Adult skill competitions give operators a unique chance to learn by doing—observing peers, testing their abilities, and collaborating under pressure.
All US water systems must complete initial per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances testing by April 26, 2027. Small systems, in particular, can benefit from a structured, step‐by‐step approach to developing treatment and monitoring strategies that support timely, cost‐effective compliance.
Water utilities face intensifying attacks against their infrastructure. On one hand, they’re under siege from well‐funded, organized criminal groups capable of launching increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. At the same time, the industry is now in the crosshairs of geopolitical rivals of the United States. According to the Black & Veatch 2025 Water Report , 95% of respondents said they were interested in cybersecurity to improve safety and public welfare.
Water utilities are under increasing pressure to deliver safe, reliable drinking water while managing aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. As systems expand and customer expectations rise, traditional approaches to maintaining water quality—such as manual flushing—can strain resources and leave gaps in performance. Emerging technologies are changing that landscape. By combining smart monitoring, automated controls, and integrated data platforms, utilities can move from reactive maintenance to proactive management, improving both water quality and system reliability.
Leaving behind high rates of water loss and an outmoded, inefficient approach for detecting water leaks, the Clarksville Water System took steps to get a clearer view of its infrastructure by investing in insertion flowmeters.
Understanding how factors affect distribution system integrity can help operators better implement and maintain preventive actions to control their systems.
Ultrasonic inspection technology adds precision to aging metal pipe condition assessment.
As concern over per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) builds, so does the surge of regulatory actions aimed at controlling these compounds. Early adoption of PFAS capture and destruction methods positions dischargers to manage these challenges more effectively.
Understanding how filtration performance affects finished water can help operators understand the importance of regular monitoring and routine maintenance.
Water treatment practices show certain continuities over time, as seen in the case of a Northeast Ohio water agency and its illustrious water scientist, “Doc” Hull.
Custom‐designed water filtration systems are often required to ensure reliability and regulatory compliance. Project teams can prevent unnecessary delays and bottlenecks by knowing which factors could affect the timeline.
Pipe bursting offers a trenchless, cost‐effective way to replace aging water mains while minimizing excavation, community disruption, and environmental impact. Understanding materials, system conditions, and proven best practices helps water utilities plan and execute reliable, fully upgraded replacements.
Real‐time pressure data offer a window into how a water system truly behaves—day to day and moment to moment. With continuous monitoring in place, utilities can identify emerging issues earlier and respond with greater precision.
Manganese can foul media commonly used to treat water containing per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The possible presence of manganese should be accounted for in the design and operation of PFAS treatment systems.
It's possible to effectively conduct a visual inspection of water service line materials without the disruption and expense of excavation. To ensure a successful inventory, follow best practices and secure the buy‐in of customers and other stakeholders.
Modern water treatment plants are the product of nearly two centuries of incremental change, driven by population growth, public health risks, fire protection needs, and evolving technology. Understanding how today's processes came to be requires looking back at the operational challenges utilities once faced and the solutions they adopted with the tools available at the time. Examining those earlier decisions offers useful perspective on why current treatment and distribution practices look the way they do.
Pressure management isn’t a new concept, but it's important for optimizing utility operations. Modern methods are based on pressure modulation.
Three decades of participation in the Partnership for Safe Water has enabled Kentucky's largest drinking water utility, Louisville Water, to transform operational culture, optimize performance, earn peer recognition, and enhance public trust.
Understanding how flocculation and clarification can affect the filtration process can help operators produce the best finished water quality possible.
