Catching Waves, Cleaning Water

Aug 20, 2024

Most people aren't thinking about sewage when they’re swimming in the ocean. The same can’t be said for Director of Wastewater Operations at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), Pete Machotka.

Pete is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the wastewater treatment system that serves 14 municipalities in Atlantic County. The system cleans an average of 28 million gallons of wastewater each day from area toilets, showers, and washing machines before it is released into the ocean.

“I jump into the ocean almost daily, so the health and vitality of our waterways is always on my mind,” said Pete.

Outside of work, Pete is an avid surfer. Overcoming his initial fear of the ocean, he began surfing around 12 years old and hasn’t stopped since.

“What I like about surfing is that it demands 100% focus and commitment. You are forced to be present in the moment and deal with whatever is directly in front of you with your full attention.”

Pete applies that same focus and commitment to his career in the wastewater industry.

“I have an accounting degree, so it wasn’t really on my radar to apply to jobs in the wastewater field. After a few years as a carpenter, I began working at the Ocean County Utilities Authority as a utility worker and immediately focused on learning everything I could to work my way into operations and start obtaining licenses.”

Today, Pete holds the highest New Jersey Wastewater Treatment System Operators License and leads the team of operators at ACUA. He has a deep appreciation for the work performed every day at the treatment plant and knows what’s at stake when our waterways are not clean.

A surfing trip out of the country made a lasting impression after he witnessed rivers full of trash and sewage being discharged directly into waterways.

“It was an eye-opening experience. Here, I have never given a second thought to going in the water.”

Before ACUA’s regional plant, Atlantic County had more than 20 small, outdated sewage treatment plants, that discharged directly into waterways and threatened water quality and marine life. After the Clean Water Act was passed, the regional sewer treatment plant was built to improve public health and prevent pollution. It also increased the County’s capacity for sewage intake – something that would inevitably be needed as the influx of casinos and nearby homes were filled with toilets, showers and sinks.

“Without the health of our waterways, we couldn’t enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, or fishing, and we wouldn’t have the vibrant tourism economy that we do.”

To learn more about the wastewater treatment process, visit acua.com/wastewater101.