The Hayward Water Pollution Control Facility uses solar panels in tandem with a cogeneration system to produce electricity.

Josh Holton, a Class III wastewater operator at the Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District near Hebron, Ohio, takes phosphorus seriously.

At Fairborn (Ohio) Utilities, the leadership team is focused on upgrades and plant efficiencies. Take a tour with Superintendent Karen Hawkins as she explains what the facility has done to eliminate vulnerabilities and provide needed redundancies. You'll get a tour of a new Kohler generator system, which allows the plant to run three days without refueling. And, you'll get a glimpse into the planning process as Hawkins and her team decide how to prepare for the city's future growth. For her leadership qualities and exception work, Hawkins won the 2014 Operator Meritorious Award from the Ohio Section of AWWA.

In this video of the October TPO featured wastewater operator, you'll also get an extended look into the challenges of biosolids management.

When the Athens (Alabama) Wastewater Treatment Plant came online in 2009, the staff faced a few training and startup challenges. Listen in as Virgil White, the plant's superintendent, explains how the staff maintains the new facility and learn what the city is doing to improve wastewater services.

In Archbold, Ohio, operator training is a top priority. Listen in as Plant Superintendent Frank D’Ambrosia explains how continuing education takes a front-row seat at the town’s wastewater treatment plant.

Wisconsin utility takes extra steps to better serve its customers

Take a tour of the Yellow Springs (Ohio) Water Reclamation Facility, and see how Superintendent Joe Bates transformed the facility from a plain utility to a vibrant, colorful campus. The facility now blends in with its artsy community, proclaiming bold colors on each building. Looking for the maintenance building? Just head for the blue shed. Need the influent building? Head for the red building.

Controlling turbidity is a key operations challenge at the Hillsborough Water Treatment Facility in North Carolina. Listen in as Plant Superintendent Russell Batemen describes how water from the river — along with fluctuating rain levels — affects the treatment process. Bateman describes which chemicals and tests are needed to deal with the rapidly changing water.