Tom Ring Named 2024 Water Hero

During Celebrate Waters 2024, CELP proudly presented Tom Ring, a retired hydrogeologist, with the Ralph Johnson Water Hero Award for his service and dedication to protecting water rights and instream flows around the state.

Tom Ring has had a long career advocating for healthy stream flow for fish and representing tribal interests. As a hydrogeologist with the Water Resources Program of the Yakama Nation, he worked on a variety of projects involving groundwater and surface water quantity and quality, water rights, irrigation and fisheries issues, and planning for future water needs.

Tom previously worked for the Water Resources Program at the Washington Department of Ecology and has served on CELP’s advisory board since our inception. His work embodies the connection between water and tribal treaty rights and the vision of our founder Ralph W. Johnson.

CELP is incredibly thankful for the work Tom has done over his career to protect our water resources. And we thank everyone who attended for helping us recognize Tom for his contributions toward ensuring that future generations have access to clean and flowing waters in Washington!