In Memory: Merril Lee Bingham, 1944–2016

Merril Lee Bingham, age 71, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in his sleep on Thursday, February 18, 2016.

Merril attended Brigham Young University. He married his high school sweetheart, Lynda Ann Pendleton, on August 18, 1966 in the Manti Temple. He graduated in Civil Engineering, and took his first job with the Arizona Highway Department in Phoenix.

In 1975, Merril accepted a position as Assistant City Engineer for Provo City, where he began a fulfilling career of 35 years. Merril eventually became Director of Public Works for Provo City, continuing in that position until his retirement in 2012. His love and service for Provo City will leave a lasting legacy.

Merril was innovative and influential in his service in the water supply industry. He was an honorary lifetime member of AWWA. He was presented with the prestigious George Warren Fuller Award, the Charlie Wilson Award, and in 2012 was inducted into the Water Industry Hall of Fame. After his retirement, he remained active and involved in the water industry providing consulting services for many organizations. Merril was recently appointed by Governor Herbert to the Board of Directors for the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, a position he was honored to have received.

As Director of Public Works for Utah’s second largest city, Merril had primary responsibility for Water Resources, which included water supply and water reclamation.  In addition, he was responsible for streets, fleet management, sanitation, airport, engineering, and storm water.  He oversaw an annual operation budget of $26 million with additional millions of dollars in capital improvements

During his tenure with Provo City, he saw the city’s population grow from approximately 70,000 to over 120,000.  His work in water rights and water development assures the city of adequate water supply for its projected “build out” population 200,000.  Merril served on the Utah Water Rights Executive Task Force. He has also served on the Board of Directors of both the Provo River Water Users Association and the Metropolitan Water District of Provo.

Conservative in nature, Merril worked hard to maintain compliance with state and federal water quality regulations while keeping water and waste water utility rates among the lowest in the nation.

Early in his career with Provo City, Merril was responsible for a $23 million expansion and modernization of the city’s reclamation facility.  Ongoing upgrades and improvements have kept this facility at the forefront of the nation’s reclamation plants with regard to effluent quality.  This facility has been twice named the best operated treatment facility in EPA’s Region 8.

Faced with an aging water distribution system infrastructure, Merril oversaw the replacement of well over 100 miles of distribution mains which were either undersized or severely deteriorated.  These distribution system improvements together with an aggressive water conservation program have also resulted in a reduction of per capita daily consumption of water from 325 gpcd in the late 1970’s to 173 gpcd in 2011.

In 1999, at the AWWA Headquarters in Denver, Merril was one of the original founders of Water for People.  He served for several years on its board of Directors and continues his support of this great organization as an Ambassador.    

In March of 1999, Merril represented AWWA in testifying before the United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, with regard to the implementation of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments.

Merril was an avid golfer.   He frequently shot rounds at or under par well after his retirement. Everyone always wanted him on their golf team.  He enjoyed fishing, especially the Provo River.

Merril found great fulfillment throughout his career and was always happy to go to work. He made many lifelong friendships through his professional associations.  Merril will be greatly missed by his AWWA family.