For more than two decades, we’ve been anticipating a major exodus of baby boomers from the US workforce, which was expected to ripple through the water/wastewater industry shortly after the start of the new millennium. However, with the onset of the recession in late 2007, many boomers who would have transitioned into retirement opted to …
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The median age of water sector employees is 48—six years above the national median employee age. Estimates place the loss of current utility employees at 30–50 percent within the next 10 years, and millennials will make up 50 percent of the workforce by the year 2020. However, the challenges facing the water sector reflect larger …
Utilities across the country are successfully developing and implementing workforce flexibility and skill-based compensation programs that are key to workplace innovation. Workforce flexibility gives employees the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, while skill-based compensation provides the motivation and reward for those new skills. This article looks at the benefits of each and how …
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Historically, the prevailing belief has been that “you must go to college to get a good job.” Although this was true for previous generations, access to college has become more attainable today, leading to less interest and a deficit in the skilled trades workforce. Our society requires a balance between college education and skilled trades. …
Sandy Smith, national manager of sales, service, testing and business development for Burnett, Inc., was recognized at ACE24 for his “Outstanding Service to AWWA.” He has been an influential volunteer with AWWA and the Georgia Section, including as GAWWA Section Chair and member of the AWWA Board of Directors, the Water Utility Council, and current …
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The new 2030 Strategic Plan, which will be in effect through the end of 2029, is the guiding document for AWWA and its operations. It defines the Association’s vision, mission and core principles, while laying out strategic goals and objectives. It was approved by AWWA’s Board of Directors during its June meeting at the 2024 Annual …
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Kouao-Eric Ekoue is superintendent of New Brunswick Water Utility and received the 2024 Harold V. Florence, Jr., Meritorious Operator Award presented by the AWWA New Jersey Section. Learn more about this water champion by clicking here.
AWWA’s board includes four directors at large (DAL). At the board’s January 2024 meeting, members approved a proposed change to the AWWA bylaws to designate one DAL position for an active AWWA member age 35 or younger. Another DAL position is designated for a service provider volunteer, and the other two do not have any …
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Aging water infrastructure and the ability to secure financing for capital improvements continue to be among the top challenges that North American water systems grapple with, according to the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) newly-released 2024 State of the Water Industry (SOTWI) report. Follow the link to download your copy of the State of the Water …
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