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WICHITA — The city's water utility director, David Warren, resigned earlier this week, he and others say.
"After 39 years of public service, it's time for me to give it a rest," Warren said in an interview this afternoon.
He didn't cite any other reason and said that he plans to examine other opportunities.
"All I can tell you is I've retired," he said.
Warren has been the city's water utility director since 1989, and he oversees some of the city's most expensive and important projects.
The most prominent of those is the $400 million Equus Beds Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project — or ASR — that has led to continuous water rate increases.
Warren's departure comes just as the second phase of that project is under construction. There have been no official announcements of Warren's retirement or of an interim manager.
City Manager Robert Layton did not returned a message left this morning.
Warren said he is proud of his work with the city.
Among highlights are the modernization of water treatment facilities, 75 percent fewer leaks than when he started, increased pumping capacity and a project that drastically improved the taste and smell of city water.
"I'd like to take credit for all of that," he said. "But without the great staff the city has ... this stuff doesn't happen."
Warren also is leaving his role as board member of the Equus Beds Groundwater Management District 2.
Tim Boese, manager of the district, said that Warren informed board members he was retiring at their meeting Tuesday.
"It's a surprise to us, and certainly he's going to be missed by our board," he said.
Warren's salary for 2008 was $146,973.90, not including benefits, according to public records.
Warren also is commander of the Sedgwick County Sheriff Office's Reserve Bureau where he earned $14,401 in 2008, according to county records.
For more on this story, see Thursday's Wichita Eagle.
