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The Groundwater Foundation announces Fred Rothauge, CWD, as 2023 McEllhiney Distinguished Lecturer

Fred Rothauge, CWD

Fred Rothauge, CWD

Fred Rothauge, CWD, well rehabilitation division manager for Hydro Resources, has been selected as the 2023 McEllhiney Distinguished Lecturer by The Groundwater Foundation and NGWA.

Rothauge’s 2023 McEllhiney Lecture is titled “Are We Creating Long-Term Groundwater Assets or Just Installing Wells?” and will examine ways groundwater professionals can better communicate with their customers that water wells are long-term groundwater assets and therefore should be treated as such.

This includes discussions with the customer on initial planning; looking at material and construction costs; emphasizing proper development, operation, and maintenance; and how all these affect well rehabilitation. Rothauge believes that by engaging customers early in these discussions, groundwater professionals can reframe how customers view their water wells.

“I’m not only honored, but extremely honored, to have been selected by my peers at the National Ground Water Association to deliver the 2023 McEllhiney Lecture Series,” Rothauge said. “I’m hopeful through my message I can inspire young professionals entering this industry, along with seasoned members, to take a closer look at the assets of a well and the importance of proper construction, development, and operation to meet future demand.”

Rothauge has more than 35 years of experience in oil and gas, mining, water well drilling, and well rehabilitation. He has co-authored papers on drilling fluid products and is a co-author for Johnson Screens’ third edition of Groundwater & Wells. He serves on the board of directors for both the Colorado Water Well Contractors Association and the Utah Ground Water Association. Rothauge holds water well driller licenses in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Rothauge is also a longtime NGWA volunteer and is currently serving on its Board of Directors.

Click here to learn more and to submit a lecture request online.


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