AWWA Water Champion – Nancy Toth, Eugene, Oregon

Nancy Toth is a senior environmental specialist in source water protection (SWP) at the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB). She leads efforts to protect Eugene’s drinking water sources through collaborative programs within the McKenzie Watershed, including managing landowner assistance and improving spill response systems.

Education: B.A., Geography, Dartmouth College; M.S., Environmental Studies, University of Oregon

How did you get into the water sector? It was by chance that I started working for a water utility, and I soon found that SWP combined my love of water and my love of geography and science. Also, with our climate change and development trajectory, it has become paramount to invest in protecting drinking water at the source to minimize or avoid potential contamination, reduce operating costs and provide a reliable source for future generations.

Why is SWP crucial for the sustainability of water supplies? SWP is the first barrier in the multi-barrier approach to providing safe drinking water to our community. It is so much better to start off with clean water than degraded water. While we have the technology to treat polluted water and make it safe for consumption, treatment can be more expensive and doesn’t always treat all contaminants, especially some emerging contaminants.

From a public perception standpoint, starting with a great source instills far greater confidence in tap water. Here in Eugene, our excellent drinking water resource is a source of pride for the community. And you can’t forget about the additional benefits of a healthy, functioning ecosystem that provides fish and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and resilience to impacts from climate change.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? Responding with my colleagues and partner organizations to the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire that burned through more than 20% of the watershed of the McKenzie River, which is Eugene’s single source of drinking water. We were able to pivot our landowner incentive programs focused largely on protecting and enhancing land along the river to work with hundreds of landowners to assist with recovery and replanting native vegetation in riparian areas. It was a collaborative effort that required dedication and long hours.

What sparked your interest in SWP? I started out in a temporary capacity at EWEB to help update and train partner agencies on a GIS application designed to provide information to first responders in the event of a spill in the watershed. In this position, I became interested and involved in several other source water protection projects and loved the work.

How have you benefited from your AWWA membership? The most obvious benefit of joining AWWA is the amazing networking opportunities with professionals from across North America and the chance to learn about the wide range of creative and inspiring work that people are doing. Also, volunteering with and eventually becoming chair of the AWWA Source Water Protection Committee has given me a chance to develop leadership skills and take a more active role in this profession. I remember the first time I heard of the committee at a conference. I was so excited to find a group of people focused on SWP, which wasn’t super common at the time. I asked the presenter afterward if there was any way I could apply to be on that committee. Little did I know, showing that initial interest led me directly into regular committee work and eventually becoming chair of the committee, and now a trustee for the Water Resource Sustainability Division.

Describe your family and personal interests. My wonderful husband and I have a 14-year-old daughter who keeps us on our toes! In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, reading and playing with our ‘pandemic’ pet rabbit named Coconut.

What would surprise people to know about you? I sing in the Eugene Concert Choir, and we recently had the opportunity to travel to Berlin and perform in a cathedral and a choir festival with a German choir. Singing is a great break from the daily work routines and challenges my mind in a different way.

Please share a success story where SWP efforts made a difference in your community. In 2006, EWEB worked with local partners to conduct an agricultural chemical collection event in our watershed and a neighboring watershed. We provided a free opportunity for farmers to dispose of old chemicals and fertilizers they no longer needed or wanted with no questions asked. We collected about 44 tons of these chemicals that were sometimes decades old and stored in risky locations, including chemicals no longer legal to use. In addition to reducing a potential threat to drinking water sources, we created a lot of goodwill and relationships with landowners that we continue to benefit from today.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? If you are unsure whether to join an AWWA committee, just do it! You will learn a lot and meet some amazing people. I also encourage you to talk to your friends and neighbors about what you do. We are working in an important industry, and I think people are realizing the value of clean water and are interested in learning about ways to be good stewards of the land.

Interested in exploring careers in the water sector? Visit the AWWA Career Center and its LinkedIn Career Center page to learn about job opportunities.