Press Release

Issues Including PFAS, Federal Water Infrastructure Funding, Resiliency, and Cybersecurity to Take Center Stage During Water Sector Fly-In

(Washington, D.C. – April 8, 2024) – Over 350 water sector professionals and policy experts, representing associations and public water sector utilities from across the country, will take part in Congressional office visits this week as part of the annual “Water Week” Fly-In on Capitol Hill.  

A large contingent of groups, led by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), and the WateReuse Association, call on Congress to help address the growing challenges facing the water sector – including the need for increased federal investment in aging water infrastructure and concern over rising costs from Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) regulations.

In a policy brief that will be delivered to Congressional offices, the groups lauded recent water investments through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) but highlighted the critical importance of a strong, sustained commitment from the federal government to build on this progress and help communities all across the nation – large and small, urban and rural – meet a host of increasingly complex water challenges related to:

• Maintaining and updating aging infrastructure, rising operational costs, supply chain issues, and labor shortages;
• Tackling water contamination and compliance with regulations, including those for PFAS, new pollutants, and nutrient management; and
• Securing climate adaptation, resilience, and cybersecurity measures.

  The anchor event of Water Week is the National Water Policy Fly-In, jointly hosted by NACWA, WEF, WRF and WateReuse, and will feature speakers from various federal agencies and Members of Congress discussing current water priorities. 

Adam Krantz, CEO, National Association of Clean Water Agencies said: “Water Week is a critical time for the clean water utility sector to bring our message to Washington. The challenges we face as a sector are many, and while we are appreciative of the recent increased funding we have received from Congress and the Administration, more is needed. Public clean water utilities are anchor institutions in their communities, and we need Congress to support us in that critical role. We look forward to meeting with Members of Congress to advocate for our priorities.”

Aimee Killeen, President, Water Environment Federation said: “The water sector is finding solutions to many important and complex challenges, such as PFAS, climate change resilience, aging infrastructure, affordability, and the circular water economy. Water Week and the National Water Policy Fly-In give water professionals an avenue to impact federal policies and funding that help the sector address those challenges. WEF is grateful for the passion and dedication of all the water professionals who come to DC each year to be the voice of the water sector.”

Peter Grevatt, CEO, The Water Research Foundation said: “The Water Research Foundation is excited to join with our partners in welcoming our subscribers and water sector leaders to Washington to advocate for continued robust funding for water research to support smart policy and regulatory decisions that address the growing challenges we face.”

Patricia L. Sinicropi, JD, Executive Director of the WaterReuse Association said: “WateReuse Association welcomes our members and partners to the nation’s capital to help communicate the value of water recycling for resilient and sustainable cities, industries, farms, and ecosystems. Communities from East to West are planning for the future of water recycling, and WateReuse is dedicated to advancing the funding and policies that make it possible.”

###

ABOUT THE GROUPS

For over 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory, legal, and communications advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Established in 1928, WEF’s mission is to inspire the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being. WEF’s goals are to attract and develop a passionate workforce, cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all, and lead the transformation to the circular water economy.

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org. 

The WateReuse Association is the nation’s only trade association solely dedicated to advancing laws, policy, funding, and public acceptance of recycled water. Our membership includes utilities that recycle water, businesses that support the development of recycled water projects, and consumers of recycled water. Learn more at www.watereuse.org.

Media Contact:­

Nathan Gardner-Andrews | NACWA Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer

(703) 774-6513, ngardner-andrews@nacwa.org