OPINION: Pipes, Pumps and People: The Human Challenge Behind North America’s Water Future
In North America we are looking into a future of uncertainty regarding long term safety of our water supply. A lot of factors contribute to this development, but one is more apparent now than ever.
Our water infrastructure — pipes beneath our feet, ageing treatment plants and critical flood protections — is easy to take for granted. But there is a problem brewing and it is not regarding the water infrastructure alone. The true crisis is emerging not in concrete and steel, but in the ranks of skilled engineers and technicians needed to build and keep these systems working. North America is entering a workforce crisis. Which begs the question – who will maintain our water infrastructure in 2035 and beyond?
