Is Replacing Retirees Your System’s Biggest Workforce Challenge?

The changeover in workforce in the water and wastewater sector is a growing challenge that will eventually impact almost every system. While there are a number of ways that systems engage and recruit new workers, it’s also important to look at how the system itself is organized to improve recruitment and retention. As the next … Read more

$30.7 Million Available for Small and Rural Water Systems

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced the availability of up to $30.7 million in grant funding for technical assistance and training to support small and/or rural drinking water and wastewater systems. The grant provides funding to organizations that work side-by-side with water systems by giving them the necessary tools and training to ensure communities … Read more

MN Offers Lead Remediation Grant for Schools and Childcare

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a grant program for the purpose of remediating identified sources of lead in drinking water in schools and licensed childcare settings. Examples of eligible grant activities supported include: MDH will prioritize funding to projects that demonstrate the need for remediating sources of lead in drinking water. View grant … Read more

2023 Rate Survey Results: Full Cost Pricing

A utility’s cost of service is defined as a system’s total cost of providing service to its customers.  This generally includes operating expenses, maintenance expenses, debt service principal and interest payments, and adequate funding of systems. Appropriate funding of system renewal is often described as an annual investment in rate-funded capital, debt service principal, and … Read more

Leveraging ARPA Funds for Water Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was designed to provide financial relief to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a significant portion of the allocated funds across the country remain unspent. The underutilization of ARPA funds presents challenges as communities strive to meet legislative requirements and deadlines while effectively promoting equitable development and recovery. … Read more

The Importance of Effectively Communicating Utility Rate Increases

When it comes to communicating rate changes, 62% of respondents to the 2023 AE2S Utility Rate Survey said they utilize utility bills to announce upcoming adjustments. Rate increases are often necessary to fund infrastructure improvements and maintain service quality. However, the way they are communicated is crucial. Transparency is a cornerstone of effective communication with … Read more