At work in the laboratory are Faith Carlisle (left), Claude David Mbemba (right). Provided.
By Kristan VandenHeuvel
Director of Impact and Engagement, The Water Tower
BUFORD, Ga. | Since the launch of the two nonprofits that comprise The Water Tower (The Water Tower Institute, 501c3 and The Water Tower at Gwinnett, 501c4) in 2019, The Water Tower (TWT) has established itself as a dynamic international hub for utilities, researchers, companies, and other industry leaders to address real-world water challenges, while making a meaningful local, national, and international impact on the water sector.
Kristan VandenHeuvel
TWT’s campus, located adjacent to the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center (FWH WRC) in Buford, offers a wide range of resources including state-of-the-art research laboratories, meeting spaces to fit 10-200 people, three classrooms, and more.
The main building is home to 11 companies who are committed to supporting water innovation. A living laboratory provides access to real water flows from the neighboring FWH WRC for research and technology development with real-world test conditions. A hydraulic training lab and field training center allow trainees to develop and advance their skills through hands-on learning. In 2024, the innovation campus attracted approximately 9,000 visitors from all over the world.
TWT continues to expand its programs to provide solutions for research, workforce, and technology challenges. Thought-leadership programs on topics including cybersecurity, digital solutions, resiliency, emerging contaminants, and succession leadership are offered throughout the year, as well as training and upskilling programs for water careers.
Notably, Demo Day, TWT’s signature program held on April 24, brought nearly 350 attendees representing over 65 organizations from 14 states to its campus for a day of exploring the latest water technologies firsthand through live demonstrations.
Reinforcing the need for industry-wide workforce development, TWT recently concluded the Water Workforce for Resilient Communities pilot program, training over 30 Gwinnett residents for water industry careers.
Building on the success of the pilot program, TWT launched the Water Training and Recruitment (WTR) Hub, a national effort supported by a $2M grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This ongoing program works with partners across the country to expand TWT’s workforce initiatives to South Carolina, Mississippi, and California, connecting job seekers with training and support to start a fulfilling career as an operator or lab analyst. Training for entry level water operator, wastewater operator, and lab analyst careers is ongoing at TWT’s campus, with the next cohort starting in June.
The Water Tower collaborates with researchers from universities, colleges, and other organizations to fast-track the advancement and adoption of groundbreaking water solutions. The R and D program focuses on applied research on timely topics – including PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), disinfection byproducts, harmful algal blooms, among others – to assist water and wastewater utilities meet their requirements to protect our communities and environment.
Looking ahead, The Water Tower is set to host nearly 100 events this year including workshops, trainings, fundraisers and conferences. Upcoming programs this summer include:
- Water 101 course for new industry professionals (June 25);
- National Backflow Prevention Day Celebration (August 14);
- Student Water Innovation and Leadership Summit (September 26);
- AquaRoyale Casino Night Gala (October 22);
- Sixth Annual Watering HoleGolf Tournament (October 23); DCS-Water-25 Cybersecurity Conference (October 28-30); and
- H2GO Run Like Water 5K (November 15).
- To learn more and register for an upcoming program, visit www.theh2otower.org.
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