The city of Richmond Hill’s water system is top shelf, according to industry experts.

Charles Heino of Enviroworx, which oversees many of the city’s public works functions, told city council Tuesday night that the Georgia Association of Water Professionals had given Richmond Hill a Gold Award for “full compliance and excellence in operations.”

There were 38 such awards given statewide, but some larger municipalities with multiple water systems won, meaning Richmond Hill is one of only 23 municipalities in Georgia to receive the distinction.

“It’s rare for a city of this size to participate, but I knew we were in full compliance so I submitted an application,” Heino said.

Five consecutive Gold Awards results in a Platinum Award.

“Even one minor violation can knock you out of the running,” Heino said. “It’s difficult.”

The application for the award is based on meeting criteria established by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for testing.

Heino said Enviroworx does monthly testing for bacteria, daily testing of chlorine levels and other monitoring for organic and inorganic compounds in the city’s water system. Lead and copper tests are done every three years.