Like their larger counterparts, small systems struggle with financing, infrastructure, and staffing. However, they tend to serve more rural communities and severely lack public awareness that could get them the resources they need.

Finances

Small operations mean a small pool of customers to collect revenue from. This cap on earnings limits what utilities can afford, and, unfortunately, equipment for a smaller system doesn’t guarantee a smaller price tag.

Resources to strengthen operations, like new monitoring equipment, updated training, and additional staff, cost money that small systems can’t spare. There are some options to supplement revenue, such as loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, approval is often dependent on compliance, which small systems struggle to meet.

The last time water infrastructure had a widespread injection of cash was in 1972, when the Clean Water Act was enacted. Those new, state-of-the-art facilities are now approaching 60 years old. After decades of operations, plants need extensive repairs. But when every penny is already counted for, utilities rarely opt for expensive, time-consuming options.

Especially in smaller communities, utilities can feel pressure from customers and politicians to keep rates down. Over time, this can worsen debt if not adjusted to keep up with maintenance costs and depreciation. Luckily, there are online resources to track rate data. Conducting regular rate studies, every three to five years, can help balance finances.

Location

Geography can also cause several logistical problems. Small systems tend to serve a small number of customers over a wide range of land. That water travels via pipes and pumps that must be maintained, another costly feature.

Agriculture is more common. This introduces new stressors on systems and requires specialized care. Agricultural wastewater is more likely to contain chemical contaminants like pesticides and herbicides, sources of PFAS. These forever chemicals can compound over time if treatment doesn’t properly remove them.

Location can also deter potential operators from working at certain utilities. Not only can large systems offer better pay, but they are usually in more desirable areas. In an already highly competitive hiring market, small systems often lose out on new staff.

There are some methods to ease these issues. Utilities can explore adding mobile systems to their operations. These self-contained units can be used in addition to water treatment plants as modular upgrades. They can also be transported to provide on-site treatment. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to move, and offer a variety of uses.

Utilities can also look into consolidation or merging with another system. By combining resources and staff, utilities widen their access to solutions. However, this option does have its drawbacks. Shifting administrative responsibilities can change operations drastically, such as privatizing an asset that was publicly owned.

Resources

Although small systems face a wide variety of challenges to provide clean water to their community, there are many resources available. The EPA has a library of free presentations and in-depth trainings specifically designed for small systems. The American Water Works Association has literature on developing rates, water conservation, utility management, and even a regularly updated training handbook on its site. AWWA also offers select eLearning courses free of charge to utilities enrolled in their small system membership.

The post The Overwhelming Struggles Small Water Systems Face and How To Solve Them appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

The film is a buddy comedy full of poop jokes, loveable characters, and the trials and tribulations of providing clean water to a community. It follows the operations of the Portland Water District in Maine and the seemingly endless obstacles the team faces.

After touring the plant, Lewis and his co-director, Kaitlyn Schwalje realized there was clearly a story to be told. However, he said getting the district and the employees who work there on board was a challenge.

“I think they’re wary of any press because they’re just so used to flying under the radar,” Lewis said. “[They assume] as long as no one is talking about us, it means we’re doing our jobs right.”

Unsung Heroes

Wastewater has an “out of sight, out of mind” relationship with the public. Despite being a major innovation keeping society from the dark ages of constant disease and sludge thrown onto busy streets, it’s largely ignored.

“When we’re successful, the result is invisible,” said Dustin Price, chief operator at the Portland Water District, in the documentary. “[The public has] no idea the amount of effort that went into that. Our success is a very quiet success. Our mistakes get trumpeted very loudly.”

Lewis said this lack of positive attention is a major issue, contributing to the lack of funding. It’s been fifty years since the Clean Water Act infused money, research, and education into the country’s water infrastructure. One major theme of the film? It might be time for another.

Viewers follow Price and other employees through the laundry list of woes their plants face. From severely outdated systems to harsher biosolid restrictions, the team prevents major crises with sheer will and expertise. But the film shows it’s not just equipment that can break; people do too.

Under Pressure

Wastewater is facing mass retirement of current professionals and struggling to recruit new ones. Plants are running with a limited number of operators, making time off or sick leave a serious staffing challenge. It’s a high-stress industry with all of society resting on its shoulders. Pressure to succeed can weigh heavily on employees. Mental health struggles are still taboo within the field, limiting conversations and access to helpful resources.

“When people are showing up and trying to do their best, but the place won’t let them, that already is difficult,” said Zac Perkins, chief operator at the City of Bath Water Pollution Control Facility, in the documentary. “Then it’s not understood that it’s not your fault when something goes wrong. That affects morale probably more than anything.”

Slowly but surely, a shift is taking place. Major water treatment conventions are beginning to include the topic in programs. At the 2026 WETT Show, an entire session was dedicated to starting a conversation on mental health in the workplace.

According to Lewis, these are the types of dialogue the film hopes to spark. The film discusses the variety of challenges wastewater professionals face from daily infrastructure failures to the academic pressure of passing state-mandated certification exams. Over time, they also see how stress wears down operators.

“Our approach to talking about [mental health] is ‘look at how hard these guys work. Look at what they’re up against. Look at what they’re taking on personally,’” Lewis said, hoping to connect with audiences on an emotional level. “If you shrink it down to the human experience of an operator, it’s like they’re able to relate to it.’”

Industry Success

The film’s outreach strategy seems to be working. After three years in production, the film won the Fowlie Audience Award at Camden’s International Film Festival. It continued to gain recognition at other festivals and even gathered praise from some of the toughest critics: other wastewater professionals.

As mentioned before, the documentary has attracted attention in the wastewater world. The NEWEA 2026 conference added a spotlight showing of the film and Lewis said over a hundred utilities reached out to schedule a screening for their communities. Operators have found a sense of camaraderie with the real-life characters in the documentary, watching as they navigate tricky situations in Maine, reminding them of their day-to-day lives as far away as California.

“Overwhelmingly, the messages I’m getting are like ‘I see myself in this movie and no one’s ever told my story before,’” Lewis said.

Ultimately, Lewis said his goal is to have policymakers and community leaders experience the film. He hopes, through the power of storytelling, more people will begin to understand the hardships the wastewater industry is up against and take action to change that. He said, at the end of the project, thar he is in awe of people he met in wastewater.

“They’re all, without fail, incredibly smart, kind, funny, hardworking, and maybe haven’t had a traditional life path. They’re all just the coolest people with great stories too.”

You can find a list of scheduled screenings of Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong here.

The post Sludge on the Silver Screen: Wastewater Documentary Centers Humanity appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

What is Lithium Carbonate

The compound is industrially used to produce lithium-ion batteries, aluminum production, cement, red fireworks, mood stabilizing medication, and kitchenware. The Texas plant will focus on producing the substance for batteries. These power sources are common in portable and medical devices, military technology, and electric vehicles. They can also provide backup energy for large utilities like solar power, data centers, or even power grids.

Currently, the U.S. imports most of its lithium from South America, specifically Argentina and Chile. The mineral is generally extracted by either evaporating lithium-rich brine and harvesting the remnants or mining hard ore. At Element3, seven patent-pending technologies from ORNL have enabled the company to expand their new methods to this scale.

About the Plant

The company was founded in 2021. Five years later, they are making history. In early 2025, Element3 announced they successfully produced battery-grade lithium carbonate from oil and gas wastewater. They promised readers the breakthrough would encourage them to begin commercial production in 2025. A month over their estimate, they’ve made good on that projection.

Luckily for Element3, there are high traces of lithium in oil and gas wastewater. Ancient brine trapped beneath Earth’s surface for millions of years are rich in minerals. Energy companies reintroduce lithium to the environment through extraction methods like fracking or drilling. Element3 suggests their filtration recovery method is quicker and impacts the environment less than traditional mining.

Changing the Game

Most companies dispose of oil and gas wastewater via deep underground injections into wells, as it is extremely briny, toxic, and carries known carcinogens. Some companies reuse the water in fracking’s hydraulic presses or other industrial uses.

Any disposal method runs the risk of soil and groundwater contamination, which could affect the local environment. Deep well injections can cause increased underground pressure, triggering earthquakes. Innovations such as this new plant bring us one step closer to not only preserving desired resources but also maintaining a closed-loop system in water reuse.

Economic Impacts

Figureheads both within and outside the industry have commented on economic possibilities tied to the project. Both Abbott and Cynthia Jenks, associate laboratory director for the Physical Science at ORNL, suggested the plant and its technology will have significant impacts on the U.S. market.

“It is critically important to the United States economy and national security that domestic sources for lithium — both raw and refined — are developed,” Jenks said during the initial partnering with Element3.

Abbott said the plant would advance America’s already undisputed leading energy state. While visiting, he thanked the Trump administration for centering American self-reliance and Element3 for enabling innovation as the nation’s age of “mineral dominance” approaches.

“The future of America depends on producing the elements essential to our supply chain for products we use every day,” Abbott said in a press release on the topic. “Lithium ​​​​is one of those elements critical to batteries, advanced manufacturing, and national defense.”

It’s clear there’s a strong push for more plants like the lithium plant. The key now is to pay attention to this pioneer in mineral recovery. Being the first is revolutionary, but it means you’re in uncharted territory with no one to turn to for support. We will be watching the situation closely to see what other firsts arise and what new challenges could mean for water treatment.

The post Uncharted Wastewaters: Nation’s Breakthrough Lithium Extraction Plant appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

Luckily, mobile water treatment systems are available when repairs are delayed, or an issue gets complicated. This week, Water Treatment 411 will cover different uses for mobile systems and how to optimize your utility’s advantage.

Why Mobile Systems?

Mobile systems are small, portable, and self-contained. They can be used both in place of and supplementary to centralized treatment plants. They feature “plug and play” technology for rapid deployment, making them easy to use and perfect for crisis response. Functions can also be handpicked to perform necessary services, such as clarification, filtration, or specialized removal for a targeted contaminant.

Operations also require minimal training and oversight, a huge advantage as the sector works to solve its hiring challenges. The size and capacity of a unit is customizable, offering a solution for any volume of treatment. If a situation demands it, the modular units can be linked to form an expandable and hyper-specific system.

This freedom and independence are representative of a new age in water treatment. Novel methods of treatment open new doors of serving your community and revolutionizing your operations.

The first step is identifying how this tool can serve you. Uses of mobile systems in utilities can be broken down into three major categories: planned, long-term, and emergency.

Planned

These are instances where mobile units act as a temporary stand-in for a main treatment plant. Utilities can rent units for a short, scheduled period, like when a main plant suspends operations. Situations can include shutdowns, upgrades, or quality assurance testing. Limiting interruptions to service shows your customers your management thinks ahead and prioritizes their needs.

Long-term

They can also pick up the slack for aging infrastructure. According to ASCE, the U.S. loses about 33.3 trillion gallons of water a year and $187 billion in revenue because of it. Despite this, many utilities still lack the funding needed to renovate. Mobile systems can stay in place for several years and help make ends meet at a lower price point until a permanent solution is available. This can be especially helpful to bridge the gaps in smaller systems competing for attention and workforce.

Emergency

Natural disasters can cause immediate, devasting damage to utilities. The demand for clean water doesn’t stop when centralized plants require repairs. In fact, utilities have all eyes on them when communities restabilize after an event. Mobile systems can minimize service interruptions and meet public needs, especially for rural communities facing unique challenges compared to their urban counterparts.

Not only can these units fill in for day-to-day operations, but they can also be tailored for specialized care. For example, wildfires can produce unique contaminants like chemicals, debris, and soot that can linger for years after the initial event. Many companies offer flexible contracts for rentals, allowing you access when you need it without racking up a bill when you don’t.

Accessibility

These little water treatment powerhouses could also be the key to water accessibility. Their compact designs and versatile nature make them a preferred tool in resource-limited settings. Mobile water systems can be found around the world performing niche tasks usually untouchable to traditional, centralized plants.

Veolia, a water tech company, presented a case study on an emergency unit rental for a power company.  The unit was set up on-site, and they recovered $5 million in coal from runoff water and kept the client within the required discharge quality.

A study released last summer discussed the value of point-of-use technology, like mobile water systems, in rural areas facing water scarcity and pollution. They argued that centralized treatment is a less favorable option due to infrastructure challenges, high costs, and limited government capacity. Mobile systems can be fitted per household or even expanded to serve small communities, while offering security other options do not. This type of access provides people with agency and empowerment, all thanks to clean water.

Mobile treatment systems can serve as an asset to your utility. They are versatile, accessible, and affordable, making them a great option for rural plants. In an age of modern technology, these tools can push us to look past the habits of the past. Necessary disruptors like testing and upgrades can now be seamlessly integrated when paired with a temporary unit. Think outside your site and consider new methods of meeting issues head on.

The post Novel Technology Overcoming Traditional Challenges: Mobile Water Systems appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

This type of contamination is usually caused by traces in urine, an unavoidable factor and improper disposal. A 2025 study found widespread pharmaceutical use to lower water quality across the United States. In more arid regions, water conservation efforts such as water reuse and intentional recharge of groundwater supplies could be exacerbating the issue.

Effects

Experts are worried about long-term effects. If contaminants cannot be removed and are persistent, higher traces of pharmaceuticals may collect over time, worsening the impact. Ultimately, medication is designed to interact with living organisms, making this contaminant uniquely poised for an array of risks. And each medication presents a new challenge.

If water is contaminated with antibiotic medication, there’s a risk it could contribute to resistant bacteria. If high traces of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, are present, it could affect living organisms’ organ functions and affect development and reproduction. There is also the risk that several types of pharmaceuticals are present within a single source, introducing a cocktail of negative and potentially dangerous interactions.

The Conversation Today

At the start of 2026, researchers announced traces of drugs and forever chemicals in the Grand Canyon’s water systems. Specifically, they found traces of antibiotic, antifungal, antidepressant, and diabetic drugs. They said the presence of these drugs pointed to a backflow of wastewater from a local water treatment plant contaminating the canyon and Colorado River, a major water source for fauna and humans in the area. While none of the drugs exceeded drinking water standards, most of the compounds lacked regulatory standards. This gap in policy makes it difficult to determine how safe the situation is.

The water facility suspected of contributing to the contamination is the South Rim Wastewater Treatment Plant. Despite being designed to direct water away from the canyon, experts believe it could be reentering the environment through groundwater and a geological fault line.

Away from nature, contaminated water is a topic of debate in courtrooms and Capitol Hill. New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection sued several companies, including Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Honeywell. The case mentioned a defunct pharmaceutical plant with remaining toxic waste threatening local water supply. In Washington protestors have promoted legislation designed to limit the potential exposure of traces of abortion medication, mifepristone, within the water supply

What Can Your Utility Do?

Luckily, new innovations are making news every day. Recently, researchers developed a new strategy to remove drugs from water using a byproduct of the timber industry, pine bark. The medium was found to remove 90% of blood pressure and painkiller residue from wastewater.

The responsibility of curbing contamination mainly falls to the manufacturers. Utility companies can offer specialized water systems to treat on-site wastewater and prevent remnant pharmaceuticals from reaching municipal system. For providers of pharmaceutical water purification and wastewater treatment, the most common types of systems are ion exchange, reverse osmosis and distillation. Ion exchange is the most popular and praised for its low maintenance and easy operation. If you’re interested in learning more about pharmaceutical water quality, you can tune into or read over this article on responsible manufacturing.

Treatment plants serving the public act like a watchdog in this process. Traditional technologies to remove pollutants like suspended solids and biodegradable organic compounds might remove some pharmaceuticals. But overall, most utilities don’t have resources designed to intentionally remove the contaminants completely. While upgrading to newer tech could target remaining drugs found in the water supply, this solution is expensive and time-consuming to implement.

The best way to keep your community safe is by conducting regular, reliable testing. This allows you to quickly notice unsafe levels and notify customers of the issue. Here is a list of resources to develop an emergency response plan for your utility.

The post What Happens When Medicine Contaminates the Water Supply? appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

At the beginning of the year, we shared our top water treatment conferences for 2026. We know travelling can be hard and want to give everyone access to the knowledge and education they deserve. This week Water Treatment 411 gathered some of the most relevant webinars at your disposal.

AWWA Measuring What Matters: Building Stronger Utilities Through TMF Metrics | Jan. 28 | 12 p.m. CST

Looking to build a stable framework? Maintaining sustainability and compliance is crucial, especially within smaller organizations. This webinar will help you understand the purpose of metrics, targets, and outcomes by guiding you through case study presentations of TMF’s most improved. This webinar is one piece of a larger effort known as AWWA’s Water 2050 Initiative. This project aims to secure the future of the water sector through concerted efforts now. Price: Member – $75, Non-member – $120, included in the AWWA annual webinar subscription.

Infiltrator’s Liquid Only Pressure Sewer – A STEP in the Right Direction | Feb. 18 | 12 p.m. CST

From rudimentary systems to complex multi-faceted processes, liquid only sewers find themselves in the spotlight at this talk. Hugh Mickel, a senior consultant at Infiltrator, will explain how this approach can cut down a utility’s energy and volume of biosolids. For professionals looking to collect credit hours, this webinar will count for one hour in several associations and state quotas. If you can’t make this session, don’t worry! Infiltrator hosts a free webinar each month.

AWWA Data and Information Management: Cornerstone for Utility Decision-Making | Feb. 28 | 12 p.m. CST

Is it time to upgrade your tech? We’ve spoken recently and frequently about the sector’s need to   This webinar will walk you through how to do that correctly and effectively. Designed for utility managers and their data management systems, it hopes to foster informed decision making and optimal organizational value. It will encompass processes from asset inspection to customer service. Price: Member – $75, Non-member – $120, included in the AWWA annual webinar subscription.

AWWA Microplastics 2026: State Regulatory Perspectives and Progress | March 4 | 12 p.m. CST

Are microplastics a macro problem in your utility? Several states are taking steps toward regulatory actions to limit the public’s exposure to microplastics. With new literature published every day, it’s hard to keep up. Get up to date with this webinar’s agenda. The content will feature updates on three key state regulatory agencies and the developments that lead them there. Panelists will demystify the unknowns and tackle barriers surrounding the topic. Price: Member – $75, Non-member – $120, included in the AWWA annual webinar subscription.

Veolia’s Advancing Pharmaceutical Water Quality: Smart Solutions for Purified Water Generation, Distribution, Microbial Control, & Monitoring | Oct. 22 | 10 a.m. CST

This “Tech Talk” covers a unique facet of water treatment, the pharmaceutical industry. With stringent standards and highly sensitive technology, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest news and policy. The session will discuss organizational practices, regulatory updates, microbial control strategies, and more! Veolia also has several on-demand webinars covering water treatment topics from mining to pulp and paper. These videos are available after filling out a short questionnaire. The live webinar is available at no cost, just register through their online form.

EPA Water Sector Workforce Series | On Demand

One of water’s biggest challenges at the moment comes from within: workforce struggles. The EPA has hosted several webinars on the topic throughout the years. They’ve uploaded recordings and slideshows for you to view on demand and at no cost, perfect for busy water leaders. You can explore the backlog to find focuses that may be useful to you and your utility at your leisure. The presentations span a variety of focuses from fostering leadership and management skills to building connections with local schools.

Kemira’s Webinar Collection | On Demand

Another library of free resources is waiting for you to discover it. While having an array of topics available, Kemira has featured a section for digital services within the water sector. For those looking to build your skills and knowledge on how technology can support your team, these lectures may be a good starting point. Several videos also focus on renewable solutions, sustainable actions, and emergency responses. This insight can give you a new perspective to view your utility through and help you evaluate operations from a new angle. These webinars are available by filling out Kemira’s online form.

Connecting with other professionals doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. While conferences can be fun and valuable to a utility and its professionals, online resources can fill that gap when schedules get overbooked or responsibilities must be prioritized. Having a growth mindset and continuing to learn about new advancements or leadership conversations will give you the context and tools you need to make the decision that’s best for your utility and community.

The post Webinars: Insider Tips to Boost Your Water Treatment Utility appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

What Happened?

South East Water, a water supplier firm, issued a notice on November 29, to alert customers of a service disruption in the area. After a coagulant chemical issue, 24,000 customers in the area were affected, including schools, care homes, and other businesses. Those affected reported unstable water pressure and access. One hotel owner had to temporarily close it’s doors after losing £30,000 in five days.

Over time, community members became agitated and unsatisfied with the company as their restoration promises fell short. The situation escalated as a member of Parliament for the area, Mike Martin, called for chief executive David Hinton to resign repeatedly. Two weeks passed before Hinton personally addressed the public. When he did speak, he insisted he would not resign, citing his passion and experience as worthy traits. He pointed to an array of external factors straining the system, from extreme weather to lifestyle changes. Ultimately, he gave his company’s response an eight out of ten.

Following the crisis, residents of and the media have referenced two main complaints about the situation. We will break down these concerns and explain how they manifest in your utility.

1. Preventative Care

Of course, the best way to handle a crisis is to not have one in the first place. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. In an industry where system upgrades can cost millions and require the mercy of government approval, and utilities are usually operated by three or fewer people, preventative care can be seen as a luxury.

For South East Water, it’s now a major topic of debate. Hinton claimed the crisis was a “unexpected failure,” but one chief inspector begged to differ. Marcus Rink of Drinking Water Inspectorate had a laundry list of issues with the company, which he presented to Parliament. He said the plant had “noticeable deterioration.” He also said they failed to conduct proper testing or install a heavy metal filter as required after an inspection two weeks prior. Their repeated shortcomings earned them an enforcement notice since the previous year for bacteria and pesticide contamination risks. This type of conflicting information harms your brand and trust with the community. In an emergency, it can make statements seem insincere and customers will question the validity of your authority.

Rink said with appropriate tests, the company would have accurate data and noticed red flags sooner. The company gathered data manually rather than electronically since July. This method allows risks to slip through the cracks and corrupt readings. Check out our article on bad data and human error to learn more about how to build the right culture and get accurate information the first time.

2. Crisis Response

In a situation like the one at Tunbridge, all eyes are on your utility. The community depends on you more than ever for accurate information and a speedy resolution.

As we mentioned before, the company’s updates were inaccurate. Estimated restoration times came and went with little explanation, leaving customers confused and unable to plan for the days ahead. The company set up bottled water distribution stations around town and offered deliveries to households with vulnerable and elderly people. However, this solution did not meet everyone’s expectations. By 1 p.m., water stations battled long lines of cars. One resident said despite requesting a water delivery for three days, he and his parents received nothing and depended on a friend for help.

When issues arise, people may want to calming the chaos and unintentionally place concerns of the public on the back burner. Fostering a preparedness culture can help you focus on the disruption itself, while still keeping customers and employees alike in the loop. Ensure your emergency response plan is updated, your staff is trained, and that resources are accessible to your utility. Keeping employees on the same page, reduces panic and shows your community you have everything under control.

The Take Away

Water crises are unavoidable. In fact, they are affecting more people every day. The question is not if we will face an emergency, but how? To protect the public, we must do it with confidence, compassion, and the knowledge that we did and are doing everything we can.

The post Tunbridge Wells Water Crisis: Learning From Across the Pond appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

This week, Water Treatment 411 has compiled a list of the most anticipated water events of the new year where you can collaborate with other professionals, become familiar with the newest advancements, and capture the attention of policy makers. For more inside information on events and news in the industry, subscribe to our newsletter!

World Water-Tech Innovation Summit | Feb. 24-25 | London, UK 

Driving Strategic Transformation & Resilience. Looking to get away? Meet water leaders from around the world specializing in operations, engineering, and innovation at this event. Perfect for professionals looking for fresh perspectives and new strategies, this summit will help you make new connections and widen your understanding of the sector. Rates are available according to association. Early registration rates are available until Jan. 15. 

WateReUse Symposium | March 8-11 | Los Angeles, CA 

Increasing safe and reliable water supplies. This event features a comprehensive take on water recycling — covering policy, technology, and communication. For oceanography enthusiasts, Philippe Cousteau Jr., grandson of famed Jacques Cousteau, will deliver the keynote address. Rates vary according to deadlines. Advance registration is available until Feb. 18. 

WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference | March 24-27 | Charlotte, NC 

Where the water sector connects. Designed for leaderships and executives in the sector, the conference will share new creative strategies and holistic approaches you may want to consider adopting. A few joint events are also hosted by the Young Professionals Summit. With recruiting listed as the second-biggest concern for the industry, this could be the perfect opportunity to scout future water utility leaders. Attendee registration will be available on Jan. 6.  

Water Week | April 12-18 | Washington D.C. 

Join Us. Water Week stands out with its long duration and unique connection to Capitol Hill. The two biggest events during the week are the National Policy Fly-In and the AMWA Water Policy Conference. These events help to foster the educational relationship between federal actors and water professionals. If you’re curious about how government investments and regulations trickle down to affect your work and community, Water Week is for you. For those registered in the AMWA Conference, access to the Policy Fly-In is included. Otherwise, registration is $150 per person. 

Texas Water | April 27-30 | San Antonio, TX 

Saddle Up. This event proudly boasts the title of largest regional water conference in the U.S. Their itinerary attracts all water enthusiasts from professionals and academics to policy makers and environmentalists. With a highly competitive exhibitor selection system, this event is committed to delivering the best of the industry to its attendees. Additionally, members of the Water Environment Association of Texas or the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association are eligible to enter the Watermark Awards. This event aims to highlight excellent communicators through the field as they connect with their communities. Entries are open until Jan. 30. Registration for Texas Water will be available later this month. 

Water Quality Association Convention and Expo | April 28-30 | Miami Beach, FL 

Innovate. Showcase. Connect. This event is perfect for those looking to grow their understanding of PFAS and other contaminants. Their show floor features a mix of big brands and smaller players, which they say pushes innovation in the industry. One testimonial said the expo was a great opportunity to put a face to some of the names and voices you may only interact with via phone or email otherwise. Rates vary based on association, and new member companies can receive one free convention registration in their first year of membership. 

AWWA Annual Conference & Expo | June 21-24 | Washington D.C. 

Your role as a water hero. This event is focused on water professionals’ roles in the public and within their communities. With something for everyone — from academics to operators — this event will allow you to connect with other passionate experts. For those eager to learn, AWWA is also offering pre-conference work. Attendees can also show off their skills at the event’s annual competitions. There are also tailored courses available for public officials, students, and utility employees. Rates are available according to association, attendance duration, and registration deadlines. Supersaver rates are available until April 24. 

WaterPro Conference | Sept. 14-16 | Phoenix, AZ 

Quality on tap. Hosted by the NRWA, an organization dedicated to supporting rural water utilities around the country. This event stands out by featuring unique events such as the Women in Rural Water Luncheon, interactive knowledge-testing games, and a Photo Contest. The group also highlighted over 70 concurrent sessions as the top reason attendees prioritize this event. Registration will open in 2026. 

The post Water Events and Conferences to Keep 2026 Flowing  appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

Black & Veatch’s 2023 report cited the combination of recruiting and retainment challenges as their second biggest concern in the sector. This challenge extends to not only entry level jobs, but also to management and supervisory positions. In an article for SmartCityDrive, Lori Sutton, executive at American Water, said over 35% of their workforce is nearing retirement. This leaves the succession of higher-level jobs unclear. 

What’s causing the labor shortage? 

A retiring workforce and lack of recruiting class is creating a tense hiring competition. Unfortunately, smaller, rural utilities almost always lose, leaving them without the manpower they need. Even with more resources at their disposal, larger utilities with more demanding loads feel the pressure. In fact, this issue’s affects spread across the board as 85% of water utilities operate with three or less employees. This balancing act can quickly come crumbling down if an employee takes a leave of absence, relocates, or retires., or retires. 

One major obstacle is that water treatment lacks appeal due to an unglamorous reputation. Potential hires may fall for stereotypes and assume the work is too unsavory or don’t offer opportunities for growth. It’s true that water treatment is a hands-on, physically demanding job and a particularly hard sell in the world of AI and work-from-home. But the work can be rewarding, especially for those with a passion for public service. 

How to fix it? 

The most effective way to fix negative connotations is a good marketing strategy. Water treatment is functionally intertwined with its community yet disconnected from the people who live there. The utility tends to function behind the scene, only receiving attention during crises, continuing the cycle of distaste. 

To gain visibility, consider running a social media campaign to update the community and familiarize them with the work it takes to provide clean water. Participating in job fairs at local high schools and colleges can also expose students to a career opportunity in a field they may not have considered before. Emphasizing the high pay and low educational barriers can also attract those looking for jobs that won’t require more traditional schooling. 

Like many other sectors, water treatment is growing into its digital era. Software is being updated, and new AI-led tools are revolutionizing the field. Water treatment may not be widely perceived as a tech forward field, but that perception is changing. Additionally, conservation work in water is crucially overlooked. Communicating the necessity and opportunity of sustainability efforts in the utility while recruiting could be the missing piece when reaching out to rising generations. 

Here’s what to keep in mind 

If finding pre-qualified operators with years of experience seems to be an issue for your utility, consider connecting with apprenticeship programs. They usually involve two years of hands-on curriculum, teaching students alongside a mentor. These programs give students the opportunity to earn the knowledge and certificates they need for a career in a sector defined by job security and necessity in every region of the country. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to look beyond the stereotypical job candidate. The water industry lacks gender and racial diversity in its workforce. According to a Brookings report, almost 85% of workers in the water sector were male, two-thirds were white, and the amount of Asian and lack employees was about 7% below the national average. These numbers represent previously untapped demographics, not to be overlooked while recruiting in a labor shortage.

Overall, water treatment’s labor shortage overshadows a rewarding job that flies under-the-radar of potential hires. The work can be physically demanding and not for those with a weak stomach, but it’s perfect for those with a passion for public safety or conservation. The labor shortage can be combatted by showing the community lesser known aspects of the career.

The post Water Treatment’s Marketing Issue: Recruiting in a Labor Shortage appeared first on Water Treatment 411.

This week, Water Treatment 411 provides tools for utilities to fight back against cybersecurity vulnerabilities as we explore the stats, risks, and solutions to these preventable data breaches. 

Where is Water Lacking? 

Red Sift recently released a report highlighting the cyber vulnerabilities in public infrastructure. The report graded companies on their use of DMARC, domain-based message authentication, reporting, and conformance. After surveying 840 companies across three critical infrastructure sectors, water fell behind its colleagues as most vulnerable. They found less than a quarter (23%) of water companies had full DMARC protections in place. Energy outshined the others with 44.5% full enforcement, and chemical’s usage of 35.7% placed it between the two. 

In the age of AI, flagging phishing scams has become increasingly difficult. Where once you could easily recognize a suspicious email via typos or mechanical syntax, now it’s even harder to distinguish false messages from the legitimate. Some software can allow attackers to plug in data, such as old emails or writing, and regurgitate results that mimic the language and mannerisms of trusted senders to trick their victims. 

DMARC protocols offer policies at varyingly exclusive levels. The least stringent simply monitors an inbox, flagging potential threats. Quarantine policies redirect those messages to junk and rejection policies block them entirely. 

32% of water and waste companies in the Red Sift report had DMARC protocols in place, but with the least strict policies, allowing users to judge messages themselves. Security experts recommend setting policies to “p=reject” to fully block unauthorized emails to prevent the risk of unintentionally giving information and access to hackers. 

What’s at Stake? 

Cybersecurity is quickly becoming the backbone of all industries as processes become more automated and dependent on human machine interfaces (HMIs) and other smart technology. To worsen matters, essential utilities are especially attractive to hacktivists and other groups who hope to instigate financial gain, disrupt public life or make a political statement through geopolitical disruptions. 

While smaller, rural operations may be targeted for their more limited protection, national companies are not immune. In late 2024, American Water, the largest publicly traded water utility in the country, faced a major cyber security incident causing them to temporarily disable their billing system and customer portal. While existing monitoring tools were able to alert and flag suspicious activity quickly, customer systems were inaccessible for over a week as experts worked to contain and resolve the attack. 

There are several ways an attack like this can damage a company. In critical infrastructure, public health could be endangered. Disruptions or alterations to operations could leave customers without a daily necessity, or even unknowingly consuming contaminated materials. Users of ransomware may seek a payout while withholding information or operations. 

Overall, incidents like these may bring a brand’s reputation and trustworthiness into question, resulting in serious financial loss. 

What’s the Next Step? 

Leaders in the field may ask, “How can I keep myself, my company and the public safe?” 

Experts cite legacy infrastructure and a lack of basic cyber hygiene as a crucial weakness in organizations. Using unique passwords and resetting them as employees enter new roles can prevent incidences. As mentioned before, protocols like DMARC with strict rejection policies can protect from phishing frauds. Take inventory of operational technology and HMIs to secure assets by implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFAs). The Environmental Protection Agency also recommends geofencing and network segmentation to prevent widespread attacks. 

Staying updated on threats, prevention and resources can be the best defense again cyber-attacks. Seek external support via third party security services to perform routine vulnerability scanning and system upgrades. Develop a response plan to detect and react to threats to minimize damage when incidences arise. 

Overall, being prepared and keeping your team informed is the best protection for your organization and community. 

The post Water Treatment Named Most Vulnerable Sector: Time to Get Tech Savvy  appeared first on Water Treatment 411.