The Work in Water Experience

About WSU's Work in Water Program

WSU Environmental Finance Center's Work in Water Experience teaches Kansas high school students about the critical role that public water utilities fill in their community. This unique, hands-on learning program allows students to see first-hand the skills, technology, and people that are working to ensure the public has access to safe, healthy drinking water and water recycling resources.

This educational program, designed by WSU Environmental Finance Center as part of the Careers in Water Stewardship project, aims to increase young people's knowledge of the importance of water treatment for the environment and public health, and to stimulate interest in occupations in environmental water management.

Missouri Stream Teams Work in Water Training Sessions
Work in Water Resources for Utilities
Water Career Resources
Work in Water In the News
Evaluate Your Work in Water Program

A Local Utility Perspective on the Work in Water Program

Hear from City of Ottawa Water Reclamation Facility Superintendent, Dan Riney, about his experience conducting the Work in Water program and hosting interns from Ottawa High School:

Lorraine’s Work in Water Experience

2016 Work in Water Intern Lorraine Lowrey shares how the Work in Water Experience made a life-long impact on her career.

First Steps to an Effective Internship Program

Introducing young people to water careers isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little time and effort. Find out how to tap into easy-to-use resources that help you make connections with local schools to set up education and internship programs that will inspire students in your community to want to work at your water utility.

Resources

Tools to engage schools for the Work in Water program!

Engaging Schools

Get our free collection of fully customizable graphics, templates, and scripts that can assist utilities in engaging high schools to promote careers in water!

Sign up via email to be emailed a copy of our Work in Water Publicity Toolkit!

Classroom Experience

Download fully customizable presentations, scripts, activities and more that will enhance your Work in Water Workshop in the classroom. View Presentation Resources

Internship

Get a copy of our sample applications, interview questions, intern schedules and more to kickstart your intern program today! View Internship Resources

Teacher Resources

Check out the EFCN's educator's resources hub for an extensive library of resources, videos, lesson plans and activities that educator's can use to teach students about water. Educator's Resource Hub

Evaluate Your Work in Water Program

Feedback from utility staff and students can help build your Work in Water program to be engaging, educational, and inspiring.

Water Careers Start Here!

What is a water operator?

Water operators provide one of the most important services in a community: delivering safe water to every person.
Water operators are the backbone of any community. Without water operators, there would be no safe water to drink, shower, wash, cook, flush or swim in. Life as you know it would stop. Do you have the time and strength to walk to the nearest stream to get all 88 gallons (734 pounds) of water you use everyday? Luckily, you don't have to because there is a water operator at work in your community! Request a copy of our free Job Profiles for Water & Wastewater Operators