The People Behind Clean Water
Every time someone in Winston or Green flushes a toilet, takes a shower, or runs the dishwasher, that water makes its way to the Winston-Green Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. Most people never think about what happens next — but the wastewater treatment crew does. Every day, they work behind the scenes to keep the treatment process running smoothly and make sure wastewater is properly treated before it returns to the environment.

Meet the Crew

Christopher Sherlock – Wastewater Superintendent
Corey Heath – Lead Operator
Scott McKinney – Operator
Dillan McKinney – Maintenance
Brian Laudenslager – Operator

Together, this small but dedicated team serves just shy of 14,000 people and treats roughly 1.2 million gallons of wastewater on a typical dry-weather day before returning it, clean, to the South Umpqua River.

A Team That Keeps Things Moving
Wastewater treatment is a complex process, but the crew's job goes far beyond operating equipment. They work together to monitor the plant, perform daily testing, maintain equipment, respond to alarms, and make sure the treatment process is working as it should.

Much of the treatment process happens naturally through billions of microscopic bacteria that break down waste in the water. The crew carefully monitors those biological processes and makes adjustments when needed. They also use a computerized control system to keep an eye on the plant around the clock and test samples in the laboratory to make sure the treated water meets state permit requirements.

Behind all of that is a team that relies on one another. Each person brings different experience and skills to the job, and working together helps them recognize problems, find solutions, and keep the plant operating reliably.

Taking Pride in Keeping Things Running
Some of the plant's equipment has been working for decades. Keeping older equipment reliable takes dedication and attention to detail, and the crew takes pride in doing just that.

Daily rounds, scheduled maintenance, and addressing small problems before they become bigger ones help keep the plant running smoothly. Their work may not always be visible to the community, but it plays an important role in keeping wastewater services dependable.

Improving the Plant for the Future
The crew also takes an active role in improving the facility. Recent projects have included rehabilitating the influent pump station, upgrading the plant's control system, and installing a new blower and backup generator.

Many of these projects require planning, problem-solving, and teamwork. The crew works to find practical ways to improve the plant while being mindful of the costs to the community.

The team has also faced unexpected challenges. Earlier this year, a slug of disinfectant-type chemicals affected important bacteria in the treatment process. The crew worked together to restore the biological process to full health without adding chemicals. It was another example of the knowledge, experience, and teamwork they bring to their jobs — and a reminder that everyone can help protect the treatment process by please not pouring cleaners or chemicals down the drain.

Always Learning
Keeping a wastewater treatment plant running smoothly takes more than experience — it takes a willingness to keep learning. The crew regularly participates in training and continuing education to stay current on changing regulations, new technology, safety practices, and wastewater treatment methods.

Just as importantly, they learn from one another. Years of experience, different areas of expertise, and the challenges they encounter on the job create opportunities to share knowledge and learn something new.

That combination of experience and continued learning helps the crew stay prepared, work safely and efficiently, and provide the reliable service our community depends on.

Come See the Plant
One of the things the crew enjoys most is sharing their work with the community. They offer free tours of the treatment plant, giving visitors an opportunity to see how the treatment process works, learn more about what happens to wastewater, and ask questions.

To schedule a tour, call 541-679-5152.

The next time you turn on the tap, take a shower, or flush a toilet, remember the people working behind the scenes to protect public health and the South Umpqua River.

It takes people, knowledge, teamwork, and dedication to make it happen.