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Consolidation is a real option for many small systems–if it’s their decision

Matt Holmes, Deputy CEO, National Rural Water Association | February 19, 2019

Last summer, I was fortunate to be able to participate in a dialogue examining Utility Strengthening Through Consolidation. The US Water Alliance brought together industry leaders for an important discussion in a historic setting at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge outside of San Francisco, California.  | More >

Building the Will to Invest in Water

Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance | February 8, 2019

Three years ago, top leaders in the water industry came together to establish a shared vision for how the sector could better communicate the value of water. Utilities, engineering companies, and policy groups set a big, audacious goal: launch a disciplined and sustained educational effort to build the public and political will to dramatically increase investment in our nation’s aging and failing water infrastructure. The campaign would align everyone who has a stake in our nation’s water future to make progress together. | More >

Surge Tank Mural Adds to the Cleveland Skyline and Art Scene

Cleveland Water | January 31, 2019

The Cleveland Water surge tank along the West Shoreway has been transformed into a dramatic addition to Cleveland’s public art scene. The culmination of almost two years of planning by Cleveland Water and LAND studio, the mural, titled “Walking on Water,” was completed by world-renowned artist Sam3 earlier this week. | More >

Valuing Water through Art: Imagine a Day Student Artwork Gallery

Sarah Huckins, Program Associate, US Water Alliance | January 23, 2019

This past October over 1,000 organizations came together across the country to celebrate Imagine a Day Without Water. As part of that day of action, utilities held art contests and sponsored projects to engage elementary school students on the value of water. Highlighted below are some of the winning art pieces and participating schools who helped visualize the value of water.   | More >

The Equity Imperative in Climate Resilience

Emily Simonson, Program Manager, US Water Alliance | December 7, 2018

Whether we live on a farm or near a factory, in a coastal or an inland community, in an urban or rural setting, climate change will affect most of us in our lifetimes – if it hasn’t already.  While the conversation is often caveated by the political schism surrounding climate, a recent poll shows the majority of Americans are concerned about climate change and acknowledge its roots in human activity. Regardless of beliefs, we are all going to live with the consequences. | More >

National Focus on Affordability

Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance | November 27, 2018

Affordability of water and wastewater service is an important and growing concern for many communities. The core issue is the balance between ensuring everyone has access to water and wastewater service, and the increasing operations and infrastructure costs facing utilities. Vulnerable populations – including elderly, disabled, and low-income residents – often struggle to pay their water bills. Decisions about water and wastewater infrastructure often rely on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) affordability calculations, which have been criticized as narrow, outdated, and arbitrary.  | More >

The Midterm Elections and Implications for Water Infrastructure

Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance | November 27, 2018

This year’s midterm elections had the highest turnout in a half century, with 49 percent of the population voting for candidates at the national, state, and local level. In the House of Representatives, control flipped with Democrats poised to pick up nearly 40 seats. Although a few races are still uncalled, it looks like this year could be the third largest gain by any party in 40 years. In the Senate, Democrats lost the seats they needed to defend in North Dakota, Florida, Missouri, and Indiana, but they did flip seats in Nevada and Arizona. Although the race in Mississippi is headed to a runoff (where Republicans are favored), it looks like Republicans will finish the cycle with a net gain of two seats. | More >

Parks Seen as Crucial to One Water Strategies

Rich Dolesh, VP of Strategic Initiatives, NRPA | November 15, 2018

The U.S. Water Alliance is a member-supported national non- profit organization that promotes education and innovation in water management. At its annual One Water Summit this summer in Minneapolis, the Water Alliance hosted a first- ever meeting of park directors and water utility managers from across the country, who hope to work collaboratively to promote water stewardship and sustainable water management. | More >

One Water for a Culture of Health

Evidence for Action Culture of Health Delegation: Scott Brown, Erin Hagan, Joanna Lombard, Maithili Ramachandran, May Lynn Tan, Bruce Tonn | November 7, 2018

Water and health are inextricably linked, yet agency leaders, community members, health workers, and other stakeholders often struggle to find common ground on which to build policies and practices that have benefits across sectors. | More >

Cities Seeking Innovation: New Procurement Toolkit Available!

Dr. Shalini Vajjhala, Founder & CEO, re:focus partners, Co-founder The Atlas Marketplace, Nonresident Senior Fellow,The Brookings Institution | November 2, 2018

Procurement innovation for cities may sound like an oxymoron, but the topic has gotten national attention in recent years. The processes that cities use to buy everything from office chairs to water treatment plants are increasingly being recognized as a barrier to upgrading aging and failing infrastructure systems and achieving broader climate, equity, and system resilience goals. | More >