Shoveling the you-know-what

What does the "golden shovel" mean?

If you've ever seen me out-and-about as Director of Moulton Niguel Water District, you may have noticed that I sometimes wear a golden shovel lapel pin. Do I collect odd lapel pins and tie clips? Does it mean I belong to a secret society dedicated to ...gardening? ...digging up the truth? ...unearthing old grudges?

With the real thing at the Diemer Water Treatment Plant, where the majority of Moulton Niguel Water District's water is processed for drinking.

It's actually a better story than that! It means that I belong to the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S), which is a special honorary recognition group used by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) and similar wastewater organizations to honor members who have made notable contributions to the water environment profession. [1] 

I was awarded my "golden shovel" in 1993 when I was an operations specialist/engineer at

a water/wastewater management consulting firm. I was selected as one out of a dozen who were recognized that year in California. Over 10,000 water and wastewater professionals (including operators, engineers, lab technicians, and managers) are eligible for the award. So it is indeed a "select society" when you're chosen!

What's the 5S Society all about?

• Purpose: Recognizes individuals who have actively protected the water environment through local, state, or federal activities for five years or more.

• Membership process: Chapters do not accept direct applications; prospective members are secretly evaluated and selected by current members. Selection is made solely on merit—it is not a popularity contest. This is not a self-nominating award. Your peers count on you to recognize their achievements and nominate them.

• The symbol: Inductees receive a distinct badge shaped like a gold tie bar in the form of a round-nosed shovel.

• History: The broader 5S tradition traces back to early wastewater groups in Pennsylvania and Arizona, and CWEA's chapter has a long-standing history of tradition and folklore—even inducting famous cultural figures like cartoonist Rube Goldberg in 1967. [2]

And what's that "tribal" looking pendant you often see around my neck? Well, the meaning of that will be revealed somewhere on my website or social media feed in the days to come! Stay tuned!

All decked out and ready to get to work!