Thanks to New England Water Works Association for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.
HOLLISTON, Mass. – Dedham-Westwood Water District recently received the 2025 Distinguished Public Involvement Award from the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA), the region’s largest and oldest not-for-profit organization of water works professionals.
The Distinguished Public Involvement Award recognizes individuals or organizations who have created or expanded a public education or information program about drinking water; developed public policy to conserve, nurture, protect, or improve public drinking water supplies; or made a significant effort to share programs as described.
The Dedham-Westwood Water District was recognized for its exemplary leadership in public education and community engagement. Through a focused and innovative outreach campaign, Dedham-Westwood Water District reduced public-side unknown service lines by 94 percent. The District engaged residents through instructional videos, web tools, GIS self-reporting, public notices, and community events. The District distributed project kits that helped with determining water service line material. These efforts not only built public trust and awareness, but also positioned the District to meet emerging regulatory requirements with confidence.
“I am exceptionally proud of our team at the District,” stated Executive Director Blake Lukis. “The water service line inventory project has presented considerable challenges, and the dedication of every team member has been instrumental to our success.”
Dedham-Westwood Water District was recognized with this award on December 17, 2025, during NEWWA’s December Membership Meeting in Quincy, MA. Executive Director Blake Lukis and Communications Coordinator Allyssa Lane accepted the award.
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Wow, thank you for that comprehensive explanation of this issue. public hearings before the suit was filed could have gone a long way toward avoiding this controversy and the distrust in our leaders it has sown.
Glad you found the article informative! Appreciate the positive feedback!
Congratulations, Erin, for not only raising these important issues regarding the town's lawsuit but taking action like the petition to force the town to give it's residents a chance to ask questions in a public forum. The overwhelming success of the petition augurs well for the special town meeting.
As a 'Community Member' we didn't receive any survey. Either via mail or email.
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