The People Behind Our Water: Why Investing in the Next Generation Matters

Each morning, millions of Americans start their day by turning on the tap. Whether they pour a cup of coffee, brush their teeth or fill a water bottle before heading out the door, water flows without hesitation — clear, steady, dependable. It’s so reliable that most never stop to think about the people who make that possible.

Across the country, professionals who operate, monitor and maintain our water systems — the men and women who ensure clean, safe water reaches every community — are retiring faster than replacements can be trained. Industry experts call this a 'silver tsunami.'" In the next decade, thousands of experienced water operators are set to retire, leaving behind decades of hard-earned expertise.

At the same time, new challenges are reshaping the industry. Innovative technologies are modernizing the way utilities monitor and manage their systems. And aging infrastructure is pushing the limits of those who maintain it. Without a strong pipeline of trained operators, reliable access to water — a fundamental human need — is at risk.

"Pipes don't fix themselves and clean water doesn't just happen," said Melissa Hazelwood, Director, Ferguson Cares. "It takes skilled, knowledgeable professionals who show up every day to maintain the systems that sustain our daily lives. At Ferguson, we're investing in the people behind the water — because their expertise is what keeps our communities flowing."

Through Ferguson Cares, the company's social impact program, Ferguson is partnering with Water Equation (WE), the philanthropic arm of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), to help strengthen that workforce. Together, they’re providing scholarships for current and aspiring operators, expanding access to training, leadership development and professional engagement opportunities nationwide. Each scholarship has a ripple effect, helping train the operators who keep water flowing safely to homes, schools, hospitals and entire communities.

At a Glance: Building the Water Workforce

The Ferguson–Water Equation community partnership supports:

• Continuing education for vocational training, community college and non-traditional programs.
• Leadership and professional development through AWWA's section network and national events.
• Scholarships for aspiring water operators to expand access to the skilled trades.
• Outreach to underrepresented communities, helping more people enter stable, purpose-driven careers in water.

“Strong infrastructure starts and sustains with a strong workforce.” said Hazelwood. “Our water systems face growing challenges, and the professionals who maintain them should have clear paths to advance their skills. Supporting their continuing education means supporting the future of clean water for all.”

AWWA, founded more than 144 years ago, has long led efforts in water quality, safety and advocacy. Its Water Equation initiative focuses on tackling the workforce shortage through scholarships, training, and leadership programs.

"Ferguson's generous support opens more doors for the next generation of operators and professionals to gain the skills and confidence they need to protect our most vital resource —  water,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance.

Ferguson's role in water infrastructure extends beyond funding. The company's teams have supported major projects nationwide — from upgrading 17,000 smart meters in Margate, Florida, part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area, to supplying material and BIM solutions for the Wichita Northwest Water Treatment Facility, one of the largest in the Midwest.

For Ferguson, this partnership is about more than systems or structures. It's about continuity — ensuring that the next generation of water professionals is prepared to meet tomorrow's challenges with both knowledge and purpose.

"Every time someone turns on the tap, they're depending on an entire chain of skilled professionals they'll probably never meet," said Hazelwood. "We want to make sure that chain stays strong for the next hundred years."