Water
COVID-19 and Reciprocity for Water/Wastewater Operators
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many changes in water and wastewater operations. We have seen operators and other staff in quarantine, tighter health and PPE restrictions, and staff scheduling changes. As am example, let’s focus on the scenario of an operations staff in quarantine. Where would you find other certified operators? Would you look to other municipalities or industries for help? What if your rural area did not have a long list of certified operators, could you call in help from another state? As it stands today, you could only call upon operators who are licensed in your state. Here in lies the problem; there is no nationally recognized operator certification that could be utilized. The American Water Works Association (AWWA), Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), and some states are seeking to change that.
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Texas and Surrounding Region – Winter Storm Uri, 2021
In February 2021, a large winter storm impacted Texas and surrounding states. These areas suffered greatly from the loss of essentials that included food, utilities, and drinking water. Involved states suffered losses in the billions of dollars along with at least 57 storm-related deaths just in Texas.
Loss of electricity was central to most suffering and loss of other dependent utilities. In the extreme cold, loss of heat sources for homes and businesses either provided directly by electricity or natural gas left people in danger of succumbing to the cold. Some families died from using their vehicles to warm themselves in closed garages or using their gas stoves to warm their houses.
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Wastewater Recycling Process
Water reclamation, wastewater reuse, or resource recovery is the process of converting treated wastewater into water that can be reused for other purposes. Reclaimed water is water that is used more than one time before it passes back into the natural water cycle. Reuse may include irrigation of gardens and agricultural fields, replenishing surface water, and recharging groundwater. Reused water may also be directed toward fulfilling domestic needs, businesses, and industry. This reuse water can even be treated to reach drinking water quality standards.
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Water Utility Management Practices
Water Utility Management Challenges Management of water and wastewater utilities encompasses a wide array of issues. These include product quality, customer satisfaction, personnel development, adequate capacity, operation and maintenance, finances, and whatever issues may present themselves. It is not a job for a single person. It is a team effort […]
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Silver Tsunami for the Water Industry
There is a looming crisis in the water industry, mainly in plant operating personnel, as the present pool of personnel age out and leave the industry for retirement. Many in the industry are calling it the “Silver Tsunami” as a wave of older personnel leave the industry, taking their knowledge, skills, and certifications with them. It is estimated that over the next ten years between 30% and 50% of these positions will be left vacant. The next ten years will reveal a deficit of operators if something cannot be done to counter the problem. Health and safety issues will arise as the situation continues, due to understaffed facilities with less experienced personnel. The experience and skills gap will get critical sooner rather than later, prompting the need for proactive approaches to the problem now.
