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On Tap in Washington, October 2018

Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance | October 30, 2018

With the midterm elections looming, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is likely to be the last major piece of legislation on water infrastructure during this Congress. Historically, WRDA authorized projects and set policies for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), but recent versions have incorporated more water infrastructure provisions. | More >

Over a thousand organizations ‘Imagine a Day Without Water’

Emily Simonson, Program Manager, US Water Alliance | October 30, 2018

It is hard to imagine modern life without water infrastructure. Think about our neighborhoods, or what it takes to grow our food, or technology we all depend on. Reliable water infrastructure makes it all possible. Yet, policy makers fail to invest in water and wastewater service, leaving them vulnerable to unprecedented challenges. This inaction threatens the country’s ability to thrive in the future. Too often, critical water infrastructure is out of sight and out of mind, taken for granted until something breaks and service is disrupted. | More >

Priority Actions for Advancing Water Quality Trading

Willamette Partnership Staff | October 24, 2018

Water quality trading is a cost-effective way to meet clean water goals and deliver multiple benefits for people, fish, and wildlife. Yet, compared to other environmental markets (think: carbon offsets), interest and demand for water quality credit trading have been slow to catch on. A new report, Breaking Down Barriers: Priority Actions for Advancing Water Quality Trading, investigates what’s keeping water quality trading on the sidelines and proposes a detailed action agenda to help get water quality trading on the ground in more watersheds across the United States.   | More >

Imagine a Day Without Water—and the next day and the next day and …

Dr. Ben Stanford, Senior Director, Water Research and Development, American Water | October 10, 2018

Wednesday, Oct. 10, marks the Value of Water Campaign’s fourth annual Imagine a Day Without Water, which has gained momentum each year. At its core, the campaign calls on people to achieve a deeper understanding of the immense impact water makes on our health, economy and lives—every minute of every day. It also asks us to take some type of action, whether it’s implementing steps to conserve water at home and relieve stress on pipes, or contacting a local legislator requesting increased infrastructure funding. It’s these steps that will help move society forward and prevent a worst-case scenario of a future without water for our communities. (For more ideas on this last part, check out these 7 ways to participate in Imagine a Day Without Water.) | More >

Imagine A Day Without Water

Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance | October 10, 2018

If you’re like the vast majority of Americans, you’ve probably never had to imagine a day without water.  We take water, and our daily tasks and conveniences made by possible by water, for granted.  A cup of coffee, a shower, the toilet, a load of laundry, a cold beer.  None would be possible without water. | More >

Hurricane Florence Spotlights Essential Service Provided by Water Workforce and Infrastructure

Emily Simonson, Program Manager, US Water Alliance | September 24, 2018

Last Tuesday, with Hurricane Florence barreling towards the Carolinas and southern Virginia, I spoke to a room full of water and wastewater utility operators about the need for them to shake off the sector’s “silent service” culture and embrace a new identity as proud and vocal stewards of public health and safety.  | More >

Connecting the Dots at the American Planning Association’s Water and Planning Connect

Zoë Roller, Program Manager, US Water Alliance | September 21, 2018

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 >

Lessons from the One Water Summit

Joseph DeAngelis, AICP, Research Associate, American Planning Association | September 12, 2018

Water lies at the heart of the complex web of ecological processes that define not jus the patterns of human settlement, but all plant and animal life. It is a system that sustains and defines who we are and how we live.  | More >

One Water Summit: The Water Industry’s Big Game

Jeffrey L. McIntyre Senior Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Division, American Water | September 4, 2018

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 >

Arts & Culture at One Water Summit

Shanai Matteson, Co-Director, Water Bar & Public Studio | August 22, 2018

Just over a month ago, the One Water Summit came to our hometown of Minneapolis. This national conference, organized by the nonprofit US Water Alliance, brought together 900 water leaders from across sector and geography to learn and connect for a more sustainable, inclusive and integrated water future. After attending the 2017 One Water Summit in New Orleans, it was our turn to elevate some of the great work happening here in Minnesota, and we were thrilled to have many opportunities to do so through the Summit and affiliated activities. | More >