EPA Convenes Water Workforce Roundtable to Address Looming Retirements

In an August 5, 2026 news release, the Environmental Protection Agency reported it convened a roundtable focused on strengthening the water sector workforce. The session concentrated on how to recruit and retain professionals for careers in water and on identifying opportunities to reduce barriers and improve interstate coordination.

EPA’s Office of Water brought together water systems, water associations, state participants, and additional partners for proactive discussions. According to the agency, the engagement will inform work to revitalize the 2020 Water Workforce Initiative and to create an online toolbox with resources that utilities, states, and technical assistance providers can use to improve recruiting, professional development, and retention.

The agency emphasized that communities depend daily on the professionals who operate public water systems and that ensuring the sector’s long-term success requires targeted support. The roundtable examined actionable steps to lower entry barriers and to encourage skilled candidates to enter and remain in the field, with the aim of protecting public health by sustaining access to clean, safe water.

EPA highlighted that the water sector is confronting a widespread personnel shortage driven by expected retirements, with approximately one-third of the workforce nearing retirement age. At the same time, utilities increasingly require modern technical and scientific skillsets to operate and maintain advanced systems, implement cybersecurity best practices, and meet emerging challenges.

This anticipated turnover arrives as many systems plan reinvestment in aging infrastructure. While financing tools such as the State Revolving Fund Programs and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program remain critical, the agency underscored that investing in human capital is equally essential to ensure that new and existing assets can be reliably operated.

Planned efforts include connecting individuals to jobs in the water sector, expanding access to training, and increasing public awareness of career opportunities that provide vital water services. Developing internships and apprenticeship pathways, education programs, and related resources is intended to build a strong pipeline of qualified workers and support high-quality jobs that deliver clean, safe drinking water.

As background, EPA supports the water workforce through the Innovative Water Workforce Development Grant Program, which since its launch in 2018 has invested more than $15 million to expand public awareness of job opportunities in the sector. These grants are designed to help communities and partners highlight the benefits and career paths available in water.

EPA also provides national oversight of state Operator Certification Programs required under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The agency works with states to share best practices and deliver resources—such as operator training and technical assistance—that help operators gain the technical expertise and certifications needed to treat and deliver safe drinking water. Additional information on these workforce and operator certification activities is available through EPA’s program resources.