On Sept. 26, more than 160 high schoolers from all over North Georgia made a splash at the Student Water Innovation and Leadership Summit hosted by The Water Tower in Buford. The day-long event inspired students to learn more about water and the exciting career opportunities available in this vital industry.

A key focus of The Water Tower’s mission is to attract, train, and guide the next generation of water workers in positions to support water utilities, starting with early exposure to careers in the industry. Now in its fourth year, the Summit included high school students and educators from Mill Creek, South Gwinnett, North Gwinnett, Discovery, Shiloh, Mountain View, and Prisma Montessori high schools.

At various stations, students engaged in water industry-related activities focused on microscopy and lab skills, filtration, marketing, crisis communications, plant operations, a virtual reality water experience, Adopt-A-Stream, and an operations challenge. Other sessions focused on topics such as problem-solving and strategic thinking – valuable skills that extend well beyond water.

During the career fair, students spoke with leaders, utility companies, engineers, and other industry organizations about career paths and future job opportunities. Representatives from Brown and Caldwell, City of Roswell, Engineers Without Borders Atlanta Chapter, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources, Gresham Smith, Gwinnett County Community Outreach, and Wade Trim introduced students to potential roles in their organizations and the training and skills needed.

“Inspiring and training the next generation of water workers continues to be one of our top priorities,” said Kristan VandenHeuvel, Director of Impact and Engagement for The Water Tower. “We’re showing students just how many exciting career possibilities exist in the water industry, and that there are multiple ways to get there — whether through college or the skilled trades training programs offered right here at The Water Tower.”

In 2024, water and wastewater operators were classified as high demand careers in Georgia, based on job openings, wages, and projected growth. Additionally, water utilities across the U.S. are projected to have roughly one-third of the water sector workforce eligible to retire in the next 10 years. To address this gap, The Water Tower has recruited and trained more than 60 students in essential water operator skills over the past 3 years.

Building off the success of their pilot training program, The Water Tower has recently launched a new workforce program called the Water Training and Recruitment (WTR) Hub, made possible through support from a nearly $2 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The WTR Hub program provides opportunities beyond Georgia into multiple states across the U.S. In as little as four months, participants can gain valuable training and help with job placement at no cost. Interested individuals can request details at WaterNeedsYou.org.

“The demand for skilled water professionals is greater than ever, and The Water Tower is proud to be part of the solution,” said Courtney Lee, Director of Workforce Development at The Water Tower. “Through the WTR Hub, we’re not only preparing individuals for meaningful, well-paying careers, but also helping utilities nationwide build the workforce needed to ensure safe, reliable water services for generations to come.”

Summit supporters included presenting sponsor Cox Enterprises, water leader sponsor Georgia Power, and The Water Tower’s sustaining and transformative partners including Garver, Gwinnett County, iTrust, Kamstrup, Siemens, STV Inc. and Wade Trim.

Visit theh2otower.org to learn more about The Water Tower’s water education, innovation and workforce programs.