How broadband can tackle Vermont’s workforce shortage and deliver clean water

When you think of water infrastructure, what comes to mind? Most of us think of pipes, water treatment plants and reservoirs. But there’s an essential ingredient that many people miss: reliable fiber-optic internet. Broadband internet and water systems may seem like an odd pairing, but they’re inseparable when it comes to tackling the challenges Vermont faces today. Aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and the growing impacts of climate change demand smarter, more efficient solutions. Broadband is the backbone that makes those solutions possible. With fiber-optic data connections, we can modernize and adapt Vermont’s water systems. From smart technologies that detect leaks to cloud-based tools that manage stormwater, reliable broadband is key to clean water and climate resilience.  

[Christine Hallquist is executive director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board. Tee Thomas  is CEO of Quantified Ventures, a certified woman-owned enterprise and a B Corporation that is a national leader in implementing innovative funding and financing strategies for climate, health and social impact.]