FAIRFAX, VA The American Water Works Association's (AWWA) Rocky Mountain chapter recently recognized Mike Lutz, PE, with the prestigious Life Member award, which is given to members who have been active in the organization for 30 cumulative years and are at least 65 years old. 

Lutz has been with Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, for more than 20 years. His career has focused on municipal water and wastewater facilities, including planning studies, design, and construction management. He has developed innovative treatment process designs for water and wastewater facilities. These designs have received two Engineering Excellence Awards and one Grand Conceptor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

Lutz's expertise lies in incorporating new and modified equipment into existing structures and mechanical systems in a way that optimizes performance and is efficient, compact, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing. Lutz has planned and designed improvements for more than 20 wastewater treatment facilities in Colorado, including several of the largest in the state. He conducted pilot tests and developed the process design for the 10-million gallons per day (MGD) Rueter-Hess Water Purification Facility in Parker, Colorado, which incorporated the first ceramic membrane filter system for a water treatment plant in the U.S.

With his many years of experience, Lutz has authored and contributed to numerous articles for various publications, including NC Currents, The Military Engineer; and Rumbles. He earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado and is a member of the American Water Works Associations' Rocky Mountain chapter and the Water Environment Federation.