Water and wastewater systems are essential to modern life, working behind the scenes to ensure public health and safety. They touch every part of individuals’ daily routines, often without them realizing it. Many only consider these vital processes when a problem occurs, such as a water main break or a contamination issue, when they’re among the most critical components of a nation’s infrastructure.
Blue Patriot Fab, an Omaha-based company specializing in ductile iron pipes and fittings, plays a significant role in this context. Besides providing high-quality products to the water and wastewater industry, it possesses a strong commitment to knowledge sharing—a rarity in a sector where big players usually keep their expertise behind closed doors. This is critical in a space where decisions can have costly, long-term impacts.
The company acknowledges that water and wastewater systems are complex. As the workforce ages, a new generation of engineers steps in. However, these young professionals are inheriting outdated practices and specifications. They may not have the historical context or technical depth to make well-informed decisions.
Blue Patriot Fab aims to bridge this gap by sharing its vast knowledge with industry professionals seeking to avoid pitfalls. It offers training, presentations, and resources to help them obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to make smart decisions that would protect their projects and the integrity of the infrastructure. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) emphasizes that ongoing training is essential for maintaining the quality and reliability of water systems.
In addition, Blue Patriot Fab offers continuing education units (CEUs) through its training programs. These keep engineers up to date on the latest best practices. Providing CEUs allows Blue Patriot Fab to ensure professionals meet regulatory requirements while improving their understanding of the systems they work with.
Kenneth Kempf, the CEO, has witnessed firsthand the costly consequences of a lack of education in the industry. He stresses that engineers, project managers, and other professionals must thoroughly understand the materials and methods they use to design, build, and maintain water and wastewater systems. Without proper education, they might rely on outdated or inappropriate practices that can lead to system breakdowns.
“For example, an engineer might use a material they don’t know is unsuitable for a specific application, such as lining failure or the environmental conditions it will be exposed to,” Kempf shares. “What’s the result? Leaks, contamination, or a catastrophic failure of the system. There are also broader economic consequences, such as needing to use taxpayers’ money to solve something that could’ve been prevented otherwise. There could be millions of dollars in damages and, worse, threats to public health.”
Blue Patriot Fab’s focus on education stems from the commitment to help avoid such consequences. The company aims to ensure its clients and partners have the knowledge to make sound decisions that will stand the test of time.
The CEO also emphasizes that the industry is continuously evolving. New materials, technologies, and regulations emerge frequently. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies often update guidelines related to water quality, treatment processes, and infrastructure standards. Education ensures that professionals stay updated on these changes and are able to adapt their practices accordingly. They can then avoid fines, delays, and reputational damage.
Sustainability is another aspect to consider, as it has become more important in water and wastewater management. Industry professionals must be well-versed in sustainable practices that conserve water, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact as climate change accelerates.
Essentially, a well-educated workforce can design systems that use water more efficiently, reduce the likelihood of leaks or system failures, and minimize energy use in water treatment processes. They can then build infrastructure that meets people’s modern needs while preserving resources for future generations.
Blue Patriot Fab stands out for its commitment to sharing expertise in an industry where knowledge is usually siloed. It takes a different approach, believing informed clients and partners are better equipped to create sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure. The company’s centralized operations strengthen this knowledge-sharing philosophy, paving the way for a collaborative environment.
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