EPA Convenes National Dialogue on Water Workforce Development and Operator Shortages
EPA convened clean water sector representatives in August 2026 to address severe certified operator shortages and workforce retention across municipal wastewater utilities. The initiative focuses on training pipelines, utility retention, and operational staffing sustainability.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency convened industry organizations, educational bodies, and utility executives for a national roundtable focused exclusively on the drinking water and wastewater workforce crisis. The event highlighted critical deficits in certified plant operators, instrumentation technicians, and collection system maintenance personnel.
With a significant percentage of the experienced municipal clean water workforce reaching retirement eligibility, participants discussed strategies to recruit and train incoming operators. Industry participants evaluated updated certification apprenticeships, streamlined operator licensing frameworks, and expanded utility partnership models.
The agency and water utility advocates outlined priorities to direct federal technical assistance and workforce resources toward vocational programs. These collaborations seek to build resilient career pipelines necessary to operate increasingly sophisticated nutrient recovery and water reuse facilities across the country.
Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Resources Updated
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has updated its resources for wastewater treatment operator certification. The agency also announced new grant funding opportunities for watershed-based planning.
Source: NDEP
EPA Launches Water Sector Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Training Ahead of SDWA Compliance Deadlines
In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, the EPA initiated nationwide training modules to help drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities satisfy emergency response mandates. The initiative provides utilities with operational tools to meet Safe Drinking Water Act compliance and cybersecurity resilience targets.
Source: US EPA
EPA Launches New Resilience Training for Water Utilities
In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, the EPA initiated a nationwide training program to assist water and wastewater facilities in meeting emergency response mandates. The training provides operators and managers with essential skills for hazard mitigation, cybersecurity, and operational continuity.
Source: Inside Wastewater
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