Committee News
Rachel Conrad, PE, CFM
Water Resources Management Committee Chair
Welcome to February’s special Focus on Water Resources! The Water Resources Management Committee’s (WRMC) mission is to provide APWA members with the tools, resources, and education they need to serve their community in all facets of water resources: drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, and stormwater management.
This month’s APWA Reporter issue explores the most pressing challenges people in the water resources field face and the inspired ways they are tackling them: through educating and involving the community, through advocacy and collaboration across industries, and by removing barriers.
The committee recently completed Financing Stormwater Utilities Third Edition, which will be available in the APWA Store this spring. This resource is a great aid for any agency interested in starting a stormwater utility or revamping its existing one.
This spring and summer, the WRMC will be working on updating the Stormwater Management Manual: An Overview of Programs and Practices, incorporating changes in the industry since its last publication in 2020 and restructuring a bit to better fit the future of the Stormwater Manager microcredential program.
February Click, Listen & Learn
Registration is open for RaInDROPs Keep Falling on My Head: Embodying Long-Term Flood Resilience, which will highlight how North Carolina is using this new tool to manage future flood risks through increasing climate variability.
New Resources
Integrated Water Management Toolbox
This toolbox provides an overview for individuals new to this area of public works. It can also be used to educate residents and the governing body of your agency.
Public Works Benchmarks: Stormwater Management
This document presents a detailed overview of key metrics pertaining to stormwater management, providing insights into the operational dynamics and resource utilization.
Stormwater Issues and Answers Second Edition
This booklet provides an overview of the issues involved in managing stormwater runoff. It is not intended to provide specific design criteria or a model program to fit all stormwater situations. The intention is to assist public officials in developing their own stormwater management program. The costs associated with addressing these issues on the front end are less than the costs to retrofit and fix problems on the backend.
Sustainability and Resiliency Online Learning Library
This online learning library provides a starting point for APWA members to quickly access sustainability and resiliency content. Water Resources Management is the library’s first focus area.
Water Resources Career Guides and Pathways
We are excited to announce the launch of CareerZone, our new one-stop career resource hub for public works professionals and those interested in the field!
CareerZone brings together career exploration tools and resources, career guides, and career paths to help users explore roles in public works, prepare for job opportunities, and plan what’s next in their professional journey—all in one place.
Check out the Water Resources Career Guides and Pathways in CareerZone. These resources provide guidance on growth opportunities, required competencies, and relevant training opportunities.
New Stormwater Credentials Coming in 2027!
In 2027, an update to the Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) will be released that introduces stackable credentials made up of microcredentials—smaller, focused credentials that you can earn individually or combine toward certification. Eligibility application through the current program will be accepted through June 30, 2026.
Learn more about the new stormwater credentials.
If you are a stormwater subject matter expert, APWA needs you. Volunteers are needed to help develop educational materials and exam-writing items for each microcredential. Work will occur throughout 2026 and 2027.
To volunteer, use this form.
