Some days, you might wonder why you need more social media in your life. Isn’t Facebook enough? Why, just why, do you want to check yet another site. Pinterest? Instagram? You’re just not going there.

But if you’re not on LinkedIn, you’re doing your professional life a disservice. Forget silly game requests and photo sharing. LinkedIn is all about furthering your career, connecting with colleagues and learning about your industry. As a water or wastewater operator, you’ll find an endless pool of knowledge to answer technical questions, provide advice on plant operations and more.

We’ve whittled through the noise and provided a few of our favorite groups for you. Start here and see where LinkedIn will take your career:

1. American Water Works Association
This private group requires membership approval. You'll find tons of interesting water-related news and links along with announcements from AWWA. Got a technical question that needs an answer? Try posting it here.

2. Water Environment Federation
This discussion board is meant for all things water. With more than 20,000 members, you'll make a lot of connections. And, like the AWWA page, youll find plenty of news from the wastewater world.

3. Professional Operator
This private group unites those who have earned, or who are interested in earning, a Professional Operator designation. The designation is rather new. For more information, see "The ABCs of National Operator Certification."

4. Water and Wastewater Professionals
This private group combines more than 20,000 members of the water and wastewater industry. Join and you'll see all sorts of industry news pop up on your homepage.

5. Wastewater Management, Compliance and Safety Resource Group
This group, moderated by Sheldon Primus of Utility Compliance, focuses on OSHA regulations and wastewater plant management. Get tips on plant safety issues, and learn how to correct violations.

6. Water Technologies
All water, all the time. Get information on water technologies and products, and join one of the many subgroups offered in this community.

7. Treatment Plant Operator
You know, we couldn't make this list without a little self-promotion. Follow TPO on LinkedIn to get updates our online exclusives. We're constantly updating our pages with the latest features and wastewater news briefs. 

Need a LinkedIn primer? Check out "Got LinkedIn? Here's Why Water and Wastewater Operators Need It."