Debbie Rannfeldt has been a tireless champion of water conservation and education for 19 years. As a former commissioner of Woodinville Water District I counted on Debbie to lead the District and region in these issues. She was on the cutting edge of water conservation as the concept was developing in the Pacific NW.

Debbie is dedicated to environmental stewardship and cares that the community understand why they are asked to take certain water-saving steps. A clear speaker and willing presenter at numerous regional forums, Debbie made sure she prepared facts in a clear, logical manner so that her suggestions and ideas could be implemented, not just studied. She is a tremendous asset to the District and the entire water industry. I highly recommend Debbie for the Mercer Water Conservation Educator Award.

-Gwenn Maxfield, General Manager, Covington Water District

Debbie has been a real crusader for water efficiency over many years. She's constantly on the lookout to save water and help reduce the bills of residential and commercial customers. Her dedication goes beyond just customer service. She knows the value of youth education to instill a savings ethic and make a long-term investment in a whole "new" generation of young people. Her frequent outreach with schools, festivals, and youth groups over the years leaves an enduring testimony to this dedication.

-Al Dietemann, Regional 1% Water Conservation Program Lead, Seattle Public Utilities

I enthusiastically recommend Debbie Rannfeldt from the Woodinville Water District as this year's award recipient. Debbie is an avid supporter of education in our community, working to foster connections between schools, businesses and public agencies to create a sustainable culture in the Puget Sound area. Debbie has been a long-time sponsor and partner of the Water Education programs in her service area, making it possible for students to learn about watershed issues and apply solutions. She is one of the most collaborative, easy-going, yet efficient and effective partners I have worked with. She is dedicated and passionate about her job, diligently putting her mind and heart into it despite some personal hardships (losing her husband to cancer). She has been effective in spreading water education through her professional network. This has enabled thousands of students and adults in our community to understand and appreciate our precious water resources. Debbie deserves this award and a public display of support for her wonderful work in enhancing our ecosytem.

-Clay Heilman, Nature Vision

I have known Debbie since 1991. She stepped up and brought real insight into the value of education and helped to grow a generation of people who value their environment and are willing to support it. It has been a joy to work with her in the area of educating customers and youth through our regional programs.

-Barbara Sullivan, City of Redmond

I joined Woodinville Water District as General Manager in 1991. Debbie reported directly to me. I was engaged in water supply issues, and I knew we needed to get more aggressive with respect to water conservation. WWD was one of the first utilities in the region to go with tiered rates, and also to promote water conservation. Debbie's work on the conservation campaign made me see the need for a new position at WWD, so a job was created and she filled the bill. She has a natural ability to work with people. She is very pleasant and creative. Her campaigns have addressed low-flush toilets, showerheads, and landscape irrigation. She oversaw WWD's first garden with native shrurbs. She continues to do a great job. She's been involved with the Pacific Northwest Section of AWWA and a regional watershed festival on a regular basis. She has been environmentally conscious since long before the "green" fad came. She very much deserves recognition.

-Bob Bandarra, Former General Manager, Woodinville Water District