New Aussie Friend Welcomes Global Perspective to Raleigh Water Tour

Raleigh Water is always excited to forge new friendships in the “water world,” and this time, we got a little help from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to connect with Sallyanne, visiting from Bendigo, Australia. Sallyanne is active in the water industry but used this trip to Raleigh as a friendly stop to explore another country’s water treatment facility—something she has done at several plants during her personal travels.

Australians are no strangers to heat—but we’re not sure Sallyanne knew exactly what she was in for after a 26-hour travel day. The City of Raleigh and surrounding states are in the grip of a heat wave, and the humidity has been intense. Nonetheless, Sallyanne arrived at the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant with a smile. We geared her up in bright yellow Raleigh Water safety equipment, and off we went to tour the plants.

Although Raleigh Water’s drinking water plants feature some unique and top-notch treatment processes, whether you're in the Oak City or the Outback, Sallyanne agreed the mission remains the same: “Providing safe drinking water to our communities.”

During our brief afternoon tours, both Sallyanne and the Raleigh Water team asked questions, exchanged answers and learned from one another—all to support our shared goal. One lighthearted moment came when someone asked the ever-popular American question: “Do you have kangaroos in your backyard?” Without missing a beat, Sallyanne laughed and replied, “I do have kangaroos in my backyard, but I tend to stay away—they can be quite vicious.”

Thank you, Sallyanne, for joining Raleigh Water for the day and braving the humidity with us during the plant tours!