Hundreds of water and wastewater professionals gathered in Washington, D.C. for Water Week 2015 to celebrate the national advancements in clean and safe water and meet with federal regulators and members of congress to discuss the value of water. The creation of clean water systems was the most important public health achievement of the 20th century, according to the Value of Water Coalition. It eliminated deadly diseases such as cholera and typhoid and helped extend life expectancy in the U.S. by 30 years.
“Clean water agencies at the local and federal level provide safe water access to communities across the country. Today, cities large and small are enjoying a remarkable resurgence, driven in part by revitalized waterfronts that support new businesses, residences and recreational activities. America’s clean water success story can be attributed to public and private utilities working together across the county,” said Congressman Bob Gibbs, chair of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
“Water knows no boundaries—geographic or political. As my home state of California faces an epic drought, we must accelerate investment in water recycling, desalination, sound groundwater management and storage. This will require creativity, innovation and public-private partnerships,” said Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Water Week 2015 will showcase a new paradigm for water providers, with a focus on innovation in new technology and increased collaboration among traditional and non-traditional partners.
“By capturing valuable resources and useful products for society—such as clean renewable energy, recycled water, fertilizer, nutrients, heat and even transportation fuel—water utilities are rapidly becoming manufacturing facilities and green factories. Through our innovation we are reducing costs and increasing revenue while sustaining and improving the world’s most precious resource,” said Ed McCormick, president of the board of trustees of the Water Environment Federation.
“As an industry, we know that the dedicated service we provide is essential to our communities. This week, we are asking congress and the administration to be stronger federal partners than ever before, to ensure that communities across America have what they need to be healthy and resilient,” said Karen Pallansch, CEO, Alexandria Renew Enterprises, board president of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and member of the Value of Water Coalition.
Throughout the week, water professionals will meet with federal regulators and members of congress to discuss the value of water. Water Week events included the National Water Policy Forum, the U.S. Water Prize Awards Ceremony and Reception, and several other forums, roundtables and congressional briefings.
Source: Value of Water Coalition
