LABOR RESOURCES FOR UTILITY MANAGERS

• The Hidden Workforce Transition Underway

  As water system owners contemplate retirement, they should also ponder the fate of their businesses and the options available for the transition of assets.

• The Retirement Wave Is Coming: How Will Your Utility Manage?

  Digital transformation, but also diversity and inclusion, will be essential for recruiting the next generation of utility workers.

• Overcoming Challenges In A Context Of Crisis: Guarantee The Continuity And Quality Of Water Services

  In a context of crisis, the management of water supply, sanitation and purification services is critical. Managers must ensure the continuity and quality of services, whilst minimizing health risks for workers and customers.

• Connecticut Town Takes A Step Toward Preventing Deadly Slips

  John Ramos knew his way around the wastewater treatment plant in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He retired in 2008 after rising to the rank of the plant manager, and returned in 2010 as the plant operator/lab technician operator. He worked at the plant for more than 30 years, and was respected for his “wealth of knowledge and leadership,” according to his 2016 obituary.

• Fresh Perspective For The Water Workforce

  Nicole A. Blanco was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She learned early in life that she had a passion for engineering and science, which she eventually channeled into a career in water. Nicole was the first in her family to obtain a college degree, then proceeded to break down barriers in an industry sorely in need of — and yearning for — operational innovation and evolution. As you will surely find through the following Q&A, the water sector needs more like her, and we hope her story provides inspiration to both aspiring young professionals and future mentors.

• Balancing Utility Performance, Cost, And Risk In The Face Of A Pandemic

  A lot will change moving forward, as water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities add pandemic risks to their list of priorities and must consider a growing array of threats in the development of capital improvement plans (CIPs).

• Adapting To The 'New Normal' In A Post-COVID Water Sector

  Beyond all the health-related impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been some ripple effects to the daily operations and related employment conditions for water-treatment personnel. Here is a recap of some of those issues, their impacts, and alternatives for water-utility management.

• Initiative Takes On Water Systems, Climate Change, And Inequity

  The water industry and the communities it supports are beset with many problems when it comes to failing infrastructure and systems; but some have it worse than others.

• We’re Better Together

  We are all stressed by a pandemic that’s caused more than 100,000 deaths in North America and economic fallout that has left tens of millions unemployed. Many of us are working from home, we wear masks outside, and a firm handshake or a hug is off limits.

• Utilities Pass The Ultimate Test

  The water and wastewater industry proved its resilient and essential nature in the face of a world crisis.