Oklahoma Rural Water Association 
Founders Recognized!

The Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA) was incorporated on July 21, 1970 to represent and serve rural and small community water and wastewater systems in Oklahoma. We are indebted to our Founders who unified rural water and laid a solid foundation for ORWA training, on-site technical assistance and other programs that the Association continues to develop and administer for the benefit of member and non-member systems throughout the state. 

In appreciation and recognition of the incorporators of the Association, Founders Hall of Fame Awards were presented to Marvin Scherler, R.K. Johnson, Lonnie Farmer and Lawrence Alig at the ORWA Annual Meeting Banquet held April 18 in Oklahoma City. Marvin Scherler was the first President of ORWA. R.K. Johnson was our first Executive Director. Scherler and Johnson were also instrumental in forming the National Rural Water Association (NRWA). Lonnie Farmer is the longest serving member of the ORWA Board. He retired in 2002 with 32 years of service. Lawrence Alig retired from the ORWA Board in 1999 with 29 years of service. 

Our Founders contributed their time and, often at their own personal expense, worked to organize the Association and develop and deliver services to members. The unique and innovative training and technical assistance programs that they created were used by NRWA as a model for similar programs in all of the other states. The Founders established the goals and objectives that still guide the Association today. Over the years, ORWA has held fast to those basic principals of helping rural water systems with education, training, on-site assistance and through governmental and regulatory representation. The growth and success of the Association is a testament to the vision, dedication and ingenuity of our Founders. We appreciate their vision and leadership in working to promote a better quality of life in rural Oklahoma through the delivery of safe, potable drinking water supplies and adequate wastewater facilities. A plaque recognizing the Association’s 21 incorporators is on permanent display at the ORWA office. 

Photo: (Left to Right)  R.K. Johnson, Founder's Award; Lonnie Farmer, Founder's Award; Marvin Scherler, Founder's Award; Lawrence Alig, Founder's Award; Bill Secrest, Oklahoma Rural Water Association President; James Gammill, ORWA Deputy Director; Gene Whaltey, ORWA Executive Director.

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