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Witnesses urge passage of Water Professionals Appreciation Week to boost recruitment and public awareness
Summary
House Bill 4005A would designate an annual Water Professionals Appreciation Week to raise public awareness and help recruit the next generation of water and wastewater workers; local utility leaders and Portland Public Utilities officials told the committee recognition can support workforce and infrastructure goals.
House Bill 4005A would create an annual Water Professionals Appreciation Week in early October to encourage public water and wastewater agencies to host educational outreach and promote careers in Oregon, witnesses told the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee on Feb. 17.
Supporters described the week as a low‑cost way to educate the public about essential services and to help address recruitment and retention challenges. "When we're doing our job correctly, nobody knows we're there," Rep. Ken Helm said in a top‑line statement introducing the bill. Multiple public works directors and utility managers testified in favor.
Michael Martin of the League of Oregon Cities said the bill recognizes professionals who protect public health and the environment. Barry Buchanan, a public works director with international experience, called drinking water and wastewater services "life safety services" and said recognition supports recruitment and sustainability for systems facing aging infrastructure and workforce retirements.
Jason Kennedy of Grants Pass and Ting Lu of Portland Public Utilities described personal career pathways and workforce pressures. Ting Lu said Oregon faces a substantial workforce challenge, estimating 30%–50% of water sector staff could be eligible to retire within 10 years, and said a recognition week could help educate young people about career paths.
Jim Baird, general manager of Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority, also urged the committee to advance the measure to the floor. The committee closed public testimony and did not take a vote during the Feb. 17 hearing.
