In May, I was lucky to have attended a Work in Water event in Auburn, Nebraska. It was hosted by the Auburn Board of Public Works. The event started in their water treatment facility, which produced Nebraska’s 2019 Best Tasting Water (Nebraska Rural Water Association). Approximately 40 students from a nearby high school were in attendance. Engineers, water operators and financial managers were all in attendance to help explain how safe, clean drinking water makes it to their homes. Students participated in hands-on activities that helped them understand the process that water goes through before it reaches their taps and all the precautions that help ensure a safe product.
After the presentations and speakers, the students were split into three groups and got to visit and tour the different infrastructure components that make up their water and wastewater utility: the reservoir; the wastewater treatment plant; and the water treatment plant. Each location included a full tour and an explanation of its function. Auburn was also able to explain the importance of each component to the health of the community. Just months before the event, a fire broke out in a business in the community. An estimated 1,500 gallons of oil, as well as tires, fuel, and cars were caught in the inferno. Due to the thoughtful design of the water utility, fire flow to the area was never compromised.
Just 10 miles away, Peru, Nebraska had their water treatment plant was destroyed due to flooding in 2019. To return water to the community JEO Consulting group has worked with Auburn Public Works to develop a pipeline that will connect the two communities. To learn more about this connection and regionalization of the water system I suggest watching this short video produced by JEO: Resiliency | Building Back Better | Peru, NE.
The students in attendance also toured the wastewater treatment facility. Here the students learned and saw where all their wastewater goes. They learned that the wastewater treatment process was a matter of caring for the environment and our health. How the effluent that is discharged back into the local river, the Little Nemaha, would not affect wildlife habitats, recreation, or cause any health concerns.
Students learned about the process of water from the moment it rains down to when it is discharged back into the environment. They learned about the amount of work necessary, and importance of that work, to ensure a safe community. One student that I spoke to talked about how they never knew how many people worked tirelessly to bring water to their home. At minimum, this event showed the importance and dedication of those who work in water. It also might have been the first step for some into a lifetime of working in water.