Public Works Week

The other day my granddaughter asked me where the water came from that is delivered when turning on the faucet; how would you answer that? What if she asked more questions like where water goes after it’s flushed down your drain or who turns on the streetlights every night? We expect that when we turn on our facets, clean water will come out. We expect that used water will go down the drain and leave our house. And we have come to assume that each night street lights will guide us safely back to our homes. All of these things are a vital part of our quality of life and here in Meridian we have the Meridian Public Works Department to thank for providing these essential services.


This week, we are celebrating Meridian’s Public Works Week. It is not only a chance for us to thank the men and women who help keep our crucial City services running but it’s also a chance for us to understand the complexities of the Public Works Department and all the services it provides for us.

For example, did you know the Meridian Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining 492 miles of sewer line? These pipes carry all the dirty water from your house and take it all the way to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There the water is cleaned before it enters the water cycle again. Public Works employees also oversee the City’s 18 wells that ensure Meridian residents can have clean drinking water. Both of these services are critical to our community’s health and overall safety.

The majority of services that our Public Works Department provides are paid for through your water and sewer bills. It is important to understand where your money is going and what it is paying for. That is why I would encourage all of you to attend one, or all, of the events during Public Works Week. It is beneficial to know about and understand the quality services the Public Works Department provides, we can then help do our part to sustain the quality of services we have come accustomed to.

I personally want to thank every single employee who works in Meridian’s Public Works Department. Their dedicated service to our community is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed. If you would like to find more information about Public Works Weeks events, including a free expo on Wednesday night and a fun run on Saturday, please visit meridiancity.org.