Clarkson University Professor and Chair of Civil & Environmental Engineering James Edzwald will deliver the keynote address at the 18th annual Water Quality Symposium of the New England Water Works Association in May.

His presentation will focus on emerging drinking water challenges that cities face, such as the concerns about lead in the drinking water in Flint, Mich.

Now and into the future, communities will work to treat water containing total organic carbon, disinfection byproducts, trace organic compounds, harmful algae, nanoparticles and oxyanions. Fresh water supplies also are scarce in some areas, requiring desalination.

"At the same time, universities have reduced graduate education in water supply, drinking water treatment and water quality," Edzwald said. "Consequently, there will be a shortage of professionals for the water field."

The New England Water Works Association is the leading authority on education, training opportunities and public outreach to protect and improve drinking water and water utility operations. The organization is an instrument of change to advance the knowledge, science, government awareness, public trust and environmental stewardship of the water works profession.