On a sunny fall day in early October, three water utility teams across the region participated in a game-show-like event testing their water treatment and distribution knowledge. One of those teams was our very own water utility distribution staff in Environmental Utilities.
John Tadlock, Mike Nordquist and David McQueary – all water distribution workers – participated in this half-day event, Top Ops, which involved a whole host of questions on water distribution, water quality, and groundwater and water treatment plant operations.
“I anticipated very competitive and knowledgeable teams,” said John Tadlock. “When we arrived and I saw one team had their own custom team shirts, I knew: Game on!”
Sponsored by the Sacramento Area Water Works Association, the three man team from Roseville competed with crews from Sacramento Suburban Water District and the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities. This was the first time Roseville Environmental Utilities participated in this event.
Top Ops is the considered the “college bowl” of the water industry. Teams compete against each other in a fast-paced, question and answer tournament that includes a broad range of technical questions and math problems.
“I enjoyed the competitive aspect of the event,” David said. “Even though we didn’t take first place, it was fun utilizing our knowledge to go head-to-head with other water workers. Quite a few questions were water treatment oriented, which is not a subject we encounter often. Despite all of that, I was proud of how we did. We came together as a team and represented the City of Roseville to the best of our ability -- especially in our first attempt in the competition.”
Although the Roseville team didn’t win first place, it was a great experience and they’re poised and ready to compete again next year.
“I loved the competition and team work,” Tadlock added. “We had fun and were energized to come back and compete again.”