Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) employees Thomas Solon, Dillon Hembree and Jess Knox were recognized for their contributions to the water utilities sector during the annual Water Environment Association of South Carolina’s (WEASC) Blue Ridge Foothills District Awards Banquet on Jan. 30.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA (Feb. 3, 2025)—Three Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) employees received awards during the Water Environment Association of South Carolina’s (WEASC) Blue Ridge Foothills District Awards Banquet on Jan. 30.
Dillon Hembree was named the district’s Wastewater Treatment Operator of the Year, Jess Knox is the Young Professional of the Year, and Thomas Solon received Engineer of the Year.
“ReWa is fortunate to have dedicated people throughout our utility who enhance our effectiveness and efficiency,” said Brian Smith, ReWa’s operations services officer. “This year’s Blue Ridge awards celebrate what we see daily.”
Cathy Caldwell, ReWa’s chief financial officer, added, “It is always special when ReWa’s employees are recognized for their contributions and leadership, especially when the recognition is from industry peers.”
Hembree, water resource recovery facility operator I, was recognized for his skill and leadership during high-flow events, including Hurricane Helene. His decision-making played a key role in the utility maintaining compliance while experiencing flows that were 10 times ReWa’s average daily flow. Hembree is also a mentor to his colleagues.
Knox, asset management training coordinator, has improved efficiency by creating and refining workflows in software platforms across ReWa while making those tools more accessible to colleagues. Knox co-chairs the ReWa Gives Back Committee, which promotes volunteerism and routinely participates in community events involving the utility.
Solon, process optimization and planning manager, contributes to ReWa’s continuous improvement initiatives, and he’s demonstrated a commitment to research-driven solutions. He oversees a portion of ReWa’s capital improvement budgets for each water resource recovery facility (WRRF) and conducts annual assessments to prioritize equipment replacement and rehabilitation projects. Solon has initiated studies at multiple WRRFs to reduce energy and chemical costs while improving process efficiency.
Richard Majors, mechanical team lead at ReWa’s Mauldin Road WRRF, was memorialized during the banquet. He passed in 2024. Majors worked at ReWa for 17 years. He was a mentor and a respected problem-solver.
The Blue Ridge Foothills District includes Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties. Hembree, Knox and Solon will be considered for WEASC state awards in their respective categories at the South Carolina Environmental Conference in March.
ABOUT RENEWABLE WATER RESOURCES (ReWa): Since 1925, Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) has been committed to providing high-quality wastewater treatment services to the Upstate of South Carolina while promoting a cleaner environment, protecting public health and the water quality of Upstate waterways, and developing the necessary sewer infrastructure to sustain our community and growing economy. With nine water resource recovery facilities and more than 430 miles of pipe, we serve a broad geographic area, including Greenville County and portions of Anderson, Laurens, Pickens and Spartanburg counties. Each day an estimated 44 million gallons of water passes through our trunk lines and reclamation facilities before being cleaned and returned to our area rivers and streams.