EPA Releases Federal Interagency Water Workforce Report to Congress

On September 13, EPA released the “Interagency Water Workforce Working Group Report to Congress.” The federal Interagency Working Group includes EPA and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. The report summarizes their efforts focused on the drinking water and wastewater utility workforce, that was mandated by Congress.

The report identifies the major challenges the water workforce is facing and highlights opportunities to address these challenges through a “key pillars” framework. The framework outlines water utility recruitment, training, retention, and partnership strategies. It includes examples of utilities, communities, and organizations implementing these efforts, and highlights how communities can tailor water workforce development approaches to their specific needs and circumstances.

The information in the report was derived from the federal Working Group’s efforts to conduct a water workforce literature review and hold engagements with water stakeholders. Stakeholders included representatives from state drinking water operator certification programs, water associations, educational and research programs, and water utilities.

For more information and to view and download the report, visit EPA’s website.