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LUFKIN — The water and wastewater infrastructure in Texas, which is already deteriorating and wasting billions of gallons of water annually, now confronts an additional and equally concerning challenge: a shortage of workers.
An estimated 37% of water and 31% of wastewater workers will retire by 2028, according to a 2018 report from the Government Accountability Office. And the next generation isn’t refilling their ranks.
State legislators and government bodies are optimistic that high school students will serve as a fresh pool of talent capable of reversing the prevailing trend.
Earlier this year, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1845, which allows high school students to work toward becoming a water or wastewater operator while they are still in school.
Before, students were required to wait until their graduation to acquire a license. However, with the introduction of a new law, students who successfully complete the necessary training and pass an examination can now be granted provisional licenses. Once the student reaches the age of 18 and obtains a high school diploma or GED, they become eligible to obtain a permanent license.
Jason Knobloch, deputy executive director of Texas Rural Water Association, lamented, “Throughout our upbringing, we were consistently discouraged from pursuing this line of work and instead encouraged to attend college and pursue alternative career paths. Regrettably, we all complied with this advice, resulting in a scarcity of individuals to fill the workforce vacancies within these utility services.”
According to a survey of the Texas water workforce by the Houston Advanced Research Center, 63% of respondents reported workforce-related challenges. Knobloch said this is a statewide trend, particularly in rural areas. The work can be very labor intensive and calls for people to always be on the clock, and some communities might be without amenities like movie theaters or shopping malls. Both of these factors have pushed young people away.
Knobloch explained that it poses a challenge due to the contrasting demands of the job and the multitude of technological advancements and alternatives available to the younger generations.
Prior to the passage of the new law, certain water agencies had already prioritized education for an extended period. San Antonio, for instance, established a youth education program back in 1998. Representatives from the San Antonio Water System have been visiting nearby schools to educate students about water-related matters and acquaint them with potential career paths, spanning fields such as engineering and public relations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has transitioned to an online format, allowing students to participate and earn course credit.
Additionally, the agency has formed a collaboration with the Texas chapter of the American Water Works Association to provide college scholarships to students who have a keen interest in pursuing a profession in the field of water.
The hiring and retention issues have been tackled by the agency through various measures. One of them includes providing new employees with a bonus to incentivize their hiring and retention. Moreover, field operators are given gradual support when starting their job, which is particularly beneficial during the scorching summer months.
Anne Hayden, the communications director at San Antonio’s water system, explained that it becomes extremely challenging to enlist individuals to work in the field and engage in strenuous activities during scorching temperatures of 105 degrees. She mentioned that they have implemented an acclimation program to ensure new hires are not immediately exposed to the intense midday sun.
In addition, the agency acquired air conditioners on a large scale, specifically designed to blow cool air into ditches for sizable projects.
Certain water agencies are actively engaged in the creation of pre-recorded versions of essential training courses for acquiring a fundamental water or wastewater license. This initiative aims to enable students to conveniently access and complete these courses online. To facilitate this, school districts would have the opportunity to provide these trainings, which typically span approximately 25 hours.
“The Water Environment Association of Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to water education, offers instructors and subject matter experts who are readily available to answer questions when a high school teacher initiates the playback,” explained Julie Nahrgang, the executive director.
According to Nahrgang, the course is expected to be prepared by spring 2024. The association is currently conducting a pilot run of the course in schools located in Houston and near Uvalde.
According to Nahrgang, there is a need for better marketing efforts in the water industry to attract new talent. Instead of using the terms “water” and “wastewater,” she suggests referring to them as “drinking water” and “clean water” respectively. By focusing on the final output, Nahrgang believes that potential recruits will better recognize the significance of their contribution to the water sector.
“According to Nahrgang, modifying the language and communication surrounding the functions of these facilities will enhance their appeal as careers. The importance of this industry cannot be overstated, as it is the only one responsible for providing clean drinking water.”
In order to tackle the workforce problem, the Texas Rural Water Association offers various initiatives, one of which is an apprenticeship program designed for individuals with a high school diploma or GED. According to Knobloch, this program, which has been in operation for more than a year, encountered initial challenges due to the novelty of apprenticeships within the water industry. The association actively seeks utilities interested in hosting apprentices and ensures they are paired with experienced mentors for training purposes.
According to Knobloch, our aim is to distribute those apprentices across the state and address the areas where there is a clear demand.
According to Knobloch, water agencies should prioritize highlighting the significance of their work to younger generations. He believes that many young individuals are seeking meaningful careers rather than traditional 9-5 jobs.
Knobloch emphasized the importance of this task for the entire community, stating, “Without someone fulfilling this role effectively, the town’s functionality would decline. It is encouraging to witness the younger generation recognizing this significance.”