Charles W. Wilson Remembered (1909-1997)
Anna Wilson
November 21, 1998
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Charlie had a long and distinguished career in the water industry, beginning at the early age of 16 measuring water, until at the time of his death he was recognized as a giant in his profession. In 1952 he was appointed Salt Lake City Water Superintendent, a position he held until he retired in 1980. During his tenure as superintendent, he was an acknowledged leader and pioneer in modern waterworks and drinking water practices. Under his leadership watershed management programs were advanced to protect the drinking water supply for 400,000 people; three new water treatment plants were constructed that provided conventional treatment and filtration; and distribution system improvements were made that resulted in Salt Lake City receiving a “Fully Certified” rating from EPA in 1974. What is so remarkable is that all of these accomplishments were made prior to the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1973 and before public support for safe drinking water. It took great leadership on Charlie’s part to gain the elected officials and public’s support for these then new policies and capital expenditures.
Charlie was on the board of directors of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, representing Salt Lake County in developing the Central Utah Project to bring Utah's share of the Colorado River to the Wasatch Front. He served from 1968 to 1987.
A further example of his leadership is demonstrated by Charlie and Commissioner Grant Burbidge organizing the Intermountain Section of the American Water Works Association in 1958. Charlie served as the first chair of the section in 1958 and 1959 and served on the National Board of Directors from 1960-63. He was chair of the Management Division from 1961-62.
In September 1995 the Intermountain Section established the “Charles W. Wilson Meritorious Service Award” with Charlie being the first recipient. Recipients of this award must qualify in five areas: years of service, leadership, mentoring, contribution to the industry and vision.
Charlie’s dedication to public service and leadership in the water industry continued after his retirement. He continued to served on the board of directors for Spring Creek Irrigation Company, East Jordan Irrigation Co., Little Cottonwood Water Co., Chair of the Board of Canal Presidents, Chair of Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake City and a director on the Provo River Water Users Association.
He was a member of the Salt Lake City Kiwanis Club, Elks Lodge and Gyro Club.
Other accomplishments recognized by various organizations over the years: 1970- U.S Weather Service and Meteorological Society for invaluable service, 1972- Top Man of the Year from the Utah Chapter of the American Water Works Association, 1974 - outstanding public employee of the year from the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, 1976- outstanding contribution to Public Works Association, (Utah Chapter), 1980- U.S. Forest Service 75th Anniversary Award in appreciation of significant contribution to Forestry and Conservation, 1981- U.S. Department of the Interior Citizens Award in recognition of superior contribution to the development and conservation of water resources for the Central Utah Project, American Society of Public Service Award and American Water Works Association Centennial Award, 1989 - American Water Works Association Life Time Member.
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Charlie married his “Little Prairie Flower,” Maybel in 1934, and they shared 63 wonderful years together.
Charlie was kind and generous with his time and knowledge. He was a mentor to many people in the water industry and leaves behind a sterling example of what it means to attain the highest standard in leadership. He loved people and enjoyed activities with his friends and family. Charlie will be missed by his many friends and associates who will especially miss his enormous capacity to recall details on water issues and his interesting water stories.
Text published in the Intermountain Section of the American Water Works Association Newsletter, 1997