May 2014 at a Glance

May 31, 2014

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Other News

Growing the Workforce: Looking to the Future

Programs provide funds to get middle and high school students interested in treating water

As professionals retire, water resource recovery facilities and other water-sector organizations are looking to the future and trying to grow the number of people interested in treating wastewater. Many are starting these efforts in high school by offering scholarships or middle school by offering grants.

WEF Members Show Strength in Numbers at Water Policy Forum and Fly-In

Water sector leaders gathered on Capitol Hill to show strong support for funding water infrastructure. A total of 184 professionals from around the U.S. registered to attend the 2014 National Water Policy Forum & Fly-In, held April 7–9, during the inaugural Water Week 2014 in Washington, D.C.

Changing the Terms

Water resource recovery facility terminology gains momentum

Last year, the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) formally began using the term water resource recovery facility (WRRF) in place of wastewater treatment plant and other conventional names. A task force appointed by the WEF Committee Leadership Council was tasked with developing a list of new terms, discussing them, and selecting one to use. Water resource recovery facility was adopted after the WEF Board of Trustees reviewed and approved the change in July 2012. It focuses on the products and benefits of treatment rather than the waste coming into facilities.

Basis of Design: A Wastewater Operator’s Working Paradigm

Along with appropriate training and certification, I believe the position of wastewater operator as a distinct career designation needs to be defined more clearly.

2014 Water Challenge Winners Take a Spot in WEFTEC 2014 Innovation Pavilion

The 2014 Water Challenge marked a key event of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, March 22–28. Barry Liner, director of the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) Water Science and Engineering Center, appeared as one the featured speakers for the daylong challenge on March 24. Those attending WEF’s upcoming Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC^® 2014) will have an opportunity to see challenge winners at the Innovation Pavilion.