During these lazy dog days of summer, many of us take a break from our hectic lifestyles and get away for family vacations. If you are anything like me, however, you may find it very hard to completely let go. Along with the beach chair and sunscreen, I usually pack up back issues of Municipal Sewer and Water and other magazines I haven’t had the time to read.

Part of the reason I never quite let go is because I love the work I do. For me, keeping up with underground...