Behind the Tap: Celebrating the People Who Keep Water Flowing Every Day

Safe, reliable water is essential to everyday life. But most of us don’t often stop to think about the people working behind the scenes to make sure it is there when we turn on the tap.

California celebrates Water Professionals Appreciation Week October 3–11, 2026, recognizing the dedicated professionals who help provide safe and reliable water, wastewater, and recycled water services to communities throughout the state.

Established by the California State Legislature in 2017, Water Professionals Appreciation Week highlights the important work water professionals do every day and the wide range of careers that keep California’s water systems operating.

CV Water Counts brings together six water agencies serving communities across the Coachella Valley. From delivering water and maintaining infrastructure to assisting customers and planning for the future, employees at these agencies play an essential role in serving our region.

Working in water involves much more than you might think. The industry relies on professionals in engineering, operations, construction and maintenance, laboratory services, finance, customer service, information technology, communications, water efficiency, and many other fields.

Water agency employees also play an important role during emergencies, helping maintain reliable water service and responding when communities are affected by earthquakes, wildfires, severe weather, and other unexpected events.

Water is essential everywhere, making the water industry a field with a wide variety of meaningful career opportunities.

During Water Professionals Appreciation Week, take a moment to recognize the people who help keep water flowing throughout the Coachella Valley.

Interested in a career in water? Learn more at cvwatercounts.com/careers.