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Proposed Water Resources Section
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff proposes combining the Water Quality and Water Supply sections of the Madison Water Utility (Utility) into a combined Water Resources section. The new section will be led by Joe Grande in his new capacity as the new Water Resources Manager. This transition will be effective October 27, 2024. City’s Human Resources Department has approved this transition.
BACKGROUND
The retirement of Joe Demorett, Water Supply Manager, gives the Utility an opportunity to create a new Water Resources section by combining the current Water Supply and Water Quality sections into one combined section, which has several advantages over the current set up as outlined below. The Water Resources Manager will lead and manage the new section.
The Water Supply and Water Quality sections of the Water Utility carry out complementary and often inter-related functions. Collectively, they ensure the provision of safe, high-quality water for consumption and adequate storage for fire protection. Combining the two sections offers synergies and cost savings and present opportunities for more flexible staffing and improvement of the customer experience.
There are multiple areas of overlapping responsibility within the two existing sections. Field staff from both the sections collect samples, take readings, and report water quality information. This data gathering impacts water supply, system operation, and facilities and equipment maintenance. Combining the two sections will provide flexibility through the interchangeability of staff to accomplish interrelated objectives, all under one manager.
Currently operation and oversight of chemical feed equipment and monitoring of chemical residuals is jointly performed by the Supply and Quality sections. However, significant delays may arise between the data collection and reporting by Water Quality section staff and implementation of needed operational adjustments by Water Supply section. Under a single umbrella of responsibility, timely changes can be more easily made.
Combining the two sections reduces the possibility of a mismatch between water supply and water quality objectives and provides a more balanced, sustainable approach to management of the groundwater resource - from the day-to-day operational needs to the long-term use and protection of this highly valued community resource.
For the reasons outlined above, staff is proposing combining the Utility’s Water Quality and Water Supply sections into a combined Water Resources section effective October 27, 2024.