When the water flows clear from the bathroom tap, it’s easy for most folks to forget that there are many people working all around the city to make sure that water is available.

And that cadre of city employees now has a new leader. Vernon Land took over the Suffolk position on Monday, according to city officials.

Land, a resident of Norfolk, has 30 years of experience in water production and worked for city of Norfolk before taking the Suffolk position. He rose through the ranks there from bacteriologist to water quality manager.

City officials said in a press release on Thursday that he plans to move to Western Tidewater “in the near future.”

As the new water production manager, Land will work at the G. Robert House Jr. Water Treatment Facility in Chuckatuck. His job is to make sure that water coming from the treatment facility meets the requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

Land holds a biology degree from Old Dominion University. He has two grown children. As an avid runner, he has participated in a number of marathons. He is also a fan of cycling and said he looks forward to exploring the bike and nature trails in Suffolk.