Staff Splash: Meet Kaitlyn Norris, Senior Public Affairs Specialist

Kaitlyn is the face behind communications and outreach initiatives, including our website and social media!

What does a typical day look like for you in Public Affairs?

I love my role because no day looks the same. I enjoy the variety I have in my job. Some days I am out in the community at an event, and the next day I might be in the office drafting a press release or newsletter and editing photos. Then later that week, I might be hosting a field trip or tour at the Mesa Water Education Center or attending a Board meeting. I have never been bored in my role–there is always something new to explore in the water world.

If you could swap jobs with another Mesa Water team member for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could swap jobs at Mesa Water for a day, it would be with our Operators in the water distribution department. They are out in the field, maintaining our underground infrastructure and ensuring customers have a reliable supply of water. Each day, they maintain fire hydrants and valves for fire protection, replace critical infrastructure and respond to service calls at all hours. I find it fascinating how our underground infrastructure works. I also enjoy being out in the community and in the sunlight, so that would be a bonus of working as an Operator.

What’s a water myth or misconception you wish more people understood?

I wish more people understood how safe tap water is to drink and that tap water has much more stringent water quality standards than bottled water does. Mesa Water tests your water 30,000+ times per year and it meets and exceeds all state and federal standards. Tap water is also the most cost-effective option costing about one penny a gallon–you can’t beat that compared to grocery store bought and bottled water!

How would you describe your “hydration personality”—slow sipper, frequent filler, or the person with three drinks on their desk?

I am a three-drink person through and through, but cold tap water with lemon is the first thing I reach for each morning. I am known to always come to meetings with a drink in hand, whether it be tap water, matcha or coffee (all made with Mesa Water of course).