Author Archives: Jessica Rozek

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

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 …

Apply for the WEF Operator Scholarship

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; …

Holding Fast Against the ‘Silver Tsunami’

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 …

Relive Operations Challenge 2024

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.

Breaking Down Silos

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.

Tapping the Talent Pipeline: Developing the next generation of leaders in your organization

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 …