Taking Care of Business: A Survey of Small and Medium Water Systems' Labor Needs in Southeastern Massachusetts

摘要

One of the larger costs that water purveyors face is the amount of labor required to provide a desired level of service to a community. The Wareham Fire District Water Department (Wareham Water) is in the process of constructing a 3.5 MGD, expandable to 4.0 MGD water treatment facility while still maintaining a 175-mile water supply system. Inevitably, discussions arose as to the labor needs required to maintain Wareham Water's desired level of service. The survey provided information that aided Wareham Water in making the decision on staffing needs. The survey generally focused on small to medium sized systems. All systems had corrosion control treatment or some form with ability to add chlorine. Some utilities had filtration systems whereas others did not.