WWJ Closeup, March 2026

CHELSEA BORNEMAN
Business Development and Project Management
Hydro Resources Inc.—Rocky Mountain
Fort Lupton, Colorado

TOP LESSON LEARNED FROM GROUNDWATER WEEK 2025 THAT YOU’RE IMPLEMENTING TODAY?
Collaboration is not nice to have; it is a competitive advantage. Projects are stronger when operations, engineering, business development, and field crews align early. I push for earlier conversations between contractors, engineers, and clients so risks are identified, decisions are faster, and problems are solved before reaching the field.

MOST UNDERRATED BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TIP?
Clarity and technical understanding beats charisma every time. Clear expectations, ownership, and communication prevent more problems than any motivational speech ever could, especially in construction and drilling where margins are tight and mistakes are expensive. Say what you mean and follow through.

BEST BUSINESS MANAGEMENT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS?
You don’t need to know everything—but you do need to ask the right questions and listen. Early in my career, especially as a woman in a very male-dominated industry, I learned early that confidence comes from preparation and understanding the work, not pretending you have all the answers.

FAVORITE BUSINESS RESOURCE?
My network. I utilize the network I’ve met along the way as my main resource. A quick call or text to someone who has been in the field, office, or boardroom longer than I is often more valuable than a spreadsheet or report. Industry groups like NGWA and CGWA have been huge for that.

WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED FROM SERVING IN NGWA’S ADVANCING WOMEN IN GROUNDWATER GROUP?
Perspective and support. Being part of a group where women openly share challenges, successes, and lessons has been empowering. It reinforced that leadership looks different for everyone and that diverse voices strengthen decision making, culture, and outcomes in an industry historically dominated by men.

WHAT ARE YOU EYEING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IN 2026?

Continuing to grow in my business development role and reinforcing how critical that role is throughout the entire life of a groundwater project. From early planning and budgeting to construction, equipping, and long-term operation, business development helps connect the dots and set projects up for success from day one.

I’m especially looking forward to spending more time learning from those who have been in this industry for decades. Sitting at the table with people who have a little more gray hair than I do and a lot more field experience is something I value deeply. There’s no shortcut to that level of knowledge, and I’m eager to listen, learn, and apply what they’ve built over the years.

Following advice shared with me from Seth Kellogg, PG, I plan to keep saying “yes” to opportunities, boards, and organizations that help advance the groundwater industry as a whole. I’ve found my professional niche, I believe in the work we do, and I’m committed to building a long-term career in groundwater.