Oregon Celebrates First-Ever Water Professionals Appreciation Week

Oregon will celebrate its first-ever Water Professionals Appreciation Week October 3-11, 2026, recognizing the professionals who work every day to provide safe drinking water, protect public health, and safeguard Oregon’s water resources.

Meet some of the staff keeping our drinking water safe and available 24/7!

Jackie Duple, Water treatment plant project specialist

What’s your favorite part of working for the JWC?
The people! I get to work with a variety of teams within the water department, and I just love how welcoming and collaborative everyone is. It’s fun to learn about all the different pieces that go into delivering safe drinking water.

What’s your unofficial superpower at work?
Making sure everyone (who agrees) gets a birthday cake on their special day 😊

Kyle Cruz, Water TReatment Plant Maintenance Operator

What’s your favorite part of working for the JWC?
Knowing that I make a difference in my community.

Fun Fact: I am from the beautiful island of Guam.

Luis Espinoza, Water Treatment Plant Lab Technician

What’s your favorite part of working for the JWC?
I am new so I’d have to say, so far, my favorite part is my coworkers.

Fun Fact: I used to DJ in college. One time on a boat with Janet Jackson!

Aaron Smith, Water Treatment Plant Electrician

What’s your favorite part of working for the JWC?
Coming from the papermill industry… Drinking water is clean!

What’s your go-to rainy-day activity?
I like to paint and print 3D miniatures for DND

RObert Trotter, Water Treatment Plant Operator

What’s your favorite part of working for the JWC?
I really enjoy just working with the plant itself- learning how it operates and all its complexities.

Fun Fact: I have volunteered at an anime convention for 20 years now.