Behind the Tap Spotlight: Hicks Water Production Plant Manager Ben Teal 

Meet Terry R. Hicks Water Production Plant Manager Ben Teal. With 17 years in the water industry, 3 of which are with Clayton County Water Authority, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. As plant manager, Ben oversees the day-to-day operations of the Terry R. Hicks Water Production Plant, which is permitted to produce up to 10 million gallons per day (MGD). In addition to managing plant operations, Ben is also responsible for overseeing the distribution system, which includes three repumping stations and over 20 MGD of drinking water storage capacity in CCWA’s ground storage tanks.

As plant manager, Ben ensures that our drinking water meets our community’s demands and regulatory standards by carefully reviewing laboratory results. He carefully manages the water treatment process ensuring drinking water produced at the plant meets all EPA regulations. Additionally, Ben oversees the maintenance of the plant’s equipment to guarantee uninterrupted plant operation 24/7/365. This includes scheduling regular maintenance and promptly repairing any equipment or facility issues that arise.

What does Ben enjoy most about his job? “I enjoy the changing nature of the job and more opportunities to learn. I really enjoy the environment here at the Hicks Plant,” Ben adds. With four different teams working together seamlessly, Ben finds great satisfaction in the camaraderie and teamwork that define the workplace culture at Hicks.

However, like any job, Ben faces challenges. “Currently, the biggest challenge is keeping up with the rapidly changing regulations and technologies required to meet operational demands.” Despite this challenge, Ben remains dedicated to ensuring that the Hicks plant operates efficiently and effectively to provide clean drinking water to the community.

Reflecting on his role and the importance of the work done at CCWA, Ben emphasizes how essential the services that we provide here at CCWA are. “Water is a precious resource, and it’s crucial for our community to see what we do as water professionals” he adds. #waterprofessional