Lakewood's Water Resources Director earns national certification

Lakewood's Water Resources Director earns national certification

Published on January 21, 2026

Lakewood Water Resources Director Dr. Derek Nguyen has earned a prestigious national certification recognizing his leadership and expertise in water management.

Dr. Nguyen is now a Board-Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE) through the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists, with specialties in water supply and wastewater systems.

Dr. Nguyen also holds a Professional Engineer (PE) license, a state-issued credential required for engineers who oversee public infrastructure. The PE license confirms that an engineer meets the education, experience and testing requirements, as well as high standards for competence and ethics, needed to take professional responsibility for systems that protect public health and safety.

The BCEE credential is awarded only to experienced Professional Engineers and represents one of the highest voluntary distinctions in environmental engineering. To earn it, Dr. Nguyen demonstrated more than 20 years of professional engineering experience, passed rigorous written and oral examinations and completed an extensive peer review by independent experts.

For residents, this certification provides added confidence that the city's water systems are overseen by a nationally recognized expert. It reflects Lakewood's strong commitment to technical excellence, environmental stewardship and the reliable delivery of safe water services.

Founded in 1955, the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists is a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting public health and advancing environmental engineering. Its BCEE certification is widely recognized as a mark of professional excellence in the field.

The City of Lakewood congratulates Dr. Derek Nguyen on this outstanding achievement and is proud of the expertise he brings to our community.

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