An AE2S engineer can add “Water Hero” to his resume after receiving a prestigious national award from the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Scott Schaefer, AE2S Wastewater Practice Leader, is among a group of 18 water industry professionals who serve on the WEF Waterborne Infectious Disease Outbreak Control (WIDOC) subcommittee. The group provided critical information to water utilities and the water industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Water Environment Federation is extremely proud to honor the incredible contributions of these individuals and organizations in protecting one of the world’s most valuable resources and contributing to their communities,” said Jackie Jarrell, WEF President.

The Water Heroes Award recognizes individuals or municipalities who performed duties above and beyond the usual call of duty during an emergency to continue to protect the public and the environment. The awards ceremony was held virtually on October 7, as part of the annual WEFTEC water quality technical conference.

Schaefer is the current chair of WEF’s Disinfection and Public Health committee and directly contributed to the following COVID-19 response materials published by WEF, as well as working closely with WEF staff to coordinate the response:

• Water Professionals Guide to COVID-19 & Update
• Words on Water Podcast #128: Coronavirus and Water Treatment
• COVID-19 Webcast
• Several related peer-reviewed publications

“I am honored serve on a committee of such talented and dedicated professionals in support of WEF. We worked diligently to provide timely information to utility staff and the water industry as a whole related to best practices for COVID-19,” says Schaefer. “It’s wonderful to be recognized for our contributions. We will keep working to provide the most up-to-date information for WEF to disseminate as more is learned about the coronavirus.”

“AE2S thanks Scott for contributing to the water industry is such a meaningful way during this global crisis. We are fortunate to have such a committed nationally-recognized COVID-19 expert as part of our team,” says Grant Meyer, AE2S CEO.