Water

A Lifetime of Water

Jim Van De Wege is the third generation in his family to serve Holland Board of Public Works.

Jim Van De Wege has experienced more than a lifetime of public service. Jim is the third generation in his family to serve Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW). His grandfather served in the maintenance department at the original power plant and his father was one of the original operators at the Holland water plant in 1957. As a child, Jim would visit his father and peer into the lab, wondering what it would be like to work there. Now, over fifty years later, his desk sits in the same space where the lab once stood.

As a young man, Jim had been working in construction when he got a call from his dad. HBPW had posted an opening for an operator, so he quickly filled out an application at City Hall. A quick interview got Jim started on his career at HBPW. That was 35 years ago. He started his career at the plant as a night shift operator. Right away, he was attracted to this industry. It demanded technical knowledge and attention to detail and he realized it could hold his interest for an entire career. He studied hydraulics, chemistry, computers and water regulations. As he learned more, he continued to move up in the company, landing as the HBPW water plant superintendent almost 22 years ago. Along the way, Jim received the George Warren Fuller Award from the American Water Works Association, recognizing his distinguished service and contributions to this community and the water industry.

The lab tests that intrigued Jim as a kid still exist today. Drawing from the disciplines of chemistry, biology, engineering and computer programming, the water industry constantly evolves and changes. “We are continually studying new technologies,” Jim said, “We want to provide the best possible water to the over 55 thousand residents in Holland.” Jim’s favorite part of working for the water plant is the team. “Our team is professional and talented,” Jim said, “They are good people who take their duty to protect public health very seriously.” In fact, the talented team has gone over 12 years and counting without a recordable injury.

There are many directions and room for growth in careers at the water plant, including opportunities for people with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, and engineering. The water plant currently has college and high school interns. “We have talented interns who are really passionate and intelligent,” Jim said, “I am excited to see what they achieve in their time here.”