Ubits Fall 2023
p Water employees gather on the Green River Filtration Facility filter deck for Tacoma Water Day in September.
Water employees connect at inaugural Water Day celebration Tacoma Water Day provided staff an opportunity to explore the origins of our water, gain insights into the treatment process, and foster a deeper connection and understanding of their roles. It also served as a platform for employees to engage in knowledgesharing, witness developments in our assets and processes, and receive updates on upcoming projects, such as the Howard Hanson Dam downstream fish passage. Approximately 240 employees attended to familiarize themselves with the source of our water and the efforts required to supply water to the City of Tacoma and its surrounding areas. The day kicked off at 7 a.m. as employees boarded buses and departed for Headworks. Each group embarked on tours of the watershed and plant, followed by a communal lunch and a safety recognition session. Employees learned about land management within the watershed and how the environmental stewardship team collaborates with partners and landowners to safeguard our water source and forests. Additionally, they learned about the operations of the Green River Filtration Facility from a treatment operator and water treatment and quality engineers, ensuring the provisions of safe, clean, reliable water.
Jeff Bolam, operations manager of our treatment facility, led the tour of our intake system and shared his thoughts on the event.
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I was especially proud to show off the legendary Headworks to our employees,” said Jeff. “I hope folks can see clear evidence of the commitment to excellence and dedication our staff bring to work every day at the pinnacle of our water system.”
Almost a year ago, the Water Leadership Team had the idea to bring everyone together. A few months later, it became a reality through teamwork across the division. The planning process began in July and included 60 employees across 10 committees meeting for nine weeks to formulate and execute the event. Volunteer committees were responsible for coordinating transportation, food, cleanup, and site logistics, as well as planning the tours and informing staff about the big day. The Entertainment and Education Committee arranged engaging activities, including trivia on the bus ride, a scavenger hunt, and a boat float competition at lunch.
“I enjoyed seeing everyone interact and connect while learning about and appreciating an essential part of our water system,” said Scott. “It has always been my desire that we do our best to understand and explain our incredible Tacoma Water system to our customers and neighbors. Congratulations to everyone who came out and the volunteers who made the first annual Water Day a success,” he added. Scott also appreciated the staff who provided customer continuity and made it possible for their coworkers to attend. Claire Litsky, who led communications for the event, summed up the time together. “I left the day proud to be a part of Tacoma Water not only for the incredible product we provide to our community, but to be surrounded by coworkers invested in protecting, maintaining, and learning our system.” Everyone walked away with a better understanding of what it takes to provide clean, reliable water and how they are a part of making that happen, whether at Headworks, in town, in the office, or out in the field. Their work connects them, making them better together.
Scott Dewhirst reflected on the day.
In this issue 2
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TPU Strategic Plan unveiled
New Deputy Director
APPA and NWPPA Awards