WEF Educates Delegation Of Eurasian Water Specialists On U.S. Water Management

Group is part of a special program developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce

Alexandria, VA — Earlier this week, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) hosted a delegation of Eurasian water managers and executives as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC)'s Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) program. The purpose of the program is to help international water specialists gain a better understanding of municipal water infrastructure and water resource management in the United States. WEF was among a select group of relevant government agencies, associations, and companies in the Washington metropolitan area to be chosen by USDOC.

"As specialists in the field of water, we found it extremely useful to learn about the opportunities offered by the Water Environment Federation, " said Natalia Vavelschi, a delegate from Apa-Canal in Chisinau, Moldova. "We were glad to learn about the potential for participation in WEF's educational programs, seminars, and conferences. Learning about the activities of WEF provides us with a new perspective on developments within the field of water treatment as well as training for water treatment staff."

Officially launched on July 16, the SABIT Water Resource Management program will train 16 managers and executives from the Eurasian water resource management industry during a month-long stateside tour. Members of the delegation — screened and selected by the USDOC — will travel to different regions of the U.S. to improve their knowledge of industry trends and technology through meetings with leading U.S. drinking and wastewater facilities, equipment manufacturers, and local, state, and federal government representatives. The tour kicked-off in Washington, D.C. with visits to WEF, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Association of Water Companies, the Washington Aqueduct, and Fairfax Water.

"WEF was honored to be selected by the USDOC to participate in this exciting new program and for the opportunity to help educate this group of international dignitaries," said WEF Executive Director Jeff Eger. "Sustainable management of our water resources requires a cooperative effort on all levels here in the United States and around the world. We look forward to many more opportunities to share our knowledge and commitment to protect and preserve this precious resource."

A long-term goal of the program is for participants to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to improve the water infrastructure in their home countries and make positive changes within their own organizations. The program also provides U.S. companies with an opportunity to be directly involved in the region's economic development by encouraging the formation of mutually beneficial business relationships. The tour is expected to make stops in Los Angeles, Albuquerque, and Philadelphia/Northern New Jersey before concluding on August 13.

To learn more about the SABIT program, visit www.trade.gov/sabit.

About WEF
Formed in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF and its Member Associations proudly work to achieve our mission of preserving and enhancing the global water environment.

SOURCE: Water Environment Federation (WEF) - WEFTEC