Distribution Superintendent Daniel Rodriguez Retires after 38 Years of Service
Daniel Rodriguez began employment with the Montecito Water District in July, 1983 and has gone the distance for a full thirty-eight years—to retirement in July, 2021. Promoted to the position of Distribution Superintendent in 1995, Rodriguez was one of the youngest people ever to enter the position which he held for over 25 years. He has held the State Water Board’s Distribution Operator 4 certification since 2003. Rodriguez mastered the technical knowledge and skills required to properly maintain the District’s complex water system with 113 miles of distribution system pipelines, 50 pressure regulating stations, 900 fire hydrants, and 4,600 water service connections.
In his leadership role, Rodriguez organized, trained and guided a highly qualified team of approximately ten employees. This dedicated, local crew keeps watch over the system and may respond to a water main break at any time. Throughout his many years of service, Rodriguez worked tirelessly day and night through all kinds of conditions, and on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, to ensure the reliable delivery of drinking water to over 11,000 District customers.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Danny’s knowledge and dedication,” said General Manager Nick Turner. “Danny put a large emphasis on teamwork and accomplished an amazing amount with loyal support from a qualified crew who takes pride in their work.”
Rodriguez experienced multiple natural disasters during his time with the District, including the Thomas Fire in December 2017 and subsequent Debris Flow on January 9, 2018. Rodriguez organized, scheduled, and tracked the daily workload of over 100 distribution staff, outside contractors, and mutual aid agency personnel to repair severely damaged infrastructure at over 350 challenging locations across the District including down steep ravines, under damaged bridges, atop ridgelines, and under feet of mud, sticks and stones to ultimately restore water service to all customers within just 3 weeks after the event.
Just this week, in his final week of service, Rodriguez responded to a main break on San Ysidro Road at 1:30 a.m. involving an 8” water pipe from 1924. Water was running down both sides of the road when the crew arrived, diverted traffic, and made the repair in time for the roadway to be clear and reopened by about 7:30 am.
A Resolution commemorating heartfelt thanks, appreciation, and gratitude for Rodriguez’ 38 years of invaluable service and leadership benefitting Montecito Water District’s customers was adopted by the Board. Richard Romero, hired by the District in 2000, was appointed as the new Superintendent.
Montecito Water District’s mission is to provide an adequate and reliable supply of high quality water to the residents of Montecito and Summerland, at the most reasonable cost. In carrying out this mission, the District places particular emphasis on providing outstanding customer service, conducting its operations in an environmentally sensitive manner, and working cooperatively with other agencies. For additional information visit montecitowater.com, like Montecito Water District on Facebook, and follow on twitter @MontecitoWater.
