TRUCKEE, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2026) – Most residents and visitors rarely think about where their water comes from or where it goes after it disappears down the drain. They don’t have to, thanks to the water professionals who keep the system running every hour of every day.
Behind the scenes, a lot of people make sure it all runs smoothly. In Truckee, three public agencies handle this job: Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD), Truckee Sanitary District (TSD), and Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency (T-TSA). Together, they provide clean drinking water, handle wastewater, and protect the environment.
Every year, the first full week of October, California celebrates Water Professionals Appreciation Week. The state started this tradition in 2017 to inform the public of this important work and to say thank you to the water professionals who keep the system working.
Each agency has unique responsibilities to ensure everything is working properly. Here is a quick look at what they do.
Truckee Donner Public Utility District: Safe, Reliable Drinking Water
Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) was created in 1927 and serves water and electricity to the greater Truckee area. The mission of TDPUD is to provide reliable, high-quality utility and customer services while managing district resources in a safe, open, responsible and environmentally sound manner at the lowest practical costs. TDPUD supplies 100% groundwater from the Martis Valley Groundwater Basin. This precious basin is managed collaboratively with Northstar Community Services District and Placer County Water Agency through the Martis Valley Groundwater Management Plan.
TDPUD relies on a network of 14 wells, 25 pump stations, 35 tanks, 240 miles of piping and sophisticated controls to efficiently deliver safe, affordable and clean water. This important water distribution system is designed, operated and maintained by TDPUD’s 17 water professionals, who put in many hours of education and training to be certified by the state of California. Each certification has five levels, and each level requires more training and responsibility than the last. Operators must also complete continuing education to keep their knowledge current and maintain their certifications.
“Our water professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whether that means repairing a main break in a snowstorm or keeping wells running through peak summer demand,” said Tony Laliotis, TDPUD board president. “Their work often goes unseen, and this week is our chance to make sure it doesn’t go unrecognized.”
Truckee Sanitary District: A Cleaner Truckee
Before the Truckee Sanitary District (TSD) was founded in 1906, Truckee faced a serious sewage problem. Wastewater flowed untreated into the Truckee River and Trout Creek, spreading diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever.
TSD began with only five miles of pipe connecting downtown homes and businesses to a small treatment pond. The district now employs 38 full-time staff and provides wastewater service across 39 square miles. Its infrastructure includes 215 miles of pipe and 44 pump stations (lift stations) that serve approximately 12,000 homes and 600 businesses.
TSD Board President Michael Salmon said, “Water Professionals Week is a great opportunity to recognize and thank the dedicated employees of TSD. I am proud of their commitment to safety, teamwork, integrity, communication, and service they bring to work every day. Their efforts help safeguard public health and our environment, provide exceptional service to our customers, and ensure we are responsible stewards of the public’s resources.”
Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency: Protecting the Lake
Established in 1972, Tahoe –Truckee Sanitation Agency (T-TSA) treats wastewater for a large area, including parts of North Lake Tahoe and the town of Truckee.
Each year, T-TSA treats about 1.484 billion gallons of wastewater and over 3,662 tons of leftover solid waste, called biosolids. On top of that, T-TSA runs the Truckee River Interceptor, a critical system which carries wastewater from nearby districts to the main treatment plant.
“At T-TSA, we are proud to recognize the dedication and professionalism of our team,” said Scott Wilson, T-TSA’s board president. “Their work ensures the health, safety, and environmental integrity of our community every single day. Water Professionals Appreciation Week is a meaningful opportunity to thank them for their tireless service.”