PWSA Executive Director, Will Pickering

We strive to get the job done for our customers each and every day but operating our water system isn’t easy. Thankfully, skilled and dedicated employees are stepping up to meet every challenge.  

One of the qualities that I admire most about our team is their strong work ethic and can do attitude. The work we do is not always easy or straightforward. Take the restoration of the Microfiltration Plant (MFP) in Highland Park as an example. The unique nature of the newly upgraded MFP has created several challenges as we prepare to return it to service. These setbacks are naturally disappointing, but our team continues to roll up their sleeves to get it right. Our Engineering, Compliance, and Operations Departments have been working seamlessly to resolve these challenging issues.   

The MFP provides the necessary retreatment of water leaving the uncovered Highland I Reservoir before it is delivered to our customers. Because the water is stored in an open reservoir, it is no longer considered potable water and must be treated again before reentering the distribution system. 

The equipment at the MFP is automated, so everything must work in sync. This is no easy feat; if one component fails, then the entire process breaks down.

As we got closer to the go live date, we discovered that a piece of equipment did not perform as expected, and we had to step back and make the needed corrections. The project team was quick to identify the issue and implemented a long-term solution that will improve water quality for our customers and the reliability of the facility for years to come.  

I was reminded of the importance of teamwork and the level of collaboration that is apparent in high performing teams. Even in moments of stress they stay connected and remain focused on the task at hand. Seeing the project team overcome the 11th hour challenges at the MFP as one interconnected group is a testament of their determination to maintain exceptionally high standards for PWSA and our customers. 

This is a critical project that will strengthen our entire water distribution system. By restoring the MFP, we will meet stricter state water quality standards and have a redundant water system that can better distribute water throughout our entire service area. This enhances our ability to reliably provide water to customers.   

Our team of PWSA staff, contractors, and consultants are committed to this project and are working towards the same goal of returning the MFP to service. Working on such a high-profile project is never easy, but this team has come together to see it through to the end.