It takes a team of heroes to keep water flowing

Arizona residents know the value of water in our desert climate. Yet, it is easy to forget the complex process and the extensive team of people it takes to get safe and secure water to our homes and businesses. The reality is water professionals play a vital health and safety role in all communities. They are responsible for ensuring we have reliable access to water and wastewater services regardless of the time of year and through all types of weather, including record-breaking heat and the unpredictable weather that can accompany our monsoon storms.

Protecting and managing Arizona’s water supplies is essential to our state’s future, which requires an educated and well-trained workforce. These professionals include the operators of water and wastewater treatment systems and the technicians who maintain and repair the thousands of miles of water lines on a daily basis, often outdoors in our extreme elements. Running a water utility also requires the expertise of engineers, hydrologists, and biologists, along with experts on water policy, economics, business administration, law, environmental sciences, conservation, and communications. This diverse group works together daily to ensure water is delivered to our homes, businesses, schools, and health facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Having safe and reliable water is critical during regular times. It is even more vital during an emergency or disaster.

We are grateful for the dedication of all our water heroes every day of every year because, without that team of water experts, the reliability and safety of our water would not exist. That is why AMWUA is pleased to participate in the 4th Annual Thank a Water Worker Day, an initiative led by Phoenix Water Services, which is officially being celebrated this week. The event is a time for all of us to acknowledge the importance of water and wastewater professionals and salute them for their continuous dedicated service to our communities across Arizona. This collaborative event is also intended to build public awareness about the hard work done by the employees in all aspects of water services. It’s also an ideal time to educate residents on the benefits of clean, reliable, and affordable water services, including the diverse team of people it takes behind the scenes.

While we appreciate these essential workers every day, this week, we give extra thanks for their vital contributions and recognize the efforts of all the men and women of water, their commitment, passion, and dedication. We hope you will do the same!

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For over 50 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities’ ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. For more information, visit www.amwua.org .