DENVER, CO, May 4, 2010 -- As Drinking Water Week continues, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is urging students and job seekers to explore the water sector to discover careers that are both central to public health and the environment, and personally and professionally rewarding.
"We rely on safe, sustainable water supplies for everything from drinking to fire protection to public health and sanitation," said Craig Woolard, AWWA president. "Choosing to work for water is choosing to serve both your community and the environment. It's an exciting time to become part of the water workforce, and there are excellent opportunities available."
Career opportunities are available for almost every skill set; workforce shortages are projected for treatment plant operators, distribution system mechanics, engineers, scientists and many other positions from water source to tap.
For more information individuals can view the Water Sector Competency Model, developed by AWWA, the Water Environment Federation, the US Department of Labor and US Environmental Protection Agency. It defines the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for prospective water professionals and encourages careers in the water sector. The competency model is available on the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website.
About Drinking Water Week
For more than 35 years, the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week -- a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives.
Established in 1881, AWWA is the oldest and largest nonprofit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe water in North America. AWWA has more than 60,000 members worldwide and its 4,500 utility members serve 80 percent of the U.S. population.
For more information on what only tap water delivers, please visit www.drinktap.org .
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
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