The American Water Works Association-Chesapeake Section has named Artesian Lead Water Operator Beth Hamilton as the latest recipient of its Operator of the Year Award, citing Hamilton for her consistent contributions and developments that have improved the quality and supply of water in the Chesapeake Region. Hamilton has more than 26 years of experience as an operator in the water/wastewater field.

Gary Geck, Board Member and Chair of the Chesapeake Section of the American Water Works Association, ...

Gary Geck, Board Member and Chair of the Chesapeake Section of the American Water Works Association, Inc. (CSAWWA), left, and Beth Hamilton of Artesian Water Company (Photo: Business Wire)

Hamilton, the first woman to receive the award, supported the implementation of a new decant system, which drastically reduced the amount of backwash water being sent to waste, thus optimizing water treatment processes and saving sewer fees. She also assisted in the protection of the Artesian Port Deposit water system infrastructure when the town experienced severe flooding last year as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

"Beth has helped modernize Artesian's Port Deposit Water Treatment Plant, to cut costs and increase efficiency," said Manager of Maryland Water Operations Mark Kondelis. "Even when the town was under an evacuation order due to rising flood waters last fall, Beth remained dedicated to ensuring the local water tank was full and the facility was secure."

About Artesian

Artesian Resources Corporation (NASDAQ: ARTNA) operates as the holding company of eight wholly-owned subsidiaries offering water, wastewater and other services on the Delmarva Peninsula. Artesian Water Company, the principal subsidiary, is the oldest and largest investor-owned public water utility on the Delmarva Peninsula and has been providing superior water service since 1905. Artesian Water Maryland, Inc. began operations in August 2007 and now has water service franchise areas stretching from the Susquehanna River to the Delaware state line along Cecil County, Maryland's designated I-95/Route 40 growth corridor.

American Water Work Association-Chesapeake Section

The American Water Works Association-Chesapeake Section is dedicated to the promotion of public health and welfare by assuring drinking water of unquestionable quality and sufficient quantity in the Chesapeake Section region of Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The Chesapeake Section provides its members a regional forum to advance the technology, science and government policies of the drinking water industry's role in stewardship of water resources.

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Tipton Communications (for Artesian Resources)
Dan Tipton, 302-454-7901
dan@tiptoncommunications.com