Finding outside funding to support improvements and maintenance for wastewater systems can be a daunting task. But the first step in applying for a grant is identifying your needs and assets. Smart communities don’t apply for funding simply because it exists; they apply because they need it.

Artificial intelligence is spreading across every area of our lives, from ride-sharing apps to spam filters to smart personal assistants. In the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has also seeped into the wastewater industry in the form of automated defect coding. AI promises major benefits over traditional operator inspection, mostly in the form of lower error rates and faster inspection times.

Preparing wastewater systems for both natural and human-caused disasters can preserve resources, protect communities and save lives. A key part of this preparation is training your utility employees to respond to emergencies. Both during and after a crisis, wastewater utilities and their workers have a responsibility to take action.

While wastewater has long been considered just that—waste, new developments show it has potential as a resource as well. Applications range from use as an efficient water and energy source to a means of carrying nutrients essential to the survival of plants.

A crisis is something wastewater operators may not be able to control or even predict, but they can plan for. A strategic Emergency Response Plan (ERP) provides standardized protocols and actions for preventing, minimizing and mitigating injury and damage during a wastewater crisis. The key areas of focus are

Many municipalities say they want a sewer crawler to last 10 years, but few put in the work to make that happen. Modern sewer inspection systems are highly-engineered equipment that require specialized care. You don’t let just anyone work on your jetter truck, so why take a casual approach to operating and caring for your crawler?

Today marks the 49th anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement—Earth Day. The first Earth Day in 1970 gave voice to emerging consciousness of the environment, and on April 22 every year since, the United States celebrates this day by looking at how our actions affect the environment. What can the wastewater industry do to participate?

Having enough time, money and resources to maintain deteriorating sewer systems is the leading challenge municipalities and wastewater professionals face. Under these circumstances, it is more important than ever to work smarter—not harder—and to direct resources where they are needed most. Doing this takes strategy and planning. That includes gaining a system-wide understanding of infrastructure condition and prioritizing resource allocation for the best return.

Sanitary sewer systems are critical to the U.S. economy and to protecting public health and the environment. But because they're hidden from sight, few outside the water and wastewater industry understand their operation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates more than 151,000 public water systems in the United States that serve 90% of Americans—that’s more than 290 million people who rely on sanitary sewers!

We've rounded up the best sewer industry resources to help you start the new year off on the right foot. Share your favorites with coworkers and tag us on social media.