by Sami Stroud | Apr 15, 2026 | Small Water Systems, Workforce Development
Small water systems are the backbone of safe and reliable drinking water for millions of Americans, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Yet behind the infrastructure lies a growing concern: the sustainability of the workforce needed to operate,...
by Southwest EFC | Mar 27, 2026 | Managerial & Financial Leadership, Workforce Development
Figure: Older and Younger Water Operators. Image generated with AI by WSU EFC in Canva. As experienced plant managers and superintendents approach retirement, many utilities may discover that the next generation of leaders simply hasn’t been prepared. The...
by Sami Stroud | Mar 5, 2026 | Asset Management, Small Water Systems
For small water systems operating with limited staff and constrained budgets, managing infrastructure effectively is essential. For these systems, pipes, treatment plants, pumps, storage tanks, vehicles, and equipment that deliver safe drinking water – resources that...
by Sami Stroud | Dec 17, 2025 | Access to Water Funding Sources, Access to Water/ Wastewater Funding Sources, Additional Support Organizations, Community Engagement, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement
Funding for water and wastewater projects can be confusing to navigate, and it is generally provided by a variety of agencies in a state. Some states have made an effort to consolidate funding entities and partner agencies to provide a singular...
by Sami Stroud | Dec 2, 2025 | Asset Management, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, Rates, Small Water Systems, Utility Management
Photo from Mississippi State University archives. Aging Water Infrastructure: The Challenge Facing Rural Systems in 2025 Rural water systems across the nation are facing a familiar and growing challenge: aging infrastructure. Many water treatment plants are now...
