Gainesville water plant earns state honor for 15th straight year

GAINESVILLE, Texas — The City of Gainesville’s Water Treatment Plant has earned the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Texas Optimization Program (TOP) Award for the 15th consecutive year, placing it among just 22 recognized water treatment plants across Texas. The recognition was presented to Water Treatment Plant staff at the June 17, 2026 Gainesville City Council meeting by a representative of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The TOP Award is a voluntary program that recognizes public water systems that optimize treatment processes and consistently deliver drinking water quality exceeding regulatory minimums. Of approximately 320 conventional water treatment plants operating in Texas, only 22 currently hold TOP Recognition status. To qualify, a plant must maintain stringent water quality and operational standards for 12 consecutive months. As of May 2026, Gainesville’s plant had achieved 15 years and 10 months of uninterrupted compliance. “This award reflects the dedication and professionalism our operators bring to work every day,” said Billy Burgan, Water Production Supervisor for the City of Gainesville. “Providing safe, reliable drinking water is extremely important. Earning this recognition for 15 consecutive years demonstrates our team’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards and continuously optimizing our treatment processes.” Allen McDonald, Director of Public Works, credited the plant’s culture of excellence for the sustained achievement. “Recognition at this level does not happen by accident,” McDonald said. “It is the result of hard work, attention to detail, and a culture of excellence among our staff. Our team takes pride in delivering high-quality drinking water to the residents and businesses of Gainesville.” The June 17 plaque presentation recognized the full treatment team. Staff members receiving the award included Water Production Supervisor Billy Burgan, Water Production Operators Bryan Cannon and Alan Estrada, and Water Production Operator III Ryan Faddis, along with TCEQ representative Mason Miller. The Water Treatment Plant serves thousands of customers throughout the Gainesville area and surrounding community. Residents with questions about Gainesville’s water quality or the TCEQ TOP program can contact the City’s Public Works Department at (940) 668-4500 or visit gainesville.tx.us.