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

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. 

The Clean Water Act (CWA) became law in 1948 and quickly created lasting change regarding how we treat our nation’s water systems. The CWA ensures that dangerous pollutants don’t contaminate waterways, keeping them safe for fish, wildlife and people. Water is essential for all living creatures, so maintaining the integrity of our natural water supplies is vital. Waste and contamination are inevitable, but we can control how we respond to it.

If you’re considering applying for grant funding for your wastewater system, you’ve probably also considered hiring a consultant or writer to help you through the process. Grants these days are complex and highly competitive, so putting together the best application you can is essential to success. For many communities, that means seeking outside help. On the other hand, hiring an outsider can come with added complications and cost. So what should you consider when deciding whether or not to hire grant-writing help?

After passing through Congress with nearly unanimous support in early October, the 2018 Water Infrastructure Act (WIA) landed on the president’s desk where it was signed into law. The Act is one of the most comprehensive pieces of infrastructure legislation passed this Congress and will authorize over $6 billion in federal spending on ports, harbors and waterways. The WIA is a combination of the newest version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that is passed by the federal government every two years and a Safe Drinking Water Act that the House produced. The legislation also authorizes the EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) for two more years and removes its pilot designation.

Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) releases an Infrastructure Report Card grading the United States on 16 major infrastructure categories, as well as the state of the nation’s infrastructure as a whole. In 2017, the U.S. overall tied its grade from 2013 with a D+. Wastewater infrastructure improved its grade from a D in 2013 to a D+ in 2017.