by Sami Stroud | Feb 25, 2026 | Energy Management, Utility Management, Wastewater
As many of us have noticed, the cost of energy continues to rise. Several factors are driving this increase, including the rapid expansion of data centers to support AI technologies and aging utility infrastructure. For wastewater systems, these trends matter a great...
by Sami Stroud | Feb 12, 2026 | Utility Management, Wastewater, Workforce Development
Shannon Hazelton, at work in Winterset, IA and Point Hope, AK. When Shannon Hazelton entered the workforce, he never expected to spend nearly twenty years in wastewater. Yet his path—shaped by unexpected opportunities, tough environments, and a drive to keep...
by AJ Barney | Feb 6, 2026 | Conservation, Energy Management, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Utility Management, Wastewater
The Solar Calculator is a beginner-friendly Excel tool developed by the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center to help drinking water and wastewater utilities explore the feasibility of on-site solar energy. Using facility location, available space,...
by Southwest EFC | Jan 28, 2026 | Operations & Maintenance, Wastewater
Cold weather can pose unique challenges for on-site wastewater systems—but with the right preparation, problems can be prevented before they start. In this episode, host Anthony Craven is joined by Jason Barrett, Associate Professor with the Mississippi State...
by Southwest EFC | Jan 23, 2026 | Conservation, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, Small Water Systems, Water Availability
This episode explores the growing energy and water demands of data centers as artificial intelligence is driving rapid expansion across the country. The discussion highlights how AI-focused data centers differ from traditional facilities, why their electricity and...
