Weston Alley became general manager of Boothbay Region Water District on Sept. 3 taking the next step in a career with the regional utility that started in 2011. "It's just another part of the job I haven't done," he told the Register, understating the years of experience and multiple licenses he has earned along the way.

Alley, who lives in Boothbay with his wife, Jasmine and their three children, grew up in the area and is a 2006 graduate of BRHS. After graduation, he served in the Coast Guard on active duty until 2011 when he joined the water district as a utilities technician in the distribution department. There, he worked on infrastructure outside the facility, maintaining the pipes, meters and water mains. In addition to his water district responsibilities, Alley serves in the Coast Guard Reserve.

He described the work in distribution as understanding the complexity of the system, its infrastructure and how to properly install pipe, run equipment and know the importance of backflow devices.

"It was a good start for knowledge of the local system," he explained. "The non-typical aspect of this district is its seasonal customer base. We have to support 3,500 customers and half of them leave every winter for months."

After eight years in distribution, Alley became an operator in the treatment plant where he worked for five years, receiving a class 4 treatment license. There, he added to his previous knowledge by learning how the treatment plant treats water, the filtration process, calibrating analyzers and checking on pump stations.

This knowledge and experience resulted in receiving both class 4 licenses needed to be general manager and he was selected to take on the job in early September with the retirement of Jon Ziegra.

 "We welcome Weston aboard," Water District trustee chairman Gerry Gamage told the Register. "He's an enthusiastic and good employee and works well with the team.  We're excited to have him in the job."

Asked about his first months as general manager, Alley said he likes the job. "There are good people here and it's a good work environment for everyone." Current projects for the district include extending the water main from Southport School south to Cape Newagen, a wastewater recycling system and a lead service line inventory which is showing no lead. In addition, the water district participates as a member of the Five Rivers Regional Water Council with monthly meetings.

As for his goals for the district and its staff of 12, Alley said "The goal is continuing to provide an adequate safe water source for fire protection and clean drinking water."

Overall, he said, "I like the job, it's for the community and everyone is great to work with."