America’s Next Water Crisis Is a Lack of Experienced Workers

Shannan Walton was at a conference in Utah for water workers — the often-invisible employees who ensure Americans have clean tap water and working sewer systems — when she found herself seated next to a 90-year-old gentleman.

“I thought, ‘Oh how nice, they’re inviting a retiree to still participate and be involved,’” said Walton, who runs workforce development for the National Rural Water Association, a nonprofit that trains and supports industry professionals in small communities across the US. But as the conversation progressed, she learned he was still working.

“He was 90 years old and still performing the duties because of the challenge of ...