Speaking on behalf of the Water Systems Council (WSC), Mark Heflin—Senior Director, Global Product Management at Franklin Electric and WSC Board President—reflects on the evolving water well industry and the shared commitment to its advancement. In the Q&A below, Mark addresses current challenges, opportunities, and the vital role manufacturers play in shaping the future of groundwater and private well systems, underscoring the dedication both WSC and Franklin Electric bring to industry leadership, workforce development, and advocacy.
Congratulations on your recent appointment as President of the Water Systems Council (WSC) Board! What does this leadership role mean to you personally and professionally, and how do you see it aligning with Franklin Electric’s goals to serve the water well industry?
Franklin Electric has long been a supporter of the Water Systems Council and the important work they do for the industry. I am honored to continue that tradition. I have enjoyed being involved with the Council’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee over the last few years, and I am even more excited to work closely with Margaret Martens, WSC Executive Director, and her excellent staff to help shape and expand our impact. Personally, my involvement has expanded my understanding of the challenges facing the water well industry today and into the future. I can bring a new perspective to my role as Senior Director-Global Product Management for Franklin Electric, and share how, as a company, we can help address some of these challenges, including tariffs, restrictions on drilling, and training/workforce limitations.
The latest State of the U.S. Water Well Industry Report, issued by the Water Systems Council, shows the industry experiencing several shifts recently—economic, political, and market-related. From your perspective, how should manufacturers and contractors be preparing to seize the opportunities ahead?
The State of the Industry Annual Report is always a great contribution from the WSC, and we are excited for the 2026 edition. The report continues to provide insights into the makeup of our industry with a real focus on understanding the perspective of our contractors. The WSC team works diligently to keep the survey fresh. For example, the 2026 edition will have additional information related to the impact of tariffs, further depth on business continuation strategies, and some new learnings on “new versus replacement” rates on product installations.
We encourage our channel partners to become involved by responding to the annual survey available starting November 12. To learn more and participate click here.
Workforce development remains a pressing challenge for the industry, with over 40% of companies facing hiring difficulties. What are some ways the Water Systems Council, and Franklin Electric, can help address this issue to ensure long-term sustainability in the field?
One of the biggest ways that the Water Systems Council supports the industry is by providing key training materials for new water well contractor employees via the Water Systems Handbook. The handbook serves as an essential technical reference for the water well industry, providing comprehensive coverage on system topics and the knowledge needed for many state contractor certification tests. We updated the handbook in late 2024, and this 13th edition included a new 8th book on sizing for pumps, tanks, wiring, and water treatment. Franklin Electric experts take pride in serving the technical committee that continues to expand the handbook, and a 9th book is planned that will focus on best practices, practical tips and tricks, and installation guidelines.
Looking ahead, what role do you see the Water Systems Council playing in shaping national conversations around groundwater, regulation, and private well ownership—and how can members like Franklin Electric continue to support that mission?
The Water Systems Council is a great avenue for manufacturers, distributors, and contractors to get involved and make a difference in supporting and protecting the water well industry. We have a great team, including Jeff More, our Governmental Affairs Lobbyist in DC, and Jesse Richardson, our legal counsel on water rights issues, that are working daily to support the industry at both the Federal and State levels. WSC supports our state association members with legal opinions including weighing in on recent cases in South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. The organization is also very effective with lobbying for the industry during our annual spring meeting in Washington, DC. In 2025 we made a record of 114 individual visits to congressional offices on behalf of the industry.
This important work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our members. That’s why Franklin Electric has proudly been a long-standing member and why so many of our team members remain actively involved at every level of the WSC. In addition to my role as board president, I deeply value the dedication of Franklin Electric employees who share the mission to protect and promote well water systems. From serving on technical and marketing committees to participating in key events—such as the 17th Annual Water Well Trust Auction, which raised critical funds to meet the USDA grant match—our involvement reflects our commitment to the future of this industry and to our channel partners.