Pauli Undesser, MWS, is executive director for the Water Quality Association. Undesser can be reached at [email protected].
This month, hundreds of water industry professionals will descend on Orlando, Fla., for the annual Water Quality Assn. (WQA) Convention and Exposition, where they will network, attend educational sessions and learn about new trends. WQP Managing Editor Bob Crossen spoke with WQA Executive Director Pauli Undesser about what to expect at the event and what WQA intends to accomplish in 2017.
Bob Crossen: What can people expect from the 2017 WQA convention?
Pauli Undesser: People can expect relevant and important education sessions covering the latest water treatment trends, new technologies and a renewed, dedicated focus on dealer business needs such as finances, succession planning, human resources, social media, media training, and much more. They can also look forward to developing and solidifying relationships with industry leaders and their peers during the convention and exposition. Young professionals and those new to the industry should seek out the specialized discussions and networking created just for them.
Crossen: What are WQA’s goals for 2017? How is the association working to achieve them?
Undesser: WQA is focused on executing objectives supporting the second year of our strategic plan. One of the most prominent goals that WQA has for 2017 is to continue to improve the crisis response plan created and implemented in 2016. WQA is prepared to spring into action with any crisis that may pop up in 2017 or the future. WQA will follow the steps laid out in the response plan when applicable and will execute the necessary actions to help inform its members, local authorities and the public.
WQA’s Professional Certification Department is working to make its program even more effective and efficient by continuing to update its exams to reflect the updated content in the Modular Eduation Program. It will also continue to develop the point-of-use cooler-specific installer training module to better serve the people in that market.
Crossen: How will WQA relay its message in 2017? Where can members find that information?
Undesser: Our website, www.wqa.org, is the main source to visit when something extremely important happens in our industry, such as a water contamination outbreak or legislative news. That is where we post news releases, videos, audio and important reports. WQA will also relay any announcements through its social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. We created a podcast that we call H2O so our staff and members can talk about specific subjects of interest within the industry.
Crossen: What does the legislative climate look like for the water industry in 2017?
Undesser: In 2016, media coverage of water quality issues heightened around the country with Flint, Mich., being a major focus. This spurred legislators to look at water infrastructure needs and current water quality regulations. With the passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act in December, we expect to see increased attention being paid to rural and disadvantaged communities through the additional funding provided by this legislation. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing the Lead and Copper Rule, and released a white paper in December 2016. The large costs of sweeping infrastructure repairs are motivating legislatures to look at immediate solutions to address drinking water needs.
Crossen: How will WQA be involved with legislators?
Undesser: WQA has representation in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry on pending legislation. WQA has also formed a new federal Political Action Committee to increase the association’s participation in the political process and foster relationships with legislators to ensure our needs are heard. WQA has two government affairs committees (federal and state and regional) composed of association members to help direct the WQA government affairs agenda.
Crossen: What big trends do you expect to see in the water industry in 2017?
Undesser: Lead problems continue to crop up all around the U.S. Focus on specialty licensing, business excellence and technology training are becoming more prominent in regulator discussions. Legislative action, primarily around testing, will continue to make news, as well. One of the important trends we see is the role emerging technologies will play in the water treatment industry.
Pauli Undesser is executive director of the Water Quality Assn. Undesser can be reached at [email protected].
