We dive into the heart of water infrastructure challenges and innovations in our latest podcast episode. Our guest, Troy Hayes, brings over two decades of experience from the City of Phoenix, where he oversees a vast utilities operation. His journey from engineering to operations highlights pivotal shifts towards managing one of the largest utilities in the U.S., emphasizing the generational legacy and the evolution of water systems from his father's time to now.

Troy's narrative underscores the critical balance between maintaining existing infrastructure and innovating for future demands. He shares insights on transitioning a mothballed water treatment plant to meet growing needs, showcasing a proactive approach to resource management and sustainability. The conversation also touches on the complexities of operating within a political landscape, where long-term planning must align with shorter electoral cycles, stressing the importance of foresight in utility management.

The dialogue further explores the challenges of workforce development, community engagement, and leveraging data for operational efficiency. Troy's focus on education and adapting to technological advancements reflects a broader vision for the water industry, aiming to ensure reliability, safety, and sustainability for future generations. His leadership philosophy, rooted in building upon the groundwork laid by predecessors and pushing the envelope on water resource management, encapsulates the essence of stewarding vital public utilities through times of change.

In wrapping up, the discussion highlights the significance of storytelling in public utility management, advocating for clear, compelling narratives to engage communities and stakeholders. Troy's ambition to leave a lasting impact through strategic infrastructure and resource planning, coupled with innovative approaches to water reuse, sets a forward-thinking agenda for addressing the pressing needs of urban water systems in the 21st century.

City of Phoenix Water Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/