A commitment that never clocks out.
Central Alabama Water’s Western Filter Plant doesn’t ask for attention. It sits quietly on the hilltop off Highway 78 and it can feel still at first glance. But that calm is earned. It is built on preparation, awareness and a commitment that never clocks out.
For nearly 29 years, senior operator Jeremy Hawkins has carried that responsibility. His role centers on compliance and the details most customers never see but always rely on. When asked about a typical day, Hawkins was quick to say there isn’t one.
“I always come in in anticipation that something is going to happen,” Hawkins said.
That expectation shapes how he works and leads. Hawkins draws a clear distinction between operating a plant and truly running one. To him running it means staying present, preparing for what could change and walking alongside younger operators so they understand the full picture not just the controls in front of them.
What grounds him is not the equipment but the people beyond the gates.
“I feel that I have a direct impact on these people that don’t know me personally,” Hawkins said. “You get a good product from good people that care about giving you a good product.”
That same sense of care guides Lorenzo Clay, the superintendent at Western, who has nearly 19 years at CAW. His days begin with conversations about what lies ahead. Safety and regulatory compliance come first followed closely by readiness for the unexpected. The work is steady, intentional and rooted in personal accountability.
“We are the first customer,” Clay said. “We consume the same product that we produce, so we’re not going to put out anything we wouldn’t want for our own families.”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Western offers a different definition of love. It is not flashy or loud. It is dependable. It shows up every day, anticipates needs before they are felt and protects something essential without asking for recognition.
At Western Filter Plant, love looks like reliability. And that is something worth celebrating.
