LOC News
Water Professionals Week Begins Saturday: Help Celebrate
Oregon’s first Water Professionals Appreciation Week begins this Saturday, October 3 and runs through October 11, recognizing the people who provide safe drinking water, manage wastewater and stormwater, protect public health, and keep essential water infrastructure operating every day.
The LOC also thanks the organizations that worked together to support and help pass HB 4005, establishing this statewide recognition. Partners in this effort include the Special Districts Association of Oregon, the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies, WateReuse Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Water Utility Council and the Oregon Association of Water Utilities. The legislation reflects a shared effort to recognize Oregon’s water professionals and raise awareness of the skilled careers that keep our communities running.
Created through HB 4005, Water Professionals Appreciation Week is also an opportunity to highlight the skilled careers that make these essential city services possible and encourage the next generation of Oregon’s water workforce.
The LOC encourages cities to participate next week. Cities can recognize their water professionals at a council meeting, adopt a proclamation or resolution, highlight employees on social media or city communications, invite elected officials or community members to tour a water facility, or simply take a moment to thank the people who keep these systems running.
Help us celebrate: If your city recognizes Water Professionals Appreciation Week, send the LOC a photo or tag us on social media so we can help highlight water professionals serving communities across Oregon.
Contact: Michael Martin, Lobbyist – mmartin@orcities.org
Last Updated 10/02/2026