The unsung frontline of water: utility collections crews.
Eric Velasquez manages collections and distribution in Altamonte Springs, where the silver tsunami is hitting hardest.
As older workers retire, utilities struggle to hire and retain the next generation for these essential underground jobs—maintaining pipes, clearing sewer backups, and keeping systems running during storms.
Many new hires leave after a year or fail to obtain licenses, creating constant turnover.
Eric’s team is building a career track that ties pay increases to licensing and experience — one year, three years, five years — to stabilize and grow the workforce.
“These are essential first responders,” says Eric. “When a main breaks or a hurricane strikes, people realize how critical this work is.”
Eric was a participant in the Transformative Water Leadership Academy of the American Water Works Association and WaterNow Alliance.
This was a conversation at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions in Washington, D.C.
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