Glen Peterson Honored by California Health Services Department for Advocating Drinking-Water Quality

Glen D. Peterson, a director of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, was honored by the California Department of Health Services with its Public Health Appreciation Award in recognition of his efforts to improve drinking water quality and public health.

Peterson recieved the department's first appreciation award from DHS Director Diana M. Bonta in a ceremony on the east steps of the state capitol as part of an observance of Public Health Week.

The award citation says, in part, "For the past five years, Mr. Peterson championed the issue of fluoridation before the Metropolitan board and has become an outstanding advocate. The Metropolitan board recently voted to fluoridate (water treated at) their five treatment plants. Because of Mr. Peterson's commitment and dedication, fluoridated water will be a reality for almost 18 million residents of Southern California."

"We certainly congratulate Glen on this award, which is well deserved," said Metropolitan board Chairman Phillip J. Pace. "Glen has served with distinction on Metropolitan's board for 10 years, and has always been a strong advocate of drinking-water quality. His support of fluoridation was one of the persuasive factors in our board's action."

Under Peterson's leadership as chairman of the Metropolitan board's communications committee in 1999-2000, Metropolitan launched award-winning pilot consumer information programs about water quality.

Peterson, an Agoura Hills resident, has represented the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District on Metropolitan's board since 1993 and has served as a vice chairman of the board among other appointments. He has served on the Las Virgenes board of directors since 1984, and is a past president of that board.

"Glen's extensive knowledge and intense dedication to water matters has benefited Las Virgenes customers for over a decade," said LVMWD board President Ann Dorgelo. "We are delighted to see him receive such notable statewide recognition for his work."

Source: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California