The Value of Water Campaign’s Post

This #WaterWednesday, join us in marking the 10th anniversary of the Imagine a Day Without Water campaign — where we take time to consider the value of water and what life would be like without it. According to The Value of Water Campaign, concern about our nation’s water infrastructure is on the rise. It's unsurprising that ensuring reliable water services continues to be a priority. While other communities may have issues with water quality or aging infrastructure, Castle Rock does not. We have strong support for our projects and plans and our water future is secure. Where we do need help is in support of the workforce. It is estimated that one in three water employees could retire in the next 10 years. This national statistic applies to Castle Rock Water too. The water industry requires plant operators, field technicians, billing specialists and engineers. Helping to provide clean high-quality water is a rewarding career that truly supports the community. And, these jobs have highly transferable skills — every community has a water provider. Support the water industry by exploring new career opportunities at CRgov.com/Jobs.

#MeetOurTeam: Marguerite Sheehan, Utility Advisor Moonshot Missions is comprised of passionate team members who strive to make a difference for communities in need. As a Utility Advisor, a large part of Marguerite’s role is gathering background information on the communities Moonshot assists so that our team of experts can provide recommendations for improvement. Another aspect of her role is assisting communities with the projects they take on to improve their systems. Marguerite loves learning about the communities we work with and traveling to see their wastewater treatment systems; she also enjoys the diversity of projects she works on because she is learning about the industry she’s passionate about. “One thing that people may not realize that Moonshot does is provide aid to decentralized water and wastewater systems, not just utilities; decentralized water and wastewater systems can fall through the cracks because they are small, harder to assist, and a lot of organizations don’t work with them.” While browsing LinkedIn, Marguerite found Moonshot Missions and knew it was the team she wanted to join because the work provides technical assistance to small and disadvantaged communities and their utility operators. “Moonshot is a unique place to work because our team is diverse in many ways, including experience, culture, and location; this diversity is something our organization can utilize to provide relevant, considerate, and innovative recommendations to our clients.” Marguerite says, “At Moonshot, helping communities provide safe drinking water and wastewater services is only limited by our imagination.” Outside of work, Marguerite’s interests can be broken down into four categories: musical theater, all things nerdy, crafting, and reclaiming her Diné culture. Meet the whole Moonshot team: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gXSUj8DD #Team #UtilityAdvisor #Utility #Water #Wastewater

Water utilities depend on 300,000 skilled, dedicated professionals to ensure that people and waterways have access to clean, healthy, plentiful water to thrive. However, with an expected wave of retirements, the majority of these jobs will need to be filled over the next decade. In March, Pisces Foundation partners at the US Water Alliance released a report highlighting strategies for water utilities to transform their workforces. These strategies serve to develop the next generation of water professionals while also building an equitable water workforce that supports vibrant economies in all communities. More information here: https://lnkd.in/erxKWyyY

Here's one for my connections in the US: Who do you trust the most to give you accurate information about your #drinkingwater quality? A recent poll by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) showed that water utilities were the most trusted bodies when it came to information about water quality. Not surprising right? What I found really interesting though was that the better the communication by the utility, the better the perception of the water quality by the public. This communication piece is something I've been advocating for while, not just specifically regarding water quality, but more generally across the water industry. The Talent Gap (get to used to me saying this - I'm not going to stop!) is another area where communication is key. Let's get talking about all the amazing things companies operating in the space are doing so that we can attract more people into the industry! Article in the comments. #water #utilities #talentgap

🍽 💧WaterTA, what services are on the MENU? Our WaterTA team is dishing out a full range of services, all available at no-cost, to help communities in EPA Region 2 identify their water infrastructure needs, develop shovel-worthy projects, and secure federal and state funding. Hungry for solutions to your water infrastructure challenges? 🥗 Grab a small bite to start: Are you looking to take something small off your plate? We can assist with tasks like developing outreach materials, presentation materials, or facilitating meetings. 🥘 Jump right into entrees: Looking for more substantial support? We offer assistance with driving community engagement, capital improvement, or getting an infrastructure project off the ground. 🍰 Save room for dessert: Indulge in our additional services, here to round out your experience and build your team’s skills. We can deliver training and professional development to your staff or board. Curious about our full range of services? Ready to take a bite out of your water infrastructure challenges? Learn more about our WaterTA services and how we can assist your community at: efc.syr.edu/assistance #Water #WaterTA #TechnicalAssistance #WaterInfrastructure #Funding #WaterUtility #Wastewater #OperationsandMaintenance #O&M #Resilience 

Workforce Development Resource: Created by the Decentralized Wastewater MOU Partnership, the "Careers in the Decentralized Wastewater Industry" poster highlights key information about the industry, including its benefits, career pathways, and salary expectations. This resource is an excellent tool for promoting awareness of this often-overlooked career field. #SepticSmart; #SepticSmartWeek; #SepticSystemMaintenance; #WastewaterManagement; #EnvironmentalHealth; #CleanWater; #ProtectOurWater; #HomeownerTips; #SustainableLiving; #WaterQuality; #CommunityHealth; #WaterConservation; #OnsiteWastewater; #SepticAwareness; #SepticMaintenance

🌊 Join the Conversation: Water Matters! 🌊 I recently attended a consult meeting held by the Kansas Water Office in Pittsburg, KS. It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the critical importance of water management in our state. 💧 Boomers: Your wealth of experience and wisdom are essential. Your participation can provide valuable insights and ensure that our water management strategies are well-rounded and effective. Generation X: Your sense of responsibility is crucial. These meetings are a chance to step up and ensure our community’s needs are met. Your voice can guide our state’s decisions on this vital resource. Millennials: Your willingness to help is needed now more than ever. By participating, you can make a tangible difference in how we manage our water resources. Your input can shape a sustainable future for all. Gen Z: Your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are invaluable. Get involved and bring your unique insights to the table. Together, we can create lasting solutions for our water challenges. I can’t stress enough how important it is for everyone to be involved. Let’s share the load of decisions and provide the guidance our state legislatures need. This meeting was not only inspiring but also a reminder of how much education and knowledge are needed to address our water issues. Let’s make a difference together! 💪 (Attached is a picture I took at the venue prior to the meetings starting this morning.)

How to Strengthen Public Trust Real time water quality monitoring at every American home, THE.WAVE.TALK

When you think of water professionals you may picture utility crews, engineers and customer service professionals. Even more personnel work behind-the-scenes with expertise in water quality, systems operations, accounting, IT, communications, administration, HR and more. #WaterProfessionalsAppreciationWeek #CAWaterWeek

Exciting news for those interested in water innovation and economic development! Join us on May 7th, 2024, from 12 to 1pm CST/1 to 2pm EST for a FREE virtual panel discussion on "Smart Lake Erie Watershed—Driving Economic Development Through Innovation." As CWA's contribution to Chicago Water Week, this webinar will explore how the power of water data drives innovation, economic development, and protection of our natural resources. The panel will feature industry, utility, and research leaders who will discuss the lessons we can learn from the "Smart Lake Erie Watershed" and how we could scale them across the Great Lakes. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with regional leaders, innovators, researchers, advocates, and industry veterans about business, social, technical, policy interests, and more. The panel features Aaron Klein, Bob Davis, Emily Hamilton, Kenneth Gibbons, and Kerry Caslow in conversation with moderator Max Herzog. REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/ek8y2CKZ #ChiWaterWeek #Innovation #WaterData #EconomicDevelopment #NaturalResources #VirtualPanelDiscussion #SmartLakeErieWatershed #GreatLakes.