Durham City proclaims May 4–10, 2025 Drinking Water Week; operations staff describe system work

Durham City Mayor Leonardo Williams on May 5 proclaimed May 4–10, 2025 as Drinking Water Week and asked residents to recognize the staff who operate the city’s water system.

Robert Pepper, introduced at the meeting as coordinator of plant operations, accepted the proclamation on behalf of water-plant operators and the Department of Water Management staff. Pepper said the department works 365 days a year to supply safe, reliable drinking water and described the plant workforce and outreach efforts.

At the meeting Pepper said the department employs “more than 360” people in roles that include operators, maintenance technicians, engineers and analysts. He described the daily scale of service—calling it “more than 1,500,000 points of contact each morning” as residents use water for bathing, cooking and other needs—and said the city’s water has won awards for quality.

Pepper also described an annual student contest tied to Drinking Water Week. He said the city received 168 contest entries this year and displayed entries during the meeting. He urged continued public education about conserving and protecting water sources and thanked staff for their work in treatment and supply.

The proclamation noted the city’s ongoing investments in water infrastructure, the need to maintain sources in the face of climate impacts and the role of employees and community partners in protecting water quality. No budget action or new program was authorized at the meeting.

The proclamation and remarks occurred during the ceremonial portion of the council meeting.