AWWA Member Spotlight – Nicole “Nikki” Holloway, Beaver Water District, Lowell, Ark.
August 10, 2022
AWWA Articles
AWWA Member Spotlight – Nicole “Nikki” Holloway, Beaver Water District, Lowell, Ark.
Position: Laboratory Supervisor
Education/Certifications: B.S., Chemistry, Missouri State University; M.S., Environmental Science, University of Idaho (In-Progress); Class 4 Water Distribution Operator, Class 4 Water Treatment Operator
What sparked your interest in water and the environment? I grew up very close to the Buffalo River in Arkansas and spent a lot of time on and around it. As a result, I noticed how the water quality changed every year because of heavy tourism during the summer months. This revelation at a young age – that our actions could affect this natural resource in such a dire manner – led me to a lifelong pursuit of environmentalism. When I was young, my family spent a few years without running water by choice, as my parents wanted to live a simple life and moved to a homestead location. Not having the convenience of turning on the tap to get clean drinking water was eye-opening for me. You don’t realize how much you use water until you have to collect it from a stream and boil it for use.
How did you get started in the water sector? As an undergraduate, I was an intern at the drinking water treatment laboratory for City Utilities in Springfield, Mo. When I graduated, I jumped at the opportunity to be a laboratory technician at Beaver Water District. I moved up to laboratory analyst and am now the laboratory supervisor. I enjoy seeing and being a part of the whole drinking water cycle: watershed monitoring, treatment process control, testing the treated water we are sending out, and answering customer water quality inquiries.
AWWA’s Water Quality Laboratory Committee, of which you are vice chair, provides helpful information for plant operators. Why is this important? The main function of most water treatment laboratories is to assist in the core mission of treating and providing adequate and clean drinking water. Many utilities, however, do not have a dedicated lab with lab staff. Often the operators ARE the lab staff. Since laboratory analysis plays such a key role in treatment process control, it’s important that the operations team is educated and empowered when sampling and performing analysis. The Water Quality Laboratory Committee provides operations staff with information to help them in their daily job — not just what to do, but why they are doing it. Providing the “why” behind the “what.”
You’re also a member of AWWA’s Aesthetic Quality & Perception Committee and the Southwest Section’s Young Professionals Committee. How have you benefited from your AWWA involvement? Connections, connections, connections! I have met so many amazing people through AWWA. There’s just something powerful about chatting with someone who shares the same triumphs and struggles as you in the workplace. The water industry is vast and due to geographical separation, it’s easy for a member to feel alone. We are not alone and there is always someone ready to bounce ideas off of or offer advice. Find your people!
You recently participated in the Water 2050 video helping launch the initiative at ACE 22. What excites you about the future of water? I am excited about the challenge! With population growth, climate change, aging infrastructure, and emerging contaminants, the water industry is going through growing pains. I can’t help but be inspired by the new generation of leaders rising to the task of leading the industry through these issues.
Please describe your family and/or hobbies and interests. I am a wife and a mother to a very sassy three-year-old. We enjoy attending live music events and going on outdoor adventures (pictured left.) There is no shortage of nature and community activities in our slice of Northwest Arkansas.
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you? I am a fitness instructor and love teaching dance fitness classes! It’s my happy place.
Is there anything you’d like to add? I have no shame in being a #waternerd. There is purpose and fulfillment to be found in every corner of our wonderful industry. Get involved and find yours!