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worked in that position for several years learning laboratory testing and process control within an activated sludge system. In late 2018 he moved into the supervisory role that he has today. While in the industry he began getting involved with the NWOC. There he has been the secretary, vice chair, and currently is the committee chair. He is also the current Public Education Committee chair, past Scott Wilber chair, and Training Committee member. He really enjoys connecting with operators around the state and connecting with fellow water industry professionals while attending conferences. Outside of the NWEA he enjoys camping and playing golf with his family. He hopes to be a good representative for Wastewater Operators while serving on the NWEA Executive Board.
Organization: GBA
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
Daria Sakharova
Phone: 402.513.3154
Email: dsakharova@gbateam.com
Daria joined GBA in 2015 and is now the Lead Engineer and Omaha Office Manager. She specializes in SSES and I&I reduction and thoroughly enjoys helping her clients figure out how to best improve and extend the lifespans of their sanitary and storm sewer collection systems. Daria graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Systems Engineering in 2013 and from Florida State University with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2014.
Outside of work Daria spends a lot of time volunteering with various organizations like SAME, Engineers Club of Omaha, ACEC, and NWEA. She enjoys living the quiet Iowa farm life with her boyfriend, two dogs, two mini donkeys, and soon to be other farm animals. She
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
also enjoys experimenting in the garden and somehow keeps 150+ houseplants alive year-round. Traveling the world and trying ALL the food is her favorite way to spend her time off.
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
Kylie
Wilmes
Organization: Embris Group
Phone: 402.253.4950
Email: kyliewilmes@embrisgroup.com
Kylie Wilmes is a Principal at Embris Group with 19 years of experience in civil engineering consulting. From designing sewer separation projects to tackling complex levee and stormwater issues, Kylie enjoys working on projects and being a trusted partner for her clients. Outside of work, you can find Kylie working around the house, spending time with her family (which includes her husband, four children, one dog, one cat, nine chickens, two guinea pigs, and three koi fish, and making every effort to get outside for a walk, hike, bike ride, or camping trip.
Kylie started out with NWEA as the Membership Committee Chair and later worked with others to start up the DE&I Committee. She joined the NWEA Board because she appreciates the presence of NWEA and WEF as a place for everyone to come together. Kylie hopes to learn more about the needs of the NWEA members, to learn more about the WEF resources and how they can help our members, and to contribute and be a part of this community.
Organization:Olsson
AT-LARGE MEMBER
Joel Jirak
Phone: 402.525.5519
Email: jjirak@olsson.com
Joel is a Project Engineer with more than 23 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, all with Olsson. After earning his civil engineering degree from UNL and then PE license, his focus gradually shifted from engineering design to construction administration and management, particularly with "inside the fence" facility construction projects. Joel enjoys being an active member of WEF/NWEA, serving in several committees, including as chair of the Nebraska Wastewater Operators Committee and vice-chair of the recently created Construction Committee. Born and raised in Omaha, Joel moved to Lincoln for college and never left. He prioritizes family time with his wife (Jenifer), son (Graham), and two dogs (Ollie & Koda). You can often find Joel working on projects around the house or at the family’s cabin on the Platte River near Valley.
AT-LARGE MEMBER
Sarah Espinosa
Organization: McCarthy
Phone: 402.770.0141
Email: shespinosa@mccarthy.com
Sarah Espinosa is a Senior Design Integration Manager for McCarthy Building Companies in Omaha, Nebraska. She has spent 14 years designing and building water and wastewater systems throughout the United States. In Sarah’s
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
current role, she focuses on increasing collaboration and reducing risk in collaborative delivery projects.
Sarah received her MBA from Rockhurst University and her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Sarah has been a member of WEF since 2013. In her time as a member, she served as Vice-Chair for the KWEA YP Committee and for the
NWEA Collections System Committee, and also became a member of the WEF Water Leadership Institute (WLI) Class of 2024. Sarah helped start and chair the NWEA DEI Committee in 2019 and the NWEA Construction Committee in 2025. Sarah spends a majority of her free time with her two daughters, Ava and Libby, her dog, Walter, and her husband, Frank.
AT-LARGE MEMBER
Kaden Ellis
Organization: OTC Industrial Technologies
Phone: 816.905.4319
Email: kaden.ellis@otcindustrial.com
Screen design and fabrication is an art.
From the engineering of our equipment and their electrical components, to their manufacturing and testing,
dozens of hands work to craft the most durable and reliable screening and headworks equipment
under one roof in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Represented locally by
Kaden Ellis is a Technical Sales Engineer for OTC Industrial/JCI Industries. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in Industrial Distribution. He began working with JCI in 2019 and was hired on as an Environmental Project Manager to manage Municipal Water/Wastewater projects. He moved to Omaha in 2021, which is the same year he started to attend the multiple Nebraska water conferences. In 2023, Kaden decided to get more involved by participating in organizations like the Joint NWEA/ AWWA Young Professionals Group, NWOC Organization, and started participating as a judge for the Scott Wilber Award Group. As the YP Conference Lead, Kaden has organized the Great Plains Conference Bags Tournament and the Fall Conference Poker Tournament in both 2024 and 2025. Kaden was promoted to Sales Engineer in January of 2025. He covers Engineered Water/Wastewater Projects in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas.
In his free time, he likes to spend time with his wife and two young children.
Save the Date!
November 3-5, 2026
Share Knowledge
Share knowledge, ideas, and experiences with professionals in your industry.
Educational Opportunities
Earn CEUs/PDHs and discover educational sessions presented by industry experts.
Networking
Connect with like-minded professionals and build your network and potential business partners.
Call For Papers
Water Resource Recovery Facilities
Young Professionals & New Speakers
Community Engagement
Maintenance / Safety
Wastewater Collection Systems
How To / 101 topics
Stormwater / Water Quality
Technology Innovation
Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Leadership / Project management
Construction Practices/Methods
Workforce Development
Hands-on Exhibition (Indoor or Outdoor)
NWEA Training Committee Off to a Strong Start in 2026
Ryan Hurst and Scott Seelhoff, NWEA Training Committee Co-Chairs
The Nebraska Water Environment Association Training Committee has been hard at work building and delivering a strong lineup of educational opportunities for wastewater professionals across the state – and 2026 is already off to a great start.
We recently held our first certification training of the year in Hastings, and the response was outstanding. With 36 attendees and an impressive pass rate, it’s clear there continues to be strong demand for high-quality, in-person training. This class was led by Scott Seelhoff, who has been teaching for NWEA since 2021 and continues to do an excellent job preparing operators for certification success.
These trainings are a team effort, and NWEA is fortunate to have a strong group of instructors committed to developing operators across Nebraska. Certification trainings are supported by Ryan Hurst, Scott Seelhoff, and Mark Simms, who bring a wide range of real-world experience into the classroom. In addition, Lee Dunn leads our maintenance training efforts, helping operators build the practical skills needed to keep systems running efficiently and reliably.
In preparation for this year’s trainings, the committee had the opportunity to meet with Mike McBride of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to review updates to the Class I and Class II certification exams. While much of the material remains consistent, there are some important changes. This collaboration allowed us to fine-tune our one-day training format to ensure we are adequately covering the material operators need to know – not just to pass the exam, but to succeed in the field. We greatly appreciate Mike taking the time to work with us and share his insight.
Looking ahead, the NWEA Training Committee has a full schedule of additional training opportunities planned throughout the year. These include certification trainings, continuing education opportunities, and workshops designed to meet the needs of operators at all experience levels. Whether you are preparing for your first certification exam or looking to expand your knowledge and stay current with industry practices, there are multiple opportunities to get involved.
We encourage all wastewater professionals to take advantage of these upcoming trainings and continue investing in their professional development. A strong, well-trained operator base is essential to protecting
Nebraska’s water resources and ensuring the long-term success of our communities.
The Training Committee is also always looking for new members who are interested in helping shape and deliver these educational opportunities. If you have a passion for the industry and want to give back by supporting operator training and development, we would welcome your involvement.
Our goal remains simple: to provide operators with the best possible opportunity to succeed – on their certification exams and in their careers.
For a full list of upcoming trainings and details on how to register, visit the NWEA training page: https://nebwea.org/ index.php/events/training
Recognizing a Commitment to Safety: Submit Your Plant for an NWEA Safety Award
John Geiser, NWEA Safety Award Committee Chair
Safety is a core value in the water and wastewater profession. Every day, operators across Nebraska work in challenging environments to protect public health, the environment, and one another. The NWEA Safety Awards program exists to recognize those efforts – and I encourage every eligible facility to consider submitting an application this year.
A common misconception about the Safety Awards program is that a facility must be accident free to qualify. That is not the case. Plants with incidents or near misses are still encouraged to apply. The awards are designed to recognize a commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and proactive safety programs – not perfection. Facilities that have learned from incidents and taken steps to improve safety practices are exactly what this program is meant to highlight.
The NWEA Safety Awards have five categories, grouped by facility size and type, to ensure fair comparison.
• 1-4 Operators
• 5-9 Operators
• 10+ Operators
• Lagoon Systems
• Industrial Facilities
Within each category, facilities may earn a bronze, silver, or gold award based on safety performance and program quality. These awards recognize meaningful effort, effective training, and a demonstrated focus on employee safety.
Completing a Safety Award application is also a valuable internal exercise. Many facilities find that reviewing safety policies, procedures, and incident data helps reinforce safety awareness among staff and leadership while identifying opportunities for improvement.
Award recipients will be formally recognized at the Joint Fall Conference in November, providing statewide recognition among peers and industry leaders. In addition, a press release is sent out highlighting the award – often serving as a point of pride for operators and their facilities within their local communities. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your facility’s commitment to employee safety and professionalism.
The deadline for submission is June 30, 2026, and applications can be submitted online at: https://nebwea.org/index.php/awards/ safety-award
If you have ever thought your facility was “not ready” or assumed you would not qualify because of past incidents,
“ PLANTS WITH INCIDENTS OR NEAR MISSES ARE STILL ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.”
I strongly encourage you to reconsider. If safety is a priority at your plant, this program is for you.
HELP SHAPE THE PROGRAM: JOIN THE SAFETY AWARD COMMITTEE
The Safety Award Committee is seeking additional members to assist with reviewing applications and selecting award recipients. Committee service is a great way to support the profession, learn from safety programs across the state, and help recognize outstanding safety efforts by fellow operators.
The committee meets once per year at the Heartland Operators Conference in July, making the time commitment manageable while still having a meaningful impact.
If you have an interest in workplace safety and would like to get involved, please consider joining the committee. Your experience and perspective are valuable, and we welcome participation from facilities of all sizes and system types.
For questions about the awards program or committee participation, please reach out. I look forward to strong participation this year and to recognizing the excellent safety work being done across Nebraska.
70 th ANNUAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
RECAP
This year, the conference was held April 1-2 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista, a venue we have called home for many years. This was my third and final year as Conference Chair, and I have been very fortunate to have Sean Bell of HDR as my Co-Chair for these three years! Sean has been instrumental in helping me make sure all the dozens of tasks that have to be checked off got completed, and he will do a phenomenal job as your Conference Chair next year!
Aside from Sean and myself, we have a wonderful committee of volunteers that helps us make this conference a success. HDR administrative staff members – Jamie Bausback, Miranda Mulinix, and Justin Schillerberg – helped us with everything from name badge design and sponsor posters to conference center walk-throughs and registration tracking (no small feat in itself!). We are also lucky to have Darren Jack, Chris Johnson, Blake Birkel, Scott Aurit, Marc Rosso, and Shawn Ovenden as part of the committee. These folks provided vital feedback and help with decision making, shared lessons learned from Fall Conference (Blake) and past Great Plains Conferences (Darren), encouraged Sean and I to explore new ideas, and even ran the entire NWEA website (Shawn), which sent out conference reminders, collected registrations, and provided sponsorship opportunities to folks for this conference! This truly could not have happened without every single one of these individuals, and we are incredibly grateful they were willing to sacrifice what little “free” time they already had in their days to meet with us!
This conference is also a joint venture with two other wonderful Nebraska organizations – Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and American Public Works Association (APWA). These organizations have been our partners for a long time and have provided crucial conference content, tours, training, and expertise to really make the conference something everyone can enjoy! Thank you to Clayton Engelman, Jeff Selden, Lori Calub, Mike Miller, Maddie Ferber, Matt Hubel, and Megan Patent-Nygren for all of your time and effort this year!
Despite having so many wonderful folks helping out each year, we are always looking for new volunteers to join the committee. I do not think a time will ever come when a GP Conference Chair will say, “Oh no, we’re good, we don’t need
any more help!” There is always room for improvement – it’s why we ask attendees to please fill out the conference review forms, after all! But we all do have day jobs that we still have to attend to 40 (at least) hours a week. So, the more helping hands and minds we have, the better we can make future conferences!
The 2026 Conference brought together 253 attendees who listened to 65 speakers present on topics ranging from WRRFs and Collection Systems to Stormwater Construction Methods and EPA regulations. The conference featured, for the first time, a New Speaker Track, which provided 15-minute speaking sessions to folks who had not presented before in their careers. This allowed a less intense opportunity for inexperienced presenters to dip their toes in the sometimes-intimidating world
Daria Sakharova, Conference Chair
of conference presentations. We really appreciate the audience being patient and welcoming to these presenters!
APWA offered two excellent panel discussions on Winter Maintenance Lessons Learned and Capehart Road Developments during their sessions, and SWANA held a highly interesting fivestop tour around facilities in Omaha and Lincoln. We got fantastic feedback on both events, and we hope to be able to offer similar opportunities at future conferences!
As always, a heartfelt thank you to all of our 15 sponsors this year! We truly couldn’t do this conference without your support!
Please mark your calendars for the 2027 Great Plains Conference, tentatively scheduled for April 22-23, 2027!
WOMEN IN WATER LUNCH
THURSDAY LUNCH KEYNOTE SPEAKER
BAGS TOURNAMENT
WEFMAX Montreal Recap
Lucas Billesbach, WEF Delegate, Daria Sarakova, Director-At-Large, Marc Rosso, NWEA President
Our recent trip to Montreal, Canada, for WEFMAX on April 22-24, 2026, was filled with exciting experiences and valuable insights. The event was hosted by Réseau Environnement. They are the largest group of environmental specialists in Quebec.
The conference started on Wednesday evening with an ice breaker where we learned a bit about Montreal’s history in a quiz. Questions ranged from when Montreal became a city to who saved Schwartz’s deli. 1642 and Celine Dion. Thursday and Friday were filled with conference topics centered on MA-to-MA collaboration. This is a theme developed by WEF where regional MA’s meet to discuss topics of interest in their area. A similar effort has been in process for over 20 years
in the EPA Region 7, where Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas met to discuss current events and share information. This effort is hoped to develop MA relationships and improve collaboration, which should grow WEF and the Community Leadership Council (CLC). Thursday evening, attendees were greeted with a live band in Old Montreal and great local food offerings. French fare included appetizers with smoked salmon and canard (duck).
As with past WEFMAX’s, we also gained significant insights into the workings of WEF’s BOT (Board of Trustees), HOD (House of Delegates), and the CLC. These insights will surely benefit our future endeavors and enhance our understanding of organizational structures.
The conference closed at noon on Friday after a lengthy discussion on flushable wipes
legislation that is hoped to eliminate these from wastewater systems. It can be noted that simply putting a “Don’t Flush” message on wipes must be like moving a mountain, as compared to how cigarettes are marketed.
During a brainstorming session, we were tasked with identifying ways we could improve opportunities in our MAs.
Our group discussed achieving a better connection between the MA and WEF through improving communication between the committees and the WEFMAX Pittsburgh Recap (CLC).
The CLC is one of the least understood groups within. The CLC is comprised of the Chairs and Vice Chairs of WEF’s Communities and the Directors of the Communities of Practice.
Basically, where the distribution of information rubber meets the
MA communication road. To improve this collaboration, the Delegates at Large should serve as the CLC liaison for the committees that are not already assigned to the other board members. This role would include the responsibility of connecting the Committee Chairs with the regular WEF Committee meetings, participating in these meetings with the Committee Chairs, and assisting with reporting meeting summaries to the Executive Board. The goal is to help the committees understand the WEF Committee initiatives and goals and inspire ongoing and regularly scheduled MA Committee activities and improved participation.
The other endeavor that came out of these discussions is starting up an Operator Intern Program in Nebraska. Many of the other states have this program, including our neighbors to the south in Kansas. They generously offered to share their expertise and experience with applying for WEF grants to fund this program. This allows utilities across the state of Nebraska to apply for a grant to go out and hire a summer intern who would work alongside their operators. This is specifically focused on encouraging more young talent to consider Operations as a career path by exposing them to the incredibly important work being done by our plant and collection system operators every day. Helping to offset the cost of the intern salary will hopefully lead to several utilities being able to participate in this program. Stay tuned to learn more in the coming months!
Outside of the conference, we also had time to explore Montreal, which is in French-speaking Quebec. The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal was breathtaking with its detailed architecture and colorful interior. In 1982, Notre-Dame, at the time a cathedral, was raised to the rank of minor basilica by Pope John Paul II and designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. This is a must-see location in Montreal.
Mount Royal is in the center of Montreal, and the main structure was used as a lookout in the past. The first European to scale the hill was Jacques
named it in honor of his patron, Francis I of France. More information can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Mount_Royal
Overall, the trip was both enriching and enjoyable, offering a blend of professional growth and cultural exploration. If you get the opportunity, I would highly recommend participating in WEFMAX at Omaha in 2027.
Cartier, guided there in 1535 by the people of the village of Hochelaga. He
WEFMAX Pittsburgh Recap
Jeremy Walker, NWEA President Elect & Lucas Billesbach, WEF Delegate
Pittsburgh WEFMAX 2026 focused on opportunities to strengthen and grow the operator workforce.
Among the many ideas discussed, one approach stood out as WEF’s most effective strategy for driving both recruitment and long-term engagement –participation in the Top Ops Competition at WEFTEC.
The Top Ops Challenge has proven to be more than just a competition; it is an entry point for operator involvement and a catalyst for professional growth. Associations in Utah and the Rocky Mountain region emphasized that participation builds camaraderie, develops technical skills, and creates a pipeline of engaged operators, many of whom go on to assume leadership roles within their organizations. In this way, Top Ops serves as a highly visible and rewarding pathway to deeper involvement in WEF and affiliated member associations.
A successful Top Ops team requires significant investment of upfront capital,
ongoing costs associated with WEFTEC attendance, and a time commitment. Several solutions were discussed to support funding and participation. WEF offers access to loaner equipment and discounts, reducing the need for full upfront purchases. Additionally, a WEF grant can help offset startup costs, and organizations allocate funding specifically to support Top Ops participation, recognizing its long-term value. Other creative funding strategies, such as sponsorships or shared regional resources, could be utilized.
Beyond Top Ops, member associations also highlighted a wide array of complementary recruitment and engagement strategies aimed at attracting new operators and strengthening the workforce pipeline. These efforts included scholarship programs to cover conference attendance, training courses, and certification support; structured onboarding and training programs such as short courses and multi-week development programs; and targeted
outreach initiatives like career fairs, middle and high school engagement, and internship or summer job opportunities. Some organizations are also leveraging social media campaigns, mentorship programs, and partnerships with workforce development initiatives, including military placement programs, to reach broader and more diverse audiences. While approaches vary by region, the shared goal is clear: expand awareness of water careers and create accessible, well-supported pathways into the profession.
Ultimately, the takeaway for member associations is clear: while Top Ops requires a meaningful investment, it delivers one of the strongest returns in terms of operator engagement, professional development, and organizational visibility. As WEF continues to prioritize workforce development, expanding participation in the Top Ops Challenge represents a practical and proven way to connect operators to the broader water community and foster the next generation of industry leaders.
DWEE Wastewater Operator Certification Program News
Mike McBride, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment
Congratulations to the 101 wastewater operators newly certified in 2025! Last year, the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment administered 200 certification exams across Nebraska and issued certificates to 101 new and upgraded wastewater operator professionals. New and upgraded operators are listed in Table 1.
Certification per class is shown in Figure 1.
Aaron Faraday
Tim Wilke
Class L
Aaron Warrior
Austin Lang
Bert Wattier
Andrew Pedersen
Eduardo Jimenez
Edward Blacksheep
Class I
Class II
Class III
Class IV
Class Ind 1
Class Ind 2
Francis Schlecht
Garrett James
Ian Porter
Brett Alswager
Derek Vyhlidal
Jamison Fern
Kaleb Kuhlmann
Abraham Tarelo
Adam Badberg
Adam Johns
Alex Kuhl
Andrew Klescewski
Austin Holliday
Bill Hoesche
Chase Jordan
Gonzalo Faudoa
John Chromy
Michael Buser
Joshua Farrens
Brad Hulewicz
Tim Frasher
Brandon Jensen
Brian Coats
Bryce Standley
Glenna Hoefs
Grant Hansen
James Paul II
Jared Hans
Jesus Prado Reyes
Josiah Gillming
Max Roberts
Blake Cushman
Brandon Holthus
Charles Janecek
Christopher Moreno
Christopher Paulson
Dean Bloom
Eric Holmberg
Gabrielle Wright
Jacqueline de Peyer
Jared Kremlacek
Curtis Klabenes
Arturo Prado Reyes
Mike Graham
David Prado Reyes
Humberto Gonzalez
Kris Ridgway
Brian Holbert
Kingdon Hawes
Jacob Sunday
Joey Miller
Lyle Schull
Merlin Dilley Jr.
Paul Mara
Nathan Trautman
Nathanyl Anders
Nicholas Stahlnecker
Preston Jacobson
Sean Speed
Jason Boldt
Jeff Roach
Jeremiah Malchow
Jeremy Novak
Josh Crim
Joshua Human
Justin Zirnig
Matthew Smith
Ron Daberkow
Ryan Perez
Scott Uden
Todd Eckstrom
Shane Wolph
Spencer Prinsloo
Theodore Beard
Trey Nichols
Zane Shriver
Michael Mittan
Randy Hoelscher
Robert Olsufka
Taylor Kuhl
Thomas Flynn
Trevor Steinmeyer
William Pickering
Zebulon Brown
Mason Kautz
Richard Marshall
Jordan Anderson
Mara Bullock
Michael Shaw
Matthew Moore
Robert Bradberry
Rylee Kurth
Reginald Dennis Sr.
Table 1. Wastewater Operators Newly Certified in 2025 by Class.
Figure
JULY 16-17, 2026
HOLIDAY INN KEARNEY
110 SECOND AVENUE
KEARNEY, NE 68847
COST
$100 ($110 at Door) NWEA (WEF) Member
$180 ($190 at Door) Non-Member (WEF Membership required for member pricing.)
Registration Deadline: July 8, 2026
SHARE KNOWLEDGE
Share knowledge, ideas, and experiences with professionals in your industry.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Earn CEUs/PDHs and discover educational sessions (Wastewater Hours/Water Hours for Grades 1-4 - TBD).
NETWORK
Connect with like-minded professionals and build your network and potential business partners.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Registration can be completed either on-line at nebwea. org, or by scanning the QR code to the right.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Available hotels can be found by visiting nebwea.org, or by scanning the QR code to the right. Reservations must be received by June 16, 2026 to ensure conference rates.
ADDITIONAL INFO
For access to sponsorship, exhibitor, and other conference information scan the QR code to the right.
Scan to learn more about the conference, or visit our site at: www.nebwea.org
Evolving Our Mindset: An Invitation to Shape a New 21st-Century Water Ethic
Mike McMeekin, ECL-USA President/Executive Director
As water professionals in Nebraska, our daily work shapes the health, prosperity, and future of our communities and ecosystems. But as the challenges of a changing climate, shifting local economies, and resource inequities intensify, the tools we use must transcend traditional design manuals. We are being called to evolve not just our engineering infrastructure but our ethical framework.
In association with the US Water Alliance, the Engineering Change Lab – USA (ECL) has launched The Water Ethic Narrative Project. Inspired by the classic, deeply reflective writings of Aldo Leopold in The Sand County Almanac, this creative initiative seeks to gather stories, essays, and videos from the engineering community to define a new “water ethic” for our century –underpinning our true role as stewards of water on behalf of society.
SHIFTING FROM THE “HARD PATH” TO THE “SOFT PATH”
A core theme of this movement borrows from water expert Peter Gleick’s framework, The Three Ages of Water. For decades, the water sector relied on the “hard path” – centralized, massive concrete infrastructure designed to conquer and control nature.
The emerging water ethic challenges us to lead the transition to the “soft path.” This means:
• Acting with wisdom rooted in humility, care, and empathy.
• Prioritizing holistic, systems thinking – looking far beyond “our side of the street” to understand how our engineering choices ripple through entire watersheds.
• Emphasizing genuine community engagement and respecting water sovereignty alongside legal water rights.
• Balancing large-scale engineering infrastructure with innovative, localized conservation and nature-based solutions.
WHAT IS YOUR “WATER STORY”?
A vital part of building this collective action is listening to and connecting with personal and community “water stories.” Water has a unique power to unify us across political and geographic divides, but only if we share our perspectives.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM NEBRASKA’S WATER LEADERS, PRACTITIONERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS
Have you worked on a local project where nature forced a redesign, teaching a lesson in humility? Have you participated in a coalition where listening to a community’s personal history with a river changed your technical approach? Have you used creativity to move past strict, traditional economic constraints to protect a local ecosystem?
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
ECL and the US Water Alliance are compiling these narratives into an open-access digital book to be publicized across the national engineering community.
• Written Essays or Fictional Stories: Maximum of 1,500 words.
• Video Submissions: One to two minutes in length.
• Digital Art: Visual pieces capable of being communicated digitally.
• Submission Deadline: August 31, 2026.
• Where to Send: Submit your original work directly to Mike McMeekin, ECL-USA Executive Director, at mikemc@ecl-usa.org
Note: Authors retain full ownership of their work; your submission simply grants ECL authorization to publish it with full credit in this non-commercial project.
Let’s ensure Nebraska’s voice, unique landscape, and dedication to water stewardship are strongly represented in this national dialogue. Take a moment this month to reflect on your career, your watershed, and your unique perspective and share your Water Story.
Upcoming NWEA Events
July
15-17 2026 Heartland Conference
Holiday Inn Kearney, 110 Second Avenue, Kearney, NE
20 Wastewater Training – Grade 3/4
Grand Island Wastewater Treatment Facility, Grand Island, NE
September
26 WEFTEC 2026
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
September
2-5 2026 Joint Fall Conference -
Younes Conference Center North, Kearney, NE
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