As 2025 comes to a close, we’d like to take a few moments to look back on some of our favorite stories this year at tpomag.com. If you missed any of these, now is your chance to catch up. Enjoy this look back at the past year.
10. Assessing Electric Motors for Safety, Performance Following Flooding & Storm Damage
Hurricanes Helene and Milton highlighted the vulnerability of water and wastewater facilities, underscoring the need to carefully assess pump motor damage before restarting operations. Nidec/U.S. MOTORS offers guidance on safely inspecting, repairing or replacing motors exposed to flooding to restore reliable system performance.
9. Permit-Required Confined-Space Entries Should be Treated Seriously
Confined-space entry is one of the most dangerous tasks in the industry, making OSHA-required permits critical to preventing injuries and fatalities. Learn why properly completed confined-space entry permits are essential for hazard identification, communication, rescue planning and legal compliance.
8. Why Hydrants Weren't Meant to Fight Wildfires
Brigham Young University professor Rob Sowby teaches and studies environmental engineering, urban water infrastructure and sustainability. In this Q&A, he explains how the water systems people assume can save us from disaster were never meant for such a task.
7. 5 Reasons to Work Safely Every Day
Workplace safety is driven by shared motivations like protecting your health, family, reputation, coworkers and the utility you serve. This article outlines five compelling reasons why committing to safety every day benefits not just individuals, but entire teams and communities.
6. Kansas Utility Turns Meeting Blooper Into Its Most Successful Brand
Johnson County (Kansas) Wastewater launched a video campaign using humor and employee storytelling to raise public awareness of its mission and culture. The short videos highlight how the staff supports water infrastructure for more than 500,000 residents.
5. Study Measures Magnitude, Distribution of PFAS in Great Lakes
Scientists analyzed mussel tissue data to map the presence and distribution of PFAS across the Great Lakes, helping fill critical data gaps for U.S. and Canada water quality management. The findings support international efforts to protect water quality while highlighting emerging solutions.
4. New Tech Tackles Fatbergs at the Source
This year, researchers at RMIT University in Australia developed a new approach to tackling the congealed sewer blockages known as fatbergs. Their solution integrates a redesigned grease interceptor with a targeted chemical treatment.
3. From Trainee to Leader: Steps to Take Your Career to the Next Level
Advancing from operator trainee to supervisor requires reliability, communication, initiative and a clear commitment to leadership. Check out some practical steps to earn trust and intentionally prepare for the next level of your career.
2. 12 Drama-Free Ideas for Holding People Accountable
Avoiding accountability conversations may feel easier, but it erodes trust, standards and team performance over time. This article offers a practical, respectful roadmap for addressing issues clearly and confidently without becoming the office hard-nose.
1. Exam Study Guide: Calculating F/M Ratios and Disinfection Byproducts
This year’s top article comes from our popular Exam Study Guide series, written semi-monthly by water and wastewater experts Drew Hoelscher and Rick Lallish. This entry tests readers’ knowledge about F/M ratios and disinfection byproducts.
