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An employee whose initiative is saving Presbyterian Healthcare 9.2 million gallons of water and $54,720 annually recently received recognition for his efforts.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities presented Tom Craig, a biomedical sterilizer technician at Presbyterian Healthcare for six years, with its WaterStar award May 8 during its annual celebration of National Drinking Water Week.

Tom took extra steps to conserve water by retrofitting hospital sterilizers at Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews, Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital and other Presbyterian facilities with a water-saving device known as the Water-Mizer. By installing the Water-Mizer device on 21 sterilizers, Tom allows Presbyterian Healthcare to save 25,200 gallons of water each day. The Water-Mizer eliminates the "tempering" water consumption during the non-sterilizing portion of the sterilizers' cycle, substantially reducing overall water consumption.

Tom plans to install the device at five more facilities throughout Novant Health, the parent company of Presbyterian Healthcare. He expects to double the water savings once the additional devices are installed.

"Tom is an outstanding member of our team," said Alan Koreneff, director of Presbyterians Clinical Equipment Management Program. "He is truly concerned about water conservation. His initiative will help Presbyterian reinvest more resources back into the community."

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities' WaterStar award is presented biannually to residents and members of the Charlotte business community who demonstrate innovative methods to conserve water.

"Tom is a prime example of how those in the business community can bring about tremendous water and cost savings by employing available technology," said Maeneen Klein, Utilities water conservation coordinator. "It's amazing what a single persons commitment to water conservation can do for an entire institution."