Author Archives: Jessica Rozek

The flushing of disposable wipes and other products labeled as “flushable” causes serious and costly issues for water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). After experiencing ongoing issues with unflushables in its wastewater system, regional utility Metro Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) worked to shift residents’ flushing habits using behavior-change campaigns. Read the full article in the February …

Continue reading “Wrath of the Unflushables: An intrepid utility battled a long-term foe — and influenced flushing behavior— with humorous toilet talk”

In the water sector, every drop counts. As the landscape of the water profession shifts to better reflect the communities it serves, organizations that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion are demonstrating that every experience counts, too. Read the full article in the January 2025 issue of Water Environment & Technology.

The 2025 WEF Operator Scholarship application period is now through March 31. The scholarship provides up to $5000 per individual for career development within the field of water/wastewater operations. Past recipients have used funds for things like: in person/online training and courses; study books; college courses in water, wastewater, environmental management, etc; attending local meetings; …

Continue reading “Apply for the WEF Operator Scholarship”

It is no secret that the water sector is grappling with significant workforce challenges. Per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately one-third of U.S. water workers are eligible to retire within the next decade. Coupled with the rapid advancement of technologies in the sector, there is an urgent need to attract, train, and retain specialists …

Continue reading “Holding Fast Against the ‘Silver Tsunami’”

Three divisions; six countries; 56 teams; 37 years. Many numbers can measure the magnitude of Operations Challenge, billed as the water sector’s premier skills competition. But for more than 300 contenders this year, a single number took precedence over any other: first place. Read the full coverage in December Water Environment & Technology.

A Midwestern utility dramatically improved its recruitment and retention by creating career progression pathways. Read the full story in November 2024 WE&T.

Siloed organizations, characterized by isolated departments and fragmented workflows, are an important topic in workplace management. This is because a siloed organization can negatively affect its customers, stakeholders, and employees. Read more in August 2024 WE&T.

WE&T‘s May 2024 Operator Essentials column highlights what every operator should know about workforce development. Read more.

Across the United States, water and wastewater utilities are challenged with managing aging infrastructure, tight budgets, and understaffing — not to mention rising retirements and a shrinking talent pool. Many organizations believe they lack the resources to do succession planning or focus on workforce development, but it can be done. This article looks at two …

Continue reading “Tapping the Talent Pipeline: Developing the next generation of leaders in your organization”

From the start of the standing room-only Opening General Session on October 2, one thing was clear: Attendees were in for an immersive experience. This innovative look at culture, music, and storytelling began with a welcome from hip-hop artist Benny Starr, Senior Fellow of Arts and Culture at the U.S. Water Alliance (Washington, D.C.), who …

Continue reading “Bringing People to the Center of Water”