Lester Blake began his career with the City of St. Louis as a utility worker in the Forestry Division in 1993. He transferred to the Water Division in 1996 as a Plant Operations Assistant, and was promoted to his current position of Water Treatment Plant Operator in 1998. Lester is one of fifteen shift operators responsible for the 24/7 water treatment operations of the 240 million-gallon-per-day Chain of Rocks surface water facility, and as such, is assigned to perform many different tasks and duties associated with the position. Blake has since developed into one of the most proficient and conscientious operators at the Chain of Rocks.

     Although he is extremely modest, his co-workers recognize him for his outstanding helpfulness, and is well liked and highly respected by everyone at the plant. He is extremely observant, thorough and methodical in all of his duties, and became particularly focused on the filter operations early on. For this reason, Blake has quietly become the in-house “expert” for many aspects of the plant’s 40 rapid sand filters. Lester has assumed a leadership role in the tedious conversion of nearly 100-year old equipment and technology to computer-controlled automated backwashing operations. Due to his interest and knowledge of the Filter Plant’s mechanics, he is routinely called on to help train personnel in operation, and lead troubleshooting with maintenance personnel or instrument technicians.

     Also, he is typically consulted by the IT group to help recommend changes in programming for improvements to filter performance and reliability, monitoring, alarming, etc. Many of his ideas and suggestions have been incorporated into standard operating procedures. Lester also possesses intimate knowledge of several generations of filter turbidity monitoring equipment (totaling 40 units), and is frequently called upon to perform repairs necessary for filter regulatory compliance monitoring. Because of his intense personal commitment, Lester has become invaluable in the operation of the Chain of Rocks facility.

     In an effort to recognize his contributions to assist the City of St. Louis Water Division in providing its citizens with the safest, finest potable water possible, Lester was honored by the Missouri Water and Wastewater Conference as the 2007 East Central Section’s Water Operator of the Year. Lester Blake was recognized at MWWC’s Annual Meeting banquet on October 3. The Operator of the Year award given by the Missouri Water and Wastewater Conference recognizes operators who have shown outstanding performance and dedication in their field. Areas of consideration include type of plant, operational control, maintenance and repair, budget, housekeeping, problem solving, and years of service and supervision. The Saint Louis Water Division would like to congratulate Lester and thank him for his many years of service and dedication to making our water the best in the nation.