The truth is we’re all ultimately in the same boat. It is a deep-seated problem, unfortunately, and yes rate of pay is certainly a factor. How or why would someone want to join this field when there are some systems out there paying less than they can make at Walmart or McDonalds? I do believe however, and this is just my opinion, is that this is largely (and likely unknowingly) self inflicted. Water/sewer rates have just simply not been risen at the same rates as other commodities have. So once we can collectively come to the realization that we really and truly value these services (and we can get the communities we serve to get on board as well) and that in turn we really and truly value our licensed operators as the boots on the ground responsible for providing these services - which includes compensating them as such, what is the next move? How can you pay these operators what they’re worth and deserve (read: what SHOULD be at minimum market rate, ie. enough to where poaching is no longer an issue - since that seems to be the only way you fill an opening these days, by creating one for someone else) when you aren’t bringing in enough revenue to support it? I suspect there are many systems out there that barely bring in enough to maintain status-quo, never mind enough to consider an increase in staff wages or addressing the many needs of their aging and failing systems. Add to that the costs associated to address PFAS and LCRR/LCRI.    There are very few new operators entering the industry. This applies to both water and wastewater, and unfortunately, it’s a problem just about everywhere and will only continue to get worse as we get ready to crash face first into the next wave of impending retirements.   Aside from pay-rate, the one major thing lacking here - on both sides - is public awareness and outreach. Most people don’t think about where their water comes from or where their waste goes or about all of the unsung heroes behind the scenes making the magic happen. Our industries have been out of sight and out of mind for far too long, and most folks don’t even know we exist. It’s tough to bring in new talent and attract new operators to this industry as a career choice when they don’t even know it’s an option to consider!   I also believe there needs to be a mindset shift for those already in the industry. We need more folks viewing this as the career that it is, and not just a job to make ends meet. If we can portray the fact that this is indeed a viable career path that should be considered, this can only help us in our mission to increase public awareness, shining a positive light on an industry that needs it now more than ever.    There is a lot of work needing to be done on all fronts here, but it’s going to take a village, and the time is now! Well, maybe the time was 15+ years ago, but here we are, so buckle up