Trainer Spotlight

It seems no one sets out to work in the water industry—but for Michael Garrity, stepping up to run his village’s water system became a lifelong calling. Now one of the newest trainers at the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association, he brings 24 years of experience and certifications across water, wastewater, distribution, collection, irrigation, and system maintenance in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Along the way, he’s served as an operator, ORC, manager, supervisor, and even a water authority board member.

“Once I realized the job came with real benefits, security, and purpose, I knew it was a career move and not just a job,” he recalls. That sense of purpose keeps him in the industry—helping utilities and training operators, particularly on asset management, which he believes is key to taking utilities to the next level.

For Michael, the most rewarding part of the work is simple: serving the public by providing the most important product in the world—clean water. “Watching an operator turn raw water into safe drinking water, or manage sewage to protect the environment, never loses its meaning,” he says.

Challenges abound, from rapidly advancing technology to tight budgets and the difficulty of attracting and keeping new local talent. “This profession should be treated like the trades, with equal schooling and funding,” he says. “We need to show the next generation that this is a stable, rewarding career.”

Looking ahead, Michael sees advanced operators and technology-driven assets becoming the norm. While change is slow, upgraded facilities and skilled operators will ensure safe, reliable service for the future.

One of his favorite industry experiences came at a 5 MGD wastewater facility in Conway, South Carolina, where sludge was applied to crops, effluent irrigated fields, and leased land generated revenue for the utility. “It was a perfect example of how utilities can serve customers, protect the environment, and even generate income,” he recalls.

His advice to newcomers: “Get involved, learn your entire utility, and be a team player. The more you know about your system and your colleagues, the better you can serve your community.”

Outside work, Michael enjoys hiking with his dog, mountain biking, skiing, skating, and sharing adventures with his grandchildren. As a PRWA trainer, he welcomes opportunities to assist with source water protection plans and encourages utilities to reach out and connect with him.