WEF Highlights

In March, the United Nations (UN) released the 2020 edition of its annual World Water Development report, with a special focus on climate change. The report advises a combination of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, covering such practical considerations as agriculture, finance, and disaster risk reduction. Of particular interest to water professionals, the report […]

Since launching in 2015, an innovative apprenticeship program developed by the Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA) and the Baltimore Department of Public Works (DPW) has equipped nearly 100 young adults with the skills they need to become successful water professionals. Baltimore’s YH2O Youth Mentorship Program is an intensive, 6-month course for high-school educated Baltimore residents […]

Fieldwork is one of the most exciting things about working for water. Getting out of the laboratory or treatment facility and into the field gives you the chance to apply your knowledge to better understand factors affecting the environment and public health while also enjoying some sun and fresh air. However, effective fieldwork requires thorough […]

Located about 48 km (30 mi) southeast of Syracuse, N.Y., Morrisville State College gives students the opportunity to study everything from seahorse conservation to cannabis farming. But the classes that attract the greatest number of students from across the state to the small agricultural and technological college are those taught at its Environmental Training Center […]

With nine water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs), eight drinking water treatment facilities, 45 pumping stations, and miles of pipelines to operate and maintain, the Washington County Department of Water Quality (DWQ; Williamsport, Md.) sometimes struggles to find qualified candidates for its many technical jobs.   Since the launch of a new wastewater operator apprenticeship program last […]

During their college careers, many students take a single, pivotal class that either cements their interest in a particular field of study—or sends them running in the opposite direction. Susan Whittemore, a science professor at Gaston College (Dallas, N.C.), believes the Introduction to Biology class she has taught at the community college for the past […]

A hundred miles north of New York City, not far from the origin of the 107-year-old Catskills Aqueduct that supplies 40% of the Big Apple’s water, a new generation of professionals is being trained to protect the region’s coveted water resources. All are students of SUNY Ulster Community College (Stone Ridge, N.Y.). SUNY Ulster launched […]

Water professionals who want to learn more about wastewater treatment fundamentals have multiple opportunities to learn online. The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) released the Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I: Liquid Treatment manual packaged with an online course and exam to help professionals prepare for certification exams and earn continuing education units (CEUs). Now, those […]