By Sandra Michelle Hall

With multiple layers of protection from the aquifer to your tap, the Village of Ada Water Utility team makes sure your drinking water stays clean and safe. 

In honor of Drinking Water Week, we’re shining a spotlight on Public Works Superintendent Joe Hefner, who performs a variety of tasks. But one of Heffner’s top priorities is the health and safety of the Ada community. 

Learn more about Joe and how he plays a crucial role in behind-the-scenes operations. 

Q. Where were you born and raised?

“I was born in Lafayette and moved to Ada in sixth grade.”

Q. Why did you decide to pursue a career in the Village and how long have you worked in Public Works?

“I’ve worked in Public Works for six years. As far as my decision for pursuing a career in the Village, I’ve always enjoyed working outside, helping people out and playing a part in making the Village better and sustainable for future generations.”

Q. What role do you play as Public Works Superintendent in keeping our drinking water clean?

“I play a vital role in keeping our drinking water clean and safe from contamination by performing annual water hydrant flushes along with operating the watch valves. Our team keeps contaminates from entering the water supply by doing regular repairs and maintenance. For instance, when there’s an emergency like a water main break, repairs only take a few hours, but sometimes in more complex situations, repairs can take several days. This really can be a problem during the winter months because the water flowing in the streets can be dangerous, so we have to juggle multiple challenges, fixing the leak, making sure the street is blocked to protect vehicles from potential accidents and keep contaminates out of the lines.”

Q. What hurdles do you face while providing residents and businesses with a dependable, safe water supply?

“Traffic flow and safety during main line repairs always seems to pose the biggest challenge; however, we have taken several steps to make our repair work sites safer by implementing work zones, signage and better traffic control.”

Q. How do water lines and wastewater lines work?

“There’s a rather large amount of infrastructure with a lot of Village workers checking the lines to make sure everything is running smoothly. We have a network of water mains that run under the streets and sidewalks, and customers tap into the public water main through private service lines. 

The service lines have shut-off valves, or a “curb stop”, and water meters are installed before the line enters the building. Wastewater is collected in sewer mains that also run under the streets and sidewalks and are at least 18 inches under the water mains. The water mains operate under pressure, but the wastewater mains mostly rely on gravity to move the sewage to the wastewater treatment plant.

Lift stations (pumps) help keep the water flowing from low lying areas. Our crew repairs and maintains these lines as well.”

Q. What’s your favorite part of working with the Village?

“The opportunity of interacting with the wonderful people within the Ada community and beyond, and the sense of pride from making our already beautiful town look even better.”

Q. When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?

“I like fishing and playing sports with my two kids. Family. Family. Family. Anything I can do with my family is where you’ll find me when not at work!”