February 2019 Digest

February 28, 2019

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Long-Lost Ring Discovered in New Jersey Collection Systems

Operator reunites a resident with an heirloom that sat in a manhole for 9 years

Collection systems employees at the City of Somers Point, N.J., found the proverbial needle in a haystack, or more precisely, the ring in a sewer system.

Ancient Nabataeans Used Sophisticated Water Technologies To Thrive in the Desert

The Nabataeans designed a system of reservoirs to hold water. The inhabitants of Petra relied on this supply for themselves and their animals throughout the year. Photo courtesy of Mays, Arizona State University.

Imagine roaming the planet 2500 years ago as part of a nomadic tribe. If you happened to wander into the Arabian Desert in what is modern-day Jordan, the location probably would not seem an idyllic place to stop and build a major city. Yet, that was precisely what the Nabataeans — an ancient Semitic people — did using innovative water technologies.

From the President: Like Chocolate for Water

Thomas Kunetz, WEF President 2018–2019

I have chocolate in my blood.

It’s not from eating a lot of chocolate (which I do), but because I grew up in “Chocolatetown, U.S.A.,” also known as Hershey, Pa. The town manifested from the vision of Milton Hershey, founder of the chocolate company and the town.

Milton Hershey’s vision inspired me to choose my hometown for the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) Board of Trustees retreat. The theme of our retreat was “Leadership with Vision.”

King County Enhances Diversity Through Operator in Training Program

King County, Wash., is becoming more racially diverse as the growth of Asian-, Latin-, and African-American populations outpaces that of the white population, according to 2018 census data. Recognizing its changing demographics, the county is working to recruit a workforce that is fair and inclusive for all.

Two years ago, the county Wastewater Treatment Division introduced an Operator in Training (OIT) program that seeks to remove employment barriers for people of color.

Georgia Association of Water Professionals Dubs Long-Time Members ‘Gurus’

The Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) is brimming with members who have a wealth of knowledge about water. When these individuals have been members of GAWP for 25 years, they automatically are rolled into a committee and bestowed with a new title: guru.