Hundreds of water professionals from across the country came together in Washington, D.C. for Water Week 2022. These professionals advocated before Congress and the Administration on behalf of the local communities they serve.
According to the NACWA press release, Water Week 2022 will focus on how the water sector is implementing the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and how further support can be enacted.
The BIL is providing $55 billion in new funding for water infrastructure over the next five years.
According to the U.S. EPA, the nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure will require nearly $750 billion over 20 years just to maintain current service levels, reported the NACWA press release.
Billions will also be needed for solutions including water recycling that help communities build climate resilience and solve complex water management challenges.
The National Water Policy Fly-In was the afternoon of Apr. 27 and featured senior EPA and Bureau of Reclamation officials, members of Congress, and leaders from across the sector.
The Fly-In is co-hosted by NACWA, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Research Foundation (WRF), and the WateReuse Association.
Water Week is supported by national partners as well. The events for the week can be found here.
“As an organizer of Water Week 2022, NACWA welcomes the sector to Washington for a week of meaningful engagement with Congress and the Biden Administration on the state of federal water infrastructure investment,” said NACWA CEO Adam Krantz in the press release. “The water sector is incredibly grateful for the historic investments included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and looks forward to equitable and efficient implementation of the funds.”
“However, it is critical that this resurgence in federal investment is sustained and amplified in the years to come to meet the vast water needs across the U.S., as exceptional water infrastructure is one of the key foundational building blocks needed to foster healthy, thriving communities,” added Krantz.
Industry Response:
“WateReuse Association and our members are excited to take part in Water Week 2022 at this pivotal juncture,” said Executive Director Patricia Sinicropi, reported the press release. “We’re seeing historic investment in water recycling from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and exciting opportunities to improve our communities’ sustainability and resiliency by funding the Alternative Water Source Grants Pilot Program, convening a federal Interagency Working Group on Water Reuse, and establishing an industrial water recycling tax credit. The path forward is clear: innovative water management approaches like water recycling are essential for our communities as they address the threats of climate change and water insecurity.”
“Water Week 2022 is a critical opportunity to renew in-person engagement with members of Congress and federal officials after several years of monumental events and changes that will shape the water sector for many years to come,” said WEF Executive Director Walt Marlowe, reported the press release. “WEF appreciates the passion and commitment of all water professionals participating in Water Week, and we look forward to sustaining the momentum necessary to improve the nation’s wastewater and stormwater infrastructure for all Americans.”
“The Water Research Foundation is excited to welcome water sector leaders to Washington to build on our success in improving the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Peter Grevatt, PhD, WRF CEO, reported the press release. “Our work together ensures that critical policy decisions are guided by the latest research to protect human health and the environment.”