Clean Water Current

(October 2, 2019) - EPA announced a new Water Workforce Initiative on Sept. 24 during WEFTEC2019. 

The goal of this new initiative is to provide federal leadership, collaborate with partners and increase public awareness to bolster interest in water sector careers.  It also builds on recent efforts to promote water careers. For example, EPA and the Department of Veterans Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help connect veterans with disabilities with career opportunities in the water sector. EPA also worked with the Department of Labor to support water operator apprenticeship programs.

NACWA and other water sector organizations, including the Water Environment Federation (WEF), have been working closely with EPA and Congress to advance water workforce issues.  The water sector will also be collaborating with EPA over the coming months to develop a list of water workforce case studies from various utilities. 

NACWA appreciates EPA’s emphasis on this important topic and looks forward to continued engagement with the Agency and other water sector partners.  Members with questions can contact Nathan Gardner-Andrews, NACWA’s Chief Advocacy Officer.