Keeping water flowing strong: meet Roseville’s water distribution superintendent

When you turn on the tap, you probably expect water to come out; not think about the hundreds of miles of pipes, wells, and tanks working behind the scenes.

That everyday reliability comes from a dedicated team led by Robert Strebel, Roseville's water distribution superintendent. For Robert, leadership is about more than pipes and pumps. It's about people.

"I really enjoy building and maintaining a strong team environment," he explains. "When one person succeeds, it's contagious. That momentum carries forward, and suddenly you have an entire team moving together."

That culture of shared success shows up in the field. When one distribution worker masters a complex valve replacement, the entire crew learns, and customers benefit from smoother service with less disruption.

A system that's critical, reliable, and evolving

With hundreds of miles of pipes, wells, and storage tanks, Roseville's water distribution system is always adapting to meet the needs of a growing city. Robert describes it in three words: critical, reliable, and evolving. For him, evolving means more than keeping up with technology. It also means adapting to changing weather patterns, new regulations, and the expectations of a growing community.

Robert draws on his past experience as a utilities manager for the City of Sacramento, where he learned the value of interagency collaboration and the importance of using the right tools for the job.

"Both cities have great things to learn from each other," he says. "I'm excited to bring in technology that makes our work easier-from valve maintenance tools to specialized equipment. These advancements keep the system running efficiently and safely."

A community-driven approach

When asked what sets Roseville apart, Robert does not hesitate: it is the people.

"Our water distribution and administrative staff are incredibly dedicated. Many live right here in Roseville, so they have a personal stake in ensuring the system is of the highest quality. They're not just employees. They're neighbors, parents, and community members invested in the future of our water system."

That pride shows up in the field, from repairing pipes to planning for resiliency. When a pipe breaks at night, it's often their own neighborhoods they are protecting.



Keeping Roseville moving forward

From introducing new tools to nurturing a strong team culture, Robert is focused on making sure Roseville's water distribution system keeps pace with growth while staying reliable for decades to come.

If Roseville's water utility were a sports team, Robert would see himself as the team manager. "I let the coaches run the players, schedule the events, answer to the owners when needed, and let the audience enjoy our efforts," he says.

Just like a manager sets the tone for the season, Robert sees his role as making sure his staff have the resources and support to win every day for Roseville customers. His leadership style - steady, people-centered, and forward-thinking - ensures that when residents turn on the tap, they can count on Roseville water.

Life beyond the water mains

Outside of work, Robert is just as committed to family and the outdoors. He spends weekends skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, or enjoying the lake with his family. Local live events and travel adventures also help him recharge.

Whether at work or outdoors with his family, Robert brings the same steady, people-centered approach … the kind of commitment that keeps Roseville's water flowing strong.