The water sector industry workforce: A quantitative case study, Tennessee, USA

There is rising awareness of drinking water workforce challenges in the United States. This study investigated factors associated with workforce capacity in community water systems in Tennessee, USA, using responses from 286 participants collected via the Tennessee Public Water Operator Survey (PWOS). Odds ratios of variables associated with workforce recruitment and retention measures were calculated using multivariate ordinal logistic regression. Results indicate that opportunities for advancement, workforce benefits, and system size are all associated with measures of current and future workforce capacity in community water systems. Water systems should prioritize investments in training to build and retain a competent workforce. •Among the first academic studies to examine water industry workforce factors.•Community-based participatory research encourages stakeholder collaboration.•Applies variables from healthcare to explore water industry workforce challenges.•To build competent workforce, community water systems should prioritize training.