Wesley Heinlein, Rural Water Operator of the Year

Wesley Heinlein, Reno County RWDs 101 and 8, is the 2009 “Rural Water Operator” award winner.

Heinlein is more of a utility technician in that he oversees two rural water districts and five sewer districts in Reno County. He presently holds a Class I certification in both water and wastewater.  Over the years there have been a number of challenges as the county has taken over operation of these systems.  One of the water districts inherited by the county had an eighty-seven foot elevation difference with pressure being maintained by a booster pump.  For two years, because of lack of other controls and until an elevated storage tank was constructed, the award winner had to baby-sit a pump at all hours of the day and night to keep pressure on the system.  Another challenging system inherited by the county was a pressurized sewer system where 150 houses were utilizing septic tanks and grinder pumps.  Here he was responsible for keeping these pumps running until operation and maintenance of these units was transferred to the homeowners.  And of course, there are the frequent responses he provides for pipeline locate requests and then he serves as the county’s inspector during construction of these pipeline job orders.        
Wes’ hobbies include fishing and camping, photography, local car races, NASCAR racing, putting up the "Best Homemade Christmas Light Show in Hutchinson", playing Rock Band (he's got serious skills) and anything that includes his granddaughters!  He has served several positions for the Central Kansas Corvette Association (currently as President) through which he worked with the local Spina Bifida organization for many years and put together the fundraiser - Salt City Rod & Custom Show. Wes is also an Eagle Scout and is rightfully proud of his many achievements through scouting.