Opposing my natural reticence toward writing is the fact that I love discussing all things water. Many unsuspecting neighbors have discovered that innocent queries about reservoir levels, aquifer health or snowpack can lead to far longer explanations than anticipated.

I will rein in my desire to turn a simple prompt to write about where a glass of drinking water originates into a comprehensive survey of aquifers, wells, springs, streams, rivers, reservoirs, pipelines, tunnels and other fascinating infrastructure and instead focus on the most critical piece of the puzzle: the people.

A small, dedicated group of water system operators — supported by administrators, engineers, hydrologists, environmental scientists and water rights experts — plays a vital role in your everyday life. Whether you live in the core of downtown Provo, the foothills of Highland, the rapidly-expanding neighborhoods of Eagle Mountain or the open spaces of Goshen, when you turn a valve and water flows out for drinking, bathing or irrigating, you are seeing the results their work.

Operators monitor our water distribution systems and reservoirs 24/7: adjusting flows, balancing pressures, optimizing wells and responding to leaks. Water treatment experts constantly manage the delicate dance of chemistry and fluid dynamics that have made waterborne diseases a rare exception rather than the major source of epidemics and death they once were.

Engineers, scientists and planners coordinate across our watershed to monitor aquifer and reservoir conditions, forecast the balance of overall water supply and demand decades into the future, and design the needed infrastructure which will serve our children and grandchildren. This is all done while they work to protect, preserve and enhance the natural beauty and environmental health of our rivers and lakes.

Every drink of water is the product of years of technical training, careful planning, vigilant observation and intense dedication. Despite the best efforts of passionate professionals, many water-related decisions can only be made by all of us working together in collective cooperation.

Small, everyday decisions made in each of our households (such as remaining mindful of when and why we use water, how many days to run our sprinklers, feedback provided to our local elected officials to support water-efficient landscaping measures in our city codes, etc.) support the behind-the-scenes work of water experts.

Take time to really consider the value of the reliable, resilient and clean water supplies that underpin our communities. Remain curious about the systems — both human and technological, seen and unseen — that are required to ensure water continues to be available to meet large and small demands. Be intentional in deciding how to use that water.

Be ready to engage meaningfully in the discussions we need to have as we prioritize, fund and negotiate how water will be used in our interconnected watershed. Appreciate the beauty of the variable, finite flow of water in our semi-arid mountain home.

Derek Bruton is a water resources engineer and planner with the Central Utah Water Conservancy District. Following earning an undergraduate engineering degree from BYU focusing on water treatment and urban planning, he obtained a master’s degree in engineering for sustainable development from the University of Cambridge.