Protecting people, wildlife, and the environment 24/7 requires a highly trained and dedicated water workforce — now and in the future
Washington County, Ore. — Oregon will celebrate its first-ever Water Professionals Appreciation Week October 3-11, 2026, recognizing the professionals who work every day to manage wastewater and stormwater, provide safe drinking water, protect public health, and safeguard Oregon’s water resources.
At a time when many experienced water workers are nearing retirement age, Water Professionals Appreciation Week is also an opportunity to increase public awareness of the wide range of meaningful and stable careers within the water sector — including treatment plant operations, engineering, construction, maintenance, chemistry, environmental science, administration, and more.
Over 450 Clean Water Services employees provide sewer and stormwater services to more than 600,000 people and businesses across the Tualatin River Watershed. The slow and sensitive nature of the Tualatin River presents unique challenges, requiring expertise in the natural environment and ongoing development of innovative processes to adapt to a changing climate and serve growing communities.
“Whether they are treating or testing water, responding to emergencies, navigating complex environmental requirements, or planning, constructing, and maintaining essential infrastructure, my Clean Water Services colleagues and our peers and partners in the water sector are highly trained and dedicated professionals,” said Clean Water Services General Manager Rahim Harji. “The water workforce will only become more essential as our infrastructure ages and a rapidly changing climate increasingly impacts our water resources.”
Harji added, “I hope anyone who is exploring their future career options and wants to be at the frontlines in supporting their community will consider becoming a water professional.”
Staff from Clean Water Services joined peers from across the state in Salem earlier this year to advocate for House Bill 4005, which designates the first Saturday of October through the Sunday of the following weekend as Water Professionals Appreciation Week.
“The dedication of Oregon’s highly trained operators, technicians, engineers, and other specialists within the water sector may not be frequently thought about,” CWS Senior Wastewater Plant Operator Skyler Edmison told lawmakers during Water Day at the Capitol on February 2, 2026. “But these professionals are responsible for maintaining highly complex infrastructure systems and delivering critical services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including on holidays.”
HB 4005 went into effect on June 5, 2026. The Clean Water Services Board of Directors — which also serves as the Washington County Board of Commissioners — proclaimed October 3-11 to be the inaugural Water Professionals Appreciation Week.
Information about job openings, the hiring process, benefits, and more is available at cleanwaterservices.org/careers.
