Across the country, water systems are aging, demands are rising, and the challenges tied to climate change aren’t slowing down. But one issue is quietly shaping the future of every treatment plant, utility, and public works department: a rapidly shrinking water workforce.

California State Parks host some of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the country, from coastal bluffs and mountain lakes to historic sites and deserts. With millions of visitors exploring these parks every year, the need for reliable, sustainable water treatment has never been more critical.

Clean, safe drinking water is foundational to public health, economic development, and environmental justice. Yet in the United States, many states struggle with aging infrastructure, contamination, underfunded systems, and natural challenges.

When people hear about a government shutdown, they usually think of closed national parks, furloughed federal workers, or political gridlock in Washington. But one of the less obvious yet critical areas affected is water treatment and infrastructure.