Behind the Tap Spotlight: Stormwater Maintenance & Installation Supervisor Mike Newton

Meet Stormwater Maintenance & Installation Supervisor Mike Newton. Mike oversees two repair crews of four employees for the proper installation, replacement, and repair of stormwater pipes and catch basins. He also ensures all work meets CCWA, state, and federal standards. Mike works with county agencies on the replacement/installation of stormwater lines during roadway construction and oversees contractors performing maintenance activities on stormwater infrastructure. He also handles customer issues related to stormwater problems and complaints.

Mike celebrated 15 years of service in November. He has been an integral part of our Stormwater Utility’s success as it grew from its early stages. He is respected for his character and work ethic. He is the kind of supervisor crews are proud to work with.

What Mike enjoys most about his job is working with his crews and co-workers to brainstorm problems, issues and complaints when they occur.

“I know that we can make a difference in the community by solving their issue and seeing a smile on the customer’s face when work from a complaint is finished,” adds Mike.

His challenges include getting called out on an emergency in the middle of the night, not knowing what you are facing until you reach the job site and when heavy rain events cause flooding at a catch basin. “It can be hard to find the manhole to unclog it. You also never know whether there is a large sinkhole lurking underneath.” #waterprofessional