Newport News, VA — Water utility professionals from across Virginia are gathering in Newport News, October 5–7, for the 36th Annual Water Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo, hosted this year by Newport News Waterworks.
Organized by the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association’s Distribution Systems Committee, the three-day event combines professional training with hands-on competitions designed to test the skills, speed, precision, teamwork, and safety practices used by water distribution professionals every day.
The Utility Rodeo includes competitions such as Buried Treasure, Meter Challenge, Splish Splash, Hydrant Hysteria, Rapid Tappin’, and a Water Taste Test.
Members of the media and the public are invited to watch the outdoor competitions on Tuesday, October 6, at 1 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 7, beginning at 7 a.m., near the Ferguson Center at City Center.
Rapid Tappin’ offers an especially visual look at the work performed by water distribution professionals. Teams race against the clock while demonstrating skills associated with making a new water service connection to a pressurized water main — work that requires speed, precision, coordination, and attention to safety.
“Water distribution is a profession that takes skill, dedication, and a lot of teamwork,” said Yann A. Le Gouellec, Director of Newport News Waterworks. “Our crews do this work every day, often without much recognition, and the Utility Rodeo gives us a chance to celebrate what they do and the important role they play in protecting public health and keeping our communities thriving.”
Newport News Waterworks is a regional water provider owned and operated by the City of Newport News. The utility provides drinking water to more than 410,000 people in Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, York County, and portions of James City County.
Its system includes five reservoirs, two water treatment plants, approximately 1,800 miles of water mains, and more than 11,000 fire hydrants. Waterworks treats and delivers approximately 36 million gallons of drinking water on an average day.
The event also comes during a milestone year for Newport News Waterworks. In 2026, the utility is celebrating 100 years of public ownership. The water system dates to 1889 and was purchased by the City of Newport News in 1926. What began as a local water system has grown into one of the region’s essential public services.
The Utility Rodeo provides an opportunity to recognize the employees who operate and maintain that infrastructure. Distribution professionals install and repair water mains, maintain valves and hydrants, respond to leaks and water emergencies, and help ensure reliable service around the clock.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
WHAT:
36th Annual Water Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo — Outdoor Competitions
WHEN:
Tuesday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Competitions begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday and at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and continue through the morning. (see attached schedule)
WHERE:
Tuesday, indoors at Newport News Marriott at City Center, and outdoors Wednesday near the Ferguson Center and City Center fountain, Newport News, Virginia
VISUALS:
Water utility teams from across Virginia compete in hands-on events, including Hydrant Hysteria, Rapid Tappin’, Buried Treasure, and Splish Splash. Rapid Tappin’ provides particularly strong photo and video opportunities as teams race against the clock while demonstrating water distribution skills.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Newport News Waterworks leadership, Waterworks distribution employees, and Utility Rodeo competitors can discuss the competition, careers in the water industry, and the skilled work required to maintain reliable drinking water infrastructure.
PUBLIC ACCESS:
All competitions are free and open to the public. Registration is required for other seminar activities and events.
About Newport News Waterworks
Newport News Waterworks is a regional water utility owned and operated by the City of Newport News, providing high-quality drinking water to more than 410,000 people in Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, York County, and portions of James City County. Newport News Waterworks is committed to supporting public health and safety and fostering regional economic growth by reliably providing high-quality water.
