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Beware of the “Perfect Storm”
Author(s) -
Boepple Teresa M.,
Meadors Darla
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
opflow
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1551-8701
pISSN - 0149-8029
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8701.2008.tb01974.x
Subject(s) - outreach , workforce , succession planning , plan (archaeology) , business , workforce development , public relations , operations management , finance , engineering , economic growth , economics , political science , geography , archaeology
This article discusses the effect that an aging workforce and an aging infrastructure will have on the water industry as the prediction of more than half of the water and wastewater operators retire in the next 5‐7 years comes true. The article warns of a coming crisis caused by the lack of contributing factors that include: water system management; succession planning; recruitment plan; qualified professionals to operate and oversee the system; knowledge management plan; retention plan; professional development and training programs; financial capacity; and, education and outreach programs. The article lists potential consequences if the industry fails to address these workforce challenges.