Thank you for reading! We would like to leave you with the following closing message on the challenges we face and career possibilities in water and wastewater industries.

Infrastructure challenges: In order for water and wastewater utilities to fulfill their respective missions, the reliability of their facilities is critically important. Right now, there’s no denying the reality that for both sectors, aging infrastructure is a growing problem.

The best current estimates show that drinking water facilities in Maine will require $500 million for capital repairs and replacement projects over the next 10 years. For wastewater facilities, it is estimated that $500 million will be needed over the next five years to address combined sewer overflow issues and other facility needs.

Finding reliable sources of funding for these needed improvements is key to ensuring that we can meet our goal of maintaining public health and welfare, protect the environment and provide the facilities needed for economic development.

Consider a career in water or wastewater: A career in the water or wastewater industry can be a very stable and rewarding opportunity for anyone to consider. Whether your interest involves field construction and maintenance, office staff and management, scientist, engineer, computer and information technology or many other disciplines, there is a career path that is available to pursue.

Due to an aging workforce there exists a need for new professionals to enter our industry across all levels. Our industries are becoming more complex with the types and levels of treatment, environmental and administrative mandates, and variety of responsibilities that professionals entering the field must be diversely trained in order to succeed.