Clayton Recognizes Its Commitment to Clean Water on World Water Day
The Town of Clayton will join millions across the globe in observing World Water Day on Saturday, March 22, by recognizing the dedicated team that works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the water and sewer systems running smoothly, often under challenging conditions. When issues arise, it is the expertise and hard work of the Town’s Utility Maintenance Crew that addresses and resolves problems quickly and effectively.
World Water Day serves as a reminder that water is a basic necessity for everyone. It flows through homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and more, affecting every aspect of daily life. Whether it’s a faucet being turned on or a toilet being flushed, the constant flow of clean water is vital to the well-being of any community. This annual event raises awareness about the global need for safe water and highlights the importance of maintaining and protecting water systems worldwide.
To commemorate World Water Day, Clayton is highlighting the contributions of three members of the Town’s team who are instrumental in keeping Clayton’s water systems operational. Dylan Carroll, a Utility Maintenance Crew Leader, focuses on the Town’s sewer system and is responsible for everything from the pipes beneath the streets to the wastewater treatment plant.
“We inspect our sewer lines regularly to make sure everything is in good shape,” explained Carroll. “Some pipes are brand new while others are almost 100 years old. We use a camera trailer to check for problems and clean out any blockages. It’s about keeping things functioning well, so there are no sewer backups.”
Carroll and his team also respond to emergencies, like clearing out clogged lines caused by roots or other debris. He advises residents to avoid flushing items like wipes, grease, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products, as they can cause blockages and backups in the sewer system.
“Sometimes, we find things in the sewer system you wouldn’t believe like a drumstick or even a dead deer,” he exclaimed. “When that happens, we have to clean it up and make sure everything works properly again.”
This hands-on, problem-solving approach is also a big part of Jake Kyer’s work with the Town’s water lines. His role focuses on fixing leaks and making sure clean water reaches residents. While much of his work involves responding to issues as they happen, he also stays ahead of potential problems by closely monitoring the system.
“We fix leaks. A lot of our work is reactive,” Kyer explained. “Some of it can be predictive, but before we start digging, we have to call and locate tickets to mark all the underground utilities. If you see water coming out of the ground, we’re on it.”
Water line breaks can happen at any time, often impacting traffic and requiring immediate repairs. Kyer shared extreme cold is also a contributing factor, which can sometimes cause pipes to freeze and break. In January, he and his team worked a 22-hour shift in 15-degree weather, repairing six separate leaks before the system was stable again.
Despite the complexities, Kyer enjoys the job, especially when working in neighborhoods.
“I love when moms bring their kids over to see what we’re doing,” he said with a smile. “We always invite them to come take a look. It’s great to show them how it all works.”
Kyer’s enthusiasm for working in neighborhoods and interacting with residents is shared by his teammate, Rod Harrison. Harrison’s responsibilities span everything from digging trenches to repairing roads after a water line breaks. Regardless of the weather, he’s always ready to tackle any challenge.
“The weather can affect our work,” said Harrison. “Some days it’s freezing, other days it’s scorching hot, but we do what we need to do to get the job done.”
One challenge Harrison faces is managing water outages during repairs. When his team needs to isolate a break in the main water service line, they sometimes have to shut off water for a few blocks.
“We know this can be an inconvenience, so whenever possible, we limit water shutoffs to only a few homes to minimize the impact,” he said. “Patience is key, and we focus on getting things done right and as quickly as possible.”
Pride in his work and the team he leads is evident in everything Harrison does. He and the Utility Maintenance Crew – including Carroll, Kyer, and the rest of the team – work together to keep Clayton’s water systems in good condition. They strive to go above and beyond, always aiming to leave things better than they found them. When the job’s finished, they hope their work made a positive impact on the community, providing residents with access to clean water whenever needed.
