The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) and Bluefield Research have released a comprehensive new report, “

Addressing Today’s Challenges and Opportunities in the Water Utility Workforce

.” The report details the significant workforce issues facing the U.S. water industry and highlights the creative, effective strategies being implemented to solve them.

The report, based on in-depth interviews with 30 public and private water utilities and industry stakeholders across 18 states, identifies a common set of challenges, including an aging workforce, competition from other industries, compensation constraints, and the need for robust employee pipeline development. The research confirms that the long-term health of the water utility workforce is a critical issue for the sector, which is essential to community health and economic development.

“This report confirms that the water sector is at a critical juncture in managing its most valuable asset: its people,” said Robert F. Powelson, NAWC President and CEO. “While the challenges are significant, what’s truly inspiring are the innovative and proactive solutions being pioneered by regulated, private water companies. From creating new career pipelines to rethinking employee retention and development, the water industry is rolling up its sleeves to build a resilient and skilled workforce for the future. This report not only diagnoses the issues but provides a clear roadmap of actionable strategies that utilities of all sizes can implement.”

The report details how regulated, private water companies are successfully implementing programs that create new hiring pipelines through robust internship programs and “second chance” initiatives for non-traditional candidates. Others are enhancing employee retention by creating transparent internal career advancement programs and better communicating the full value of compensation and benefits packages to prospective and current employees.

“Our research involved in-depth conversations with leaders on the front lines of the water industry, providing a comprehensive, ground-level view of the workforce pressures they face,” said Greg Goodwin, Senior Research Director for Bluefield Research. “While challenges like an aging workforce and competition for talent are universal, the most successful utilities are those embracing collaboration and creative, people-focused strategies. The data shows a clear trend: investing in pipeline development, career-pathing, and community engagement yields tangible results in attracting and retaining the skilled professionals essential for providing reliable water service.”

The report includes innovative examples from many regulated, private water companies of how they are proactively addressing the industry’s workforce challenges. Companies included in the report include Aquarion Water Company, Artesian Water Company, California Water Service, Columbia Water Company, Essential Utilities, H2O America, Middlesex Water Company, Nexus Water Group, Veolia North America, and York Water Company.

The full report and executive summary can be found at

bluefieldresearch.com/research/addressing-todays-challenges-and-opportunities-in-the-u-s-water-utility-workforce

.

Source:

National Association of Water Companies