Small systems, big challenges: What’s ahead for water utilities

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Bob Crossen speaks with Elora Arnette, associate director of Water Finance Assistance, about the multifaceted challenges facing small water utilities in 2025. They explore workforce shortages, including the growing number of soon-to-retire operators and the difficulty in replacing them, particularly in rural communities. Arnette discusses how many small utilities rely on multitalented local staff and even second-career workers, but stresses that this model is not sustainable long-term. The conversation also covers funding cuts to state revolving funds, the growing threat of extreme weather events, and the resource limitations that prevent proactive planning. Arnette highlights available support options, such as discounted training and emergency planning services, and calls for strategic rate reviews to maintain system viability.

Show Notes:    

• EPA announces $49 million to aid rural, small, and tribal communities with wastewater challenges
• How resilience and rate-setting can improve Wastewater's D+ ASCE grade
• How value engineering is helping small systems secure big dollars

Timestamps:

• Introduction to small system workforce issues | 0:00
• Guest Elora Arnette joins the discussion | 1:13
• Expected wave of workforce retirements | 2:20
• Small systems rely on multi-role community hires | 3:31
• Recruiting passionate locals is key but unsustainable | 4:00
• Older workers entering industry as second career | 4:45
• Families encouraging next generation into water careers | 6:38
• Regulatory uncertainty creates operational whiplash | 7:10
• Small systems can’t pivot like larger ones | 8:27
• SRF budget cuts hurt small systems most | 9:07
• Lack of rate revenue complicates project funding | 10:17
• Extreme weather overwhelms small system preparedness | 12:06
• Required planning exists but is often unused | 13:32
• Northern systems more equipped for typical local events | 14:44
• Lack of backup infrastructure hampers storm resilience | 15:24
• Consistent theme: lack of resources everywhere | 16:07
• Free and discounted support programs are available | 17:06
• Rate reviews crucial for long-term viability | 18:25
• Closing thoughts and future conversations | 19:28
• Housekeeping and announcements for listeners | 20:00

  Resources: 

• Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.
• Wastewater Digest YouTube channel
• WaterWorld Top Project nominations 

About the Podcast      

Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.      

Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [e-mail] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

 

Editor's Note: The episode summary and timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.