Raleigh Water Employee March 2026 newsletter 1

"Becoming a public server is a privilege and working for wastewater has its challenges. We become the 'Invisible' Heroes as our work takes place behind the scenes compared to others, we take pride in making modern, civilized life possible. We protect the environment by cleaning water and returning it to nature, preserving ecosystems for future generations. We protect Public Health by helping prevent the spread of diseases and ensure safe, clean communities. Overall, while the work can be physically demanding 365 days (24 hours a day) and sometimes unpleasant, we take pride on knowing we have the ability to make a change daily." – Manuel Lopez "Working in this industry gives staff a great sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing they provide essential services to customers while protecting the environment. This work is often unseen; customers typically don ’ t think about the sewer system or the vital role it plays in their lives until an issue arises. Our staff enjoy the opportunity to make people's lives better on a daily basis. It should also be noted that our staff sacrifice a lot to provide these services. They work very long hours, in difficult and often dirty conditions. They often have to sacrifice time off on weekends and holidays, some times working around the clock, to ensure the system continues to function. This significant sacrifice is often unnoticed by the public and frequently taken for granted by both internal and external stakeholders." – Christopher Worthy On behalf of utility leadership, we are proud that this proclamation recognizes the vital role wastewater professionals play in protecting public health, safeguarding our environment, and ensuring access to clean water for communities across the state. Your daily work, often unseen and under - recognized, is essential to the health, safety, and well - being of all North Carolinians. The Governor ’ s proclamation also highlights the importance of wastewater monitoring efforts, carried out in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which rely on the dedication and professionalism of staff like you to provide critical public health data and respond to emerging health threats. We want to extend our sincere appreciation for your hard work, expertise, and commitment to service. Your contributions make a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for the pride you take in your work and the sacrifices you make to keep our communities safe and healthy.

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