Palm Coast utility team wins 13th 'Top Ops' title

Palm Coast Utility Department’s national-champion “Water Buoys” team won its 13th Top Ops State Championship, winning the title after a hard-fought contest against two other water treatment teams from around Florida, according to a city media release.

Team members Fred Greiner, Tom Martens, Robert Nelson and Peter Roussell (coach) correctly answered more questions than any other team competing at the annual Florida Water Resource Conference (FWRC) in Tampa. FWRC is a joint conference of the American Water Works Association, The Florida Water Environment Association and the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association. 

Questions in this competition covered a broad range of operational topics including basic science, chemistry, hydrology, water distribution, public health and sanitation, plant maintenance, safety and process control. The annual contest recognizes and promotes excellence in all aspects of water operations, giving operators the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and talents. The Palm Coast team has won the state championship for 13 of the past 15 years, the release states. 

“The water buoys Top Ops team made me believe once again that hard work and coordination can accomplish anything. I’m really proud to be part of the team,” said Roussell, Palm Coast Utility Systems Manager of Water Operation, in the release. “The competition covers all technical aspects of water treatment. The purpose of the competition is to recognize and promote excellence and professionalism in all aspects of water operations. The team is dedicated and driven. This type of dedication benefits the citizens of Palm Coast by having a better, more-motivated and highly trained operating staff for the city’s water treatment plants.”

The Top Ops Team will compete for the top national honors at the American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) to be held in Denver in June. Since 2005, the Water Buoys have won the national competition seven times.