Clean Water Current

(June 26, 2019) - NACWA joined with other organizations from the water sector last week to discuss workforce challenges facing clean water and drinking water utilities in a meeting with senior EPA Office of Water officials.

Among the issues raised by the water organizations were ways in which EPA could be most helpful in collaborating with the sector around workforce needs including coordination with other federal agencies, harmonization and reciprocity of state licensing requirements, research, and compilation of a series of case studies on how various utilities are addressing workforce challenges. 

The conversation was very productive, and EPA expressed strong interest in continued work with the sector on these issues.  EPA staff also noted that addressing water workforce needs is one of the Agency’s top current priorities.

Other organizations participating in the meeting included the Water Environment Federation, the Water Research Foundation, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, and the American Water Works Association. 

NACWA anticipates continued discussion with EPA on workforce issues and will keep the membership updated.  Members with questions can contact Nathan Gardner-Andrews, NACWA’s Chief Advocacy Officer.