Distribution Systems
The Distribution System Committee aims to promote affordable education and training and to foster professionalism and communication among those responsible for operating and maintaining distribution systems. Among its many activities, the Distribution System Committee contributes relevant articles for publication in the section magazine, Tap into Virginia.
Each October, the committee holds the highly successful Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo, which draws over 30 vendors and approximately 250 attendees. Started in 1989, this three-day conference includes the widely popular Utility Rodeo, in which individuals and teams participate in the skill-based events of Buried Treasure, Meter Challenge, Splish Splash, Hydrant Hysteria, and Rapid Tappin'. Current Rodeo Event Rules are maintained on the Distribution Rodeo web page, and as always you can contact the committee chair with any questions about the events or the committee.
In addition to the Rodeo, the Committee holds a one-day seminar in the spring that focuses on topics that are relevant to the Maintenance and Operation of a Distribution System and are geared towards field level and supervisory staff.
Henrico | April 22, 2025
Come for a day of learning and networking featuring topics such as maintenance, safety, best practices, and new technology.
Credits Expected: 5 Hours Professional Engineers CECs for | Water Operator CPEs
VA AWWA Distribution Utility Rodeo
The following events are held annually at the Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo.
Click HERE to learn more about each event, including full rules and regulations.
- Buried Treasure
- Hydrant Hysteria
- Meter Challenge
- Rapid Tappin'
- Splish Splash
- Water Taste Test
Please scroll down for the 2024 Rodeo Results
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2024 Hydrant Hysteria (Men)
1st Place City of Virginia Beach – 1:22.97
2nd Place Prince William Water – 1:33.84
3rd Place Newport News Water Works – 1:35.19
2024 Hydrant Hysteria (Women)
1st Place Arlington County (team#2) – 2:18.28
2nd Place Arlington County (team#1) – 2:49.06
3rd Place City of Chesapeake – 4:33.94
2024 Water Taste Tests
People's Choice - Spotsylvania County
Best of Virginia - Henrico County - SEE VIDEO!
2024 Meter Challenge
1st Place Jacob Harrison Prince William Water – 37.44
2nd Place Michael Sherwood City of Virginia Beach – 50.25
2024 Buried Treasure
1st Place Eli Merat - City of Lynchburg Water Resources 28-14/16”
2nd Place Austin Sullivan - Prince William Water 33-8/16”
3rd Place Tim Jewel - City of Lynchburg Water Resources 285”
2024 Rapid Tappin'
1st Place City of Virginia Beach – 1:43.28
2nd Place Prince William Water – 2:16.25
3rd Place Western Virginia Water Authority – 2:20.57
2024 Splish Splash
1st Place Dave Burnett City of Virginia Beach - 26.48
2nd Place Justin Jenkins Fairfax Water – 31.75
3rd Place Michael Sherwood City of Virginia Beach – 34.69
Committee Contacts
| Matt Hood | Vice-Chair |
Committee Meeting Schedule
Please contact Chair for details.
Upcoming Committee Events
Spring Water Distribution Seminar
Chesterfield, VA
April 2025