The Illinois Water Environment Association honored Geneva's Water & Wastewater Superintendent Bob VanGyseghem with the group's 2023 Golden Manhole Award.

This award acknowledges an individual who has made significant contributions to promoting individual professionalism and pride among those working in the design, management, construction, operations and maintenance of water collection systems. The honor also recognizes contributions to the success of the Illinois Water Environment Association and its goals, and effort over an extensive period of time which has positively contributed to the betterment of individuals associated with collection systems.

Serving as Geneva's water superintendent for the past 17 years, VanGyseghem has overseen an $11 million design and construction project at the City's wastewater treatment plant to comply with new phosphorous standards and a $24 million reverse osmosis project at the water plant. He also managed a 10-year effort to convert all water/electric meters to digitally communicate with our network.

Currently, VanGyseghem is overseeing the design of a new sanitary sewer to run across the Fox River.