Blog

Water sector professionals and land use planners are natural allies: both are accustomed to thinking long-term, considering resource limitations, and doing the behind-the-scenes work that keep our cities and systems running. The American Planning Association (APA)’s Water and Planning Connect conference creates a space for new collaborations and conversations to take place.  | More >

Last week, I had a great experience while walking into the 2018 US Water Alliance One Water Summit held in Minneapolis. As co-presenter for a discussion addressing “Utility Strengthening Through Cooperation,” I focused on the benefits of regionalization and examples of how it became available, as well as the speed bumps associated with it. It was awesome to experience the sheer number of people who weren’t only present at the summit but also eager to hear every insight that was shared, to consider every idea put on the table, to delve deeply into the myriad topics discussed and to be part of the solution, moving us toward the vision of one sustainable water future for all. | More >

How often do we get a chance to tackle multiple challenges at once? According to a new report from the Brookings Institute’s Metropolitan Policy Program, improving workforce development in the water industry, and across infrastructure sectors broadly, gives us an opportunity to do just that. The report, titled Renewing the Water Workforce: Improving Water Infrastructure and Creating a Pipeline to Opportunity, offers a response to two critical issues that our country needs to address. | More >

On Tuesday, May 30, water leaders convened at the Wilson Center in Washington DC to participate in the fourth and final installation of the Center’s series “Sustainable Water, Resilient Communities.” The previous three sessions focused on the challenges presented by too little water, too much water, and dirty water. The final panel discussion centered on the challenge of erratic water, as well as the opportunities for developing lasting solutions. John Cook, Climate Change Adaptation Specialist for USAID, emphasized the importance of treating water challenges holistically and the need for sustainable partnerships. These sentiments were echoed throughout the panel, and innovation was highlighted as an integral component of a holistic approach. In addition to being a through line of the presentation, partnership and technology are two elements in the US Water Alliance’s 7 Big Ideas for Water. Panelists reiterated these ideas and discussed the need for existing systems to be flexible and for new, innovative systems to address our domestic and global water crises. | More >