Chris Newton

First Place
 Santa Ana River Basin Section

Chris Newton is an accomplished Operations Superintendent at South Coast Water District with a robust career in water and wastewater management. With over 15 years of experience, Chris has developed a diverse skill set in supervising operations, training staff, and implementing solutions to improve efficiency. He has been a key figure in driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of customer service, leadership, and accountability within the district.

Purpose

The Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) is used by water environment associations (i.e., those working with sewage and sewage treatment) to honour those who have made a particular contribution to the industry.

Pennsylvania started the High Hat Society in 1937 and used the words "Sludge Shovelers Society" in its initiation ceremony. Later, this became known as the Ted Moses Sludge Shovelers Society. The second Chapter of the Five S Society was formed in Arizona in October 1940, the idea being conceived by A.W. "Dusty" Miller and F. Carlyle Roberts, Jr. There are chapters in many of the United States and in Canada, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

5S chapters do not accept applications, but select potential members. Each inductee receives a badge in the form of a gold tie bar in the shape of a round-nosed shovel.

5S recognizes individuals active in protecting the water environment through participation in Local, State, and/or Federal sponsored activities for five years or more.

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