California's Extreme Drought Creates Need for Water Professionals

Now in its second year of drought, California is preparing for another destructive wildfire season.

Governor Newsom recently declared a drought emergency in 39 counties, affecting more than half of the state. And according to drought.gov, 85 percent of California is in a state of “extreme drought,” indicating that water supplies are inadequate for agriculture, wildlife and cities. Extreme drought also means the fire season will likely last year-round.

With this year’s drought approaching the severity of the last one just a few years ago, mitigation is on the minds of scientists, politicians and majority of Californians.

How will our state deal with this ongoing crisis? Increasing the numbers of trained water technology professionals is certainly part of the solution. Careers in water technology include numerous job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. But like most good paying jobs of the 21st Century, they also require advanced training, certification and sometimes college degrees.

Local community colleges, such as Citrus College serving the greater San Gabriel Valley, provide low-cost training and certification that prepares students to take certification exams by the State Water Resources Control Board and the American Water Works Association. Students study courses in water supply, water efficiency, program conservation, conservation outreach, natural resources, environmental protection and many others, all of which prepare them for a long list of potential careers.

Those already employed in fields such as public works, construction, landscaping, municipal administration, water distribution/treatment or facilities oversight and planning can complete a certificate at a community college to increase their employability and promotion opportunities.

Globally, extended periods of drought can be documented at least as far back as the Middle Ages. Today’s climate experts say that the severity and frequency of drought are increasing, and climate change is exacerbating the phenomena.

That’s why experts indicate that water management will remain a viable and growing job sector long into the future, and the importance of providing clean accessible water will remain a California priority.

About the Author:

Dr. Edward C. Ortell is the senior governing board member at Citrus College and a Professor Emeritus at Pasadena City College. He has served on the California Community College Trustees (CCCT) state board of directors and 11 terms as president of the Citrus College Board of Trustees.