The Fairhope Water and Sewer Department has received two awards.

The wastewater treatment plant has been named the “Best Operated Plant” in Alabama in the 2.6-5 million gallons category by the state water and pollution control association.

“We’ve been after this award for about seven years, three years hot and heavy,” said Dan McCrory, department superintendent.

This award, given annually, recognizes the efforts made by plant employees.

“This is the first time since 1983 the city has won this award,” McCrory said.

The water department received a Water Fluoridation Quality award from the Alabama Department of Public Health and Human Resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This award is given for “12 months of consistent and professional adjustment of the water fluoridation content to the optimum level for oral health,” according to a letter received from the ADPH.

“Our operators have been going to school, getting the proper equipment and training to monitor with pinpoint accuracy the quality of our water,” McCrory said, adding they have held themselves to a high standard of professionalism.

The city water and sewer department is currently staffed with about 25 full-time employees.