Tom Barger received the prestigious George Warren Fuller Award on May 22 at the Annual Conference of the Connecticut Section of the American Water Works Association (CT AWWA).

In conferring the award, the CT AWWA recognized Barger’s outstanding contributions to the water industry and his unwavering commitment to public health and water quality for customers of the RWA and other water utilities.

With a career spanning more than 40 years, Barger has been a transformative leader in Connecticut’s water community and a tireless advocate for safe, sustainable water systems. His leadership within the CT AWWA — including roles as Chair, National Director and Water Utility Council Chair — has helped shape water policy and regulation across the state.

“This award is a testament to Tom’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the water industry as a guardian of water quality,” said Sunny Lakshminarayanan, the RWA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. “His leadership has strengthened our water systems, improved public health protections and inspired a generation of water professionals. Tom’s colleagues at the RWA are pleased to join industry leaders in congratulating him on his achievements and for being honored with the George Warren Fuller Award.”

Barger’s influence extends nationally through his service on the AWWA Board of Directors and his involvement in the Water2050 workgroup, where he is helping to chart a sustainable future for water management in the United States.

In Connecticut, Barger has led critical emergency preparedness efforts as Chair of the Connecticut Water/Alert Response Network for 12 years. He also contributes to the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Legionella workgroup and serves on the Yale New Haven Health Water Management Committee, where his expertise supports the development of policies that protect patient health.

In the community, Barger has worked closely with the City of New Haven through the Environmental Council, Health Department, Board of Education and Lead Task Force, helping to address local water challenges and promote stronger environmental health standards.

The George Warren Fuller Award, established in 1937, is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated distinguished service to the water supply field. Barger joins a distinguished group of professionals whose work has advanced the science and practice of water management.

For more information about the George Warren Fuller Award, visit https://www.awwa.org/award/george-warren-fuller-award.

Photo: AWWA President Cheryl Porter affixes the Fuller Award pin to RWA Water Quality Manager Tom Barger's lapel at the annual conference of the American Water Works Connecticut Section on May 22.