WDEQ Celebrates Professional Water and Wastewater Operators

Wyoming Water and Wastewater Professionals stand with Governor Gordon during the proclamation ceremony

CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has proclaimed the week of February 9-15, 2026, as Wyoming Professional Water and Wastewater Operator Appreciation Week. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is joining the Governor in recognizing the essential role these professionals play in safeguarding public health and protecting the environment across the state.

“Healthy streams, lakes, and communities rely on the great work of Wyoming’s professional water and wastewater operators. Water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment operators ensure that our drinking water remains safe and pure while maintaining the infrastructure necessary for clean water and wastewater services,” notes Todd Parfitt, WDEQ Director. “Additionally, they protect Wyoming's lakes and rivers by removing harmful pollutants from wastewater. These professionals are critical to the daily functioning of Wyoming’s communities, and it is important that we recognize them.”

Jennifer Zygmunt, the WDEQ Administrator of the Water Quality Division, states that the work these professionals do often goes unnoticed, but their contributions are critical.

Zygmunt commented, "The daily work of our operators, who deliver safe drinking water to our faucets and ensure our wastewater is safely treated, impacts everyone. Their jobs demand specialized skills and constant vigilance to manage complex systems and maintain regulatory compliance. Therefore, we are proud to join Governor Gordon in acknowledging their dedication to safeguarding the health of Wyoming citizens and the integrity of our natural resources."

The week was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Wyoming’s first operator certification rule, which was signed on February 5, 1975. On February 5, 2026, Governor Gordon officially signed a proclamation to honor these professionals.

“There’s a lot more to this profession than most people realize,” says Kim Parker, who is the Operator Certification Program Coordinator for WDEQ and organizes the weeklong recognition each year. “Certified operators need to master a broad range of skills, including facility operations, regulatory compliance, asset management, cybersecurity awareness, and communication with local officials and customers. They also safeguard the water and wastewater infrastructure in which their communities have invested. They are crucial for maintaining Wyoming’s quality of life, and we can’t thank them enough for what they do.”

On average, Wyoming has approximately 1,100 certified water and wastewater operators working at 585 facilities across the state. These professionals play a vital role in the effective operation and maintenance of systems that serve both urban and rural communities. Governor Gordon’s proclamation recognizes their expertise and dedication in keeping Wyoming’s water safe and its communities thriving.

To view the proclamation, click here.

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