People Behind the Pipes

1. Describe your job.

I’m currently a Water/Wastewater Systems Operator II. In a nutshell, I perform a broad range of duties associated with the operation, maintenance, and repair of major water, wastewater and recycled water facilities. This includes anything from collecting weekly water quality samples, chlorinating reservoirs, assisting contractors with underground repairs, to flushing sewer mains and using our closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera to inspect sewer pipe conditions. 

2. How did you get into the water / wastewater industry?

I would say that it runs in the family. My dad worked for two local water utilities, EBMUD and ACWD, and I worked with my brother at the City of Pleasanton, where he is a Utilities Collections Supervisor. I’ve been in the industry for 13 years, starting as a meter reader and working my way up to maintenance worker and now a Utilities Systems Operator. 

3. What do you like best about your job?

I really enjoy the water quality side of this job. It’s extremely important to be able to monitor and understand what is happening in the water system. DSRSD runs a “piggy back” system, where we take incoming water from turnouts and try to push it to the District’s outer tanks as efficiently as possible. You can monitor this process with sampling – it’s rewarding when it all works out as planned. We also implement important water quality programs, like dead-end flushing and valve turning.  It may not seem like much, but these programs drastically improve water quality assurance. 

4. What is the biggest challenge of your job?

I would say the same answer as what I like about my job.  Water quality can turn on you very quickly!  If turnout water comes in at lower residuals than expected, or a pump fails at a pump station the District relies on to deliver water, operators have to adjust the system to try and maintain the best quality of water. DSRSD has really good operators that all help each other to achieve the desired results!

5. What is something unique about yourself?

I used to play in a lot of bands around the SF area for about 10 years. It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of good people but I don’t play out live as much as I used to. I mostly record music at home now and I hope to teach my daughter one day. 

6. What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I’ve played guitar now for over 30 years and still play almost every day. Other than that, I enjoy spending time with my family – I’ve got a 5 year-old daughter at home and she keeps us busy!