Water Resource Workers’ Value Often Overlooked

In the public eye, at least when that eye is focused on the glitter of mass entertainment, those laboring in the hydrology and water resources field are without interest, appeal and certainly without glamor. Has any such character ever figured in plots on stage, screen or television, to save the day, solve the mystery, woo the heroine and ride off into the sunset or even add spice and interest to a story? We are not necessarily talking action figures here, simply interesting, likeable, forthright characters.

Wastewater worker as antihero

Actually one such character recently came to mind: Ed Norton, sewer worker. With the death of Art Carney, who played Norton as a foil to Jackie Gleason’s Ralph Kramden in the TV series “The Honeymooners,” many former viewers recalled the antics of the goofy, not-too-bright sewer worker. Attired in a turned-up pork pie hat, open vest over white T-shirt, he would regularly get the goat of the bellicose Kramden.

Norton’s job as sewer worker was central to his personality. He played the job and his time in the sewer for full effect, to add color and pungency to his character. It was a fitting tribute to Carney that Norton’s sewer sayings were recalled to commemorate his death. Some samples follow:

A sewer worker is like a brain surgeon. We’re both specialists.
Like we say in the sewer, time and tide wait for no man.
If pizzas were manhole covers, the sewer would be paradise.

Sol Resnick, water resource professional extraordinaire

Sol and Elaine Resnick at the dedication of the WRRC conference room. About 95 of Sol’s colleagues, friends, associates and former students showed up to honor him. (Photo: Joe Gelt)

But of course the water resource field does have its heroes and champions, although their doings are not likely to attract much, if any media attention. By any measure Sol Resnick would be among the ranks.

It is not enough to say such people are outstanding because they take their jobs seriously. Lots of people do that. These people are outstanding because they bring something special to their careers, a particular style or commitment beyond a do-the-job-well attitude. They are likely to be personally dedicated to their careers not just committed and have a high regard for all those involved in the work, both those contributing to it and those benefiting from it. This explains why most of the speakers at the Water Resources Research Center’s ceremony dedicating its conference room to Sol Resnick spoke of Sol’s human qualities. Sid Wilson, former Sol student and general manager of the Central Arizona Project, described Sol’s interest in water as actually an interest in people. Robert Glennon, University of Arizona School of Law professor, described Sol as a truly “gentle man.” Such sentiments marked the tone of the Nov. 18 event honoring and recognizing Sol as a sensitive person and an accomplished water resource professional, champion and hero.
May the warmth and sensitivity of WRRC Director Emeritus Sol Resnick preside over all meetings conducted in the Sol Resnick Conference Room.

This issue of the newsletter includes a “Guest View” by Sol Resnick. See page 6.

New WRRC Director Appointed

Sharon Megdal will become Water Resources Research Center Director when Peter Wierenga steps down from the position effective June 30, 2004. Megdal has been with WRRC since she was hired as associate director in January 2002. Along with her WRRC administrative position, Megdal also is a professor and specialist in the University of Arizona’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Wierenga will be returning to faculty status.

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