More than 450 Clean Water Services employees who manage sewer and stormwater across the Tualatin River Watershed will get official recognition under a new state law starting Oct. 3.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Clean Water Services (CWS) Board of Directors, proclaimed Oct. 3–11 the inaugural Water Professionals Appreciation Week. The designation follows House Bill 4005, which took effect June 5 and sets aside the first Saturday of October through the following Sunday each year to honor Oregon's water workforce.

The agency provides sewer and stormwater services to more than 600,000 people and businesses in the watershed, including residents of Bethany, Cedar Mill, Oak Hills and surrounding communities.

CWS General Manager Rahim Harji said the workforce will only grow more critical as infrastructure ages and climate pressures mount.

"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," Harji said in a Thursday, Sept. 24, statement.

Harji noted that CWS employees treat and test water, respond to emergencies, navigate environmental requirements, and plan, build and maintain essential infrastructure. He said the water workforce will become more essential as a changing climate increasingly affects the region's water resources.

Senior Wastewater Plant Operator Skyler Edmison was among the CWS staff who traveled to Salem to advocate for the bill. Testifying before lawmakers on Feb. 2 during Water Day at the Capitol, Edmison said water professionals are "responsible for maintaining highly complex infrastructure systems and delivering critical services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including on holidays."

The agency's careers span treatment plant operations, engineering, construction, maintenance, chemistry, environmental science and administration. CWS said many experienced workers are nearing retirement age, and the new week is meant to raise public awareness of jobs in the water sector.

The Tualatin River's slow-moving, sensitive ecosystem adds difficulty. Staff must develop specialized processes to protect the watershed while adapting to climate shifts and serving growing communities, according to CWS.

Residents interested in water-sector careers can find job openings, hiring details and benefits at cleanwaterservices.org/careers. Water Professionals Appreciation Week runs Saturday, Oct. 3, through Sunday, Oct. 11.