2018 Operations Challenge

We recently hosted our 31st annual Operations Challenge. The event, which is co-sponsored by New York Water Environment Association Metropolitan Chapter, featured five teams of plant operators showcasing the expertise and skills required to operate and maintain our 14 wastewater treatment plants and 96 pump stations. This year’s competitors hailed from our Jamaica, Bowery Bay, 26th Ward, Newtown Creek, and Hunts Point plants.

All teams competed in three timed and judged events, including collections, worker safety, and maintenance. In addition, this year’s competition featured laboratory and wastewater treatment process events that were held earlier in the week.

When the competition was said and done, the two teams that garnered the highest scores were from Jamaica and Bowery Bay! They will move on to compete in the regional competition in New Jersey next month, and then the state competition in June in Lake George, NY. From there, winners of the statewide contest will participate in the national competition to be held from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 in New Orleans. A team from NYC has gone to the national competition in 30 out of the last 31 years.

This competition shows the high level of knowledge of our crews and the immense pride they take in providing one of city’s most vital services. Thanks to them, we can rest easy knowing that the 1 BILLION gallons of water that New Yorkers use every day is safely collected and treated before it’s released back into the environment, protecting public health and our local waterways. Best of luck to the Jamaica and Bowery Bay teams at the regional competition!