WATERFORD, Mich., Dec. 4, 2024—Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, in honor of Michigan’s Water and Wastewater Professionals Workforce Week proclaimed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from Dec. 9 to 14, 2024, is proud to promote public awareness regarding his dedicated workforce and the essential services they provide.

“One of the great secrets of local government is the job my staff does supplying residents with drinking water, treating sewage, and dealing with the ever-present stormwater issues that are worsening with climate change,” said Commissioner Nash. “From the skilled trade staff who ensure our systems are operated and maintained to the highest quality, to the engineers who do the planning and oversee the projects and operations of the systems we are responsible for, the chemists, environmental planners, financial services, human resources, administrators, and support staff, we owe them more than we realize for protecting our health and safety, our property, and the environment we all depend on.”

More than 16,000 water and wastewater professionals work in Michigan’s water industry and the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office employs more than 350 of those professionals who work in various capacities to supply residents with drinking water. They work in all types of weather to ensure that water flows safely and efficiently for area users. The value that water and wastewater professionals provide cannot be understated when protecting one of the most valuable and life-sustaining resources—water.

The governor’s statewide designation as Water and Wastewater Professionals Workforce Week is a great way to bring public awareness to this workforce. It is also a reminder of the important services and contributions that these workers provide which result in the protection of public health, drinking water, investment in infrastructure, job creation, water recreation, and sustainable communities.
“Thank you to all the people who do this work every single day. Please remember this week to give well-deserved recognition to these important and dedicated individuals,” added Commissioner Nash.
For more information about our work and the water and wastewater industry, visit us on Facebook at @waterresourceOC or online at oakgov.com/water.

About the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office
The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office is dedicated to protecting public health and safety, preserving natural resources and a healthy environment, maintaining reliable, high-quality service, ensuring the value of investment, and contributing to economic prosperity. We set goals that encourage efforts to meet or exceed local, state, and federal water quality standards, environmental regulations, and safety requirements within our control. To learn more about us, visit oakgov.com/water.

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