Who Wore It Better? Top 10 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Looks of 2024!

Sydney Snyder
4 min readJan 20, 2024

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In this week’s edition of Who Wore it Better, we’re diving into the glamorous world of wastewater treatment plant operators. Turns out, these sewage supermodels not only work hard at processing wastewater, but also at looking amazing while doing it. Watch as these sewage-chic fashion icons redefine utility couture, and decide which water treatment trendsetter wore it better!

Gary Walker (Dayton, OH) vs. Pat Blackwell (Mishicot, WI)

Let’s be honest: Maintenance Technician Gary Walker and Pump Station Operator Pat Blackwell both look undeniably incredible in their shared black slacks/neon orange vest ensembles. While Gary keeps it chic, matching his understated black watch to his trendy wraparound shades, Pat effortlessly elevates the look with a crisp white button-down to match his stylish white hat. We don’t mean to be dramatic, but if Pat doesn’t win this competition, we’ll kill ourselves.

Don Watson (Buford, WY) vs. Chuck Jimenez-Jones (Jasper, AL)

In a rare departure from his typical tailored style, Reclamation Operator Don Watson adds a touch of edge to his cerulean jacket and maroon polo ensemble with a daring pierced ear and coordinating blue coffee cup. Operations Manager Chuck Jimenez-Jones put a monochromatic twist on the outfit, finishing his cool-girl look with a simple blue baseball cap.

Ted Chambers (Dalhart, TX) vs. Doug Anderson (Yankton, SD)

Radiant in royal blue coveralls and tangerine hard hats, Maintenance Technicians Ted Chambers and Doug Anderson indisputably exude raw sex appeal. Ted blends classical fashion with brutalism by adding a debonair pair of white gloves to the outfit. True to his bad-boy brand, Doug keeps it sleek, accessorizing with a sassy orange radio. We don’t know about you, but if Ted doesn’t sweep this goddamn competition, there will be hell to pay.

Kevin Palmer (Milford, DE) vs. Linda Reynolds-Fletcher (East Lansing, MI)

In this battle between cobalt coveralls and scarlet hard hats, it all comes down to the accessories. Process Control Technician Kevin Palmer rounds out his primary color-inspired ensemble with a bold yellow accent, incorporating this season’s hottest Interstate Pneumatics Hj59–050e industrial water hose into his look. Alternatively, Sewage Technician Linda Reynolds brings an industrial edge to the look, coordinating her clipboard with the walnut bases of the steel H-beams behind her. Clever move, Linda!

Randall Caldwell (Madawaska, ME) vs. Norman Carmichael (Faulkton, SD)

When Water Quality Analyst Randall Caldwell and Field Technician Norman Carmichael step out in matching color-block blue and orange jackets with sleek gray accents, details are everything. While classy Randall adds a touch of sophistication with an elegant gold watch, daring Norman turns heads in a white hard hat and coordinating carbide-tipped auger.

Randy Mitchell (Arcadia, NE) vs. Mike Hayes (Boone, IA)

High-vis meets high fashion! For Sewage Treatment Plant Operators Randy Mitchell and Mike Hayes, looking great in neon is just part of the job. While Randy opts for a more minimalist approach, letting the trendy color-block jacket speak for itself, Mike adds a bold pop of warmth to the look with his signature rust gloves. Between us, if Randy doesn’t beat Mike to an exsanguinated pulp in this fashion contest, we’ll blow our fucking brains out.

Dave Roberts (Pasco, WA) vs. Donna Brunk (Franklin, NH)

We’re going to be honest with you- we don’t know how these photos even made it in, because Sewer Maintenance Tech Dave Roberts blows Drainage Engineer Donna Brunk out of the goddamn water with this look. While both are wearing the same neon yellow reflective vest, Dave steals the show in his powder blue polyester-lycra blend polo. While Dave dazzles, Donna couldn’t even be bothered not to pair her brown Timberland Pro Pit Boss 6 Inch Steel Safety Toe Industrial Work Boots with black jeans. Honestly Donna, we’re embarrassed for you.

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