There is a shortage of skilled workers in the wastewater industry despite water jobs being one of the most important efforts for environmental health. Managing wastewater is essential for preventing pollutant contamination, the spread of diseases, and improving water recycling technology. But with about 50% of wastewater workers retiring soon, the industry needs to find innovative ways to attract workers.
Water utilities in Texas had resiliency plans and strategies in place before Winter Storm Uri hit in February. Public Works Director Clarence Wittwer and Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Nicholas Cook discuss what went wrong and how they recovered.
ASCE has released the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, giving Drinking Water Systems a C-, Wastewater a D+, and Stormwater a D. The most glaring issues include a lack of appropriate funding and the outdated state of many water systems. With each report card, solutions are listed on how the grade can be raised.