Wastewater Operator of the Year Awarded to Homer's Jason Hoffman

Congratulations to Jason Hoffman on being named the 2025 Wastewater Operator of the Year by the Alaska Rural Water Association!

In the ten years Jason has worked for the City of Homer, he has achieved Level 4 in both Water and Wastewater Treatment, the highest operator certification level available.  He manages the City's wastewater plant, which features the state's largest ultrafiltration system and a deep shaft treatment system—the only one of its kind in the country. The shaft system removes dissolved and suspended organic matter remaining after primary treatment.

Jason and his team, through extensive jar testing, set up a protocol to optimize the ultrafiltration process in order to reduce disinfection by-products.  He has spent countless hour troubleshooting and testing the onsite chlorine generation system in order to produce an adequate strength solution. Salt consumption and chlorine generator run times are down due to his effort, saving the City money in electric and chemical cost. In fact annual salt consumption has been reduced by half, from 40,000 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. annually.

This means: ✓ Reduced environmental impact ✓ Protecting public health ✓ Significant cost savings for our city.

Jason was unable to attend the Alaska Rural Water Association Conference, and was presented the award by Mayor Rachel Lord at the November 10, 2025 City Council Meeting with Water Utility Supervisor Todd Cook looking on.

Thanks to Jason for his dedication and innovation. He is an essential part of the City of Homer Water/Sewer team and this award is so well deserved!