by Sami Stroud | Apr 7, 2026 | Green Infrastructure, Stormwater, Workforce Development
Above 1. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Water Department Gray infrastructure is not the only tool at hand to manage a community’s stormwater, and with increasing severe weather events in the wake of climate change, utilizing all assets at hand is critical to...
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 | Jul 15, 2025 | General Management & Finance, Resilience, Utility Management, Workforce Development
Image Source: Shutterstock User @llucky78 The water sector keeps communities safe, economies running, and ecosystems healthy, but it’s been facing a quiet crisis (and I’m not referring to the aging pipes). Across the country, water utilities are under strain. One in...
by Shannon Pepper | Jun 24, 2024 | Wastewater, Workforce Development
Image credit: APChanel Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/id-2194195395 Public water and wastewater utilities have been referred to as “Anchor Institutions”, forming the foundation of our communities by safeguarding public health and protecting the...
by Jerry Gunasegaram | Jul 27, 2022 | General Management & Finance, Managerial & Financial Leadership, Utility Management, Workforce Development
A skilled workforce is the core of effective water operations. Small water systems often hire new operators who must learn a variety of workplace competencies and technical skills. A credentialing process built on standards-based competencies can prepare new operators...
