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What's the Value of Water? Reflections from Philly During Infrastructure Week 2015

Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance | May 18, 2015

The Value of Water Coalition’s cross-country tour for Infrastructure Week made its third stop in PhiladelphiaWhat’s the Value of Water? The Pennsylvania Story hosted by the Philadelphia Water, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, American Water, Value of Water Coalition, along with media host WHYY, Inc.

Philadelphia is one of the nation’s most forward-looking cities when it comes to water, necessitated by the fact that many of its pipes are upwards of 80 years old. Philadelphia Water, which is responsible for providing drinking water, wastewater, and storm water services to 2.3 million people is determined to bring the system into to 21st century. | More >

How Far Cleveland Water Has Come

Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance | May 15, 2015

In 1969, the water situation in Cleveland was dire. The Cuyahoga River fires made Cleveland the symbol of our nation's environmental woes. Forty-six years after images published by Time magazine and National Geographic of the river ablaze were seared into the nation's collective consciousness, Cleveland should be applauded for the staggering progress you've made.
 
Back then, Cleveland was the poster child for our nation's polluted waterways; now, it is a gleaming example of the positive transformation of a region through clean water investments. | More >

Feds Should Help Us Fix Water Infrastructure

Representative Paul Tonko, D-New York | May 14, 2015

If you live in New York, chances are that you or someone you know was affected by our broken and aging water infrastructure last winter. I live in Amsterdam and represent the Capital Region in the House of Representatives, and during our extended cold weather season I heard countless stories of pipes bursting in Colonie, power outages in Troy, and public service interruptions in Albany – all due to a decades-long habit on a national level of disinvestment and complacency when it comes to maintaining, developing, and improving the way we utilize one of our most important yet basic commodities: water. | More >

The New Wave of Water Innovation

Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance | May 12, 2015

Infrastructure Week 2015 is underway. From May 11-15, leaders and organizations that care about infrastructure issues will come together to raise awareness about the often neglected pipes, bridges, roads and rails that keep our nation running and give Americans a high quality of life.

But it isn’t all bad news. Infrastructure Week is also an opportunity to spotlight the innovations and technological advancements that are paving the way toward more efficient, more effective, and greener forms of infrastructure. In our new briefing paper we highlight Value of Water Coalition members that are meeting big challenges with innovative solutions. Through capital investments, technological innovations, creative financing tools, and cross-sector partnerships, water leaders are building stronger communities and a stronger America. | More >

Over 80% of Americans Believe Securing Sustainable Water Supplies to Be a National Priority: Poll Results

Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance | May 8, 2015

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of The Value of Water Coalition between April 9 and April 13, 2015 among 2,023 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. Highlights from the survey include: 

Many Americans are currently living with epic drought conditions. How important is it for local water providers, as well as state and federal government, to invest in strategies and programs that help develop sustainable water supplies? | More >

The Water Energy Nexus: Benefits & Innovations

Aldie Warnock, Senior Vice President External Affair, Communications, & Public Policy, American Water | April 22, 2015

This Earth Day, let’s celebrate our most precious natural resource—water. It’s essential not only for our daily lives, but also for energy security and environmental sustainability.

Here’s why: It takes an abundance of water to produce energy. And it takes lots of energy to provide clean water and wastewater services. The interdependence of water and energy, known as the water-energy nexus, provides many opportunities for efficiencies, cost savings, and a healthier, more sustainable planet. At American Water, we’re pursuing these opportunities and working with customers, partners, and policymakers to create innovative solutions. | More >

We Are the Masters of Our Own Fate

Ken Kirk, Executive Director, National Association of Clean Water Agencies | April 15, 2015

The political landscape here in DC is increasingly contentious and it is harder than ever to get the attention of our national leaders. For example, when it comes to water we are told that Congress focuses so much effort on the Waters of the US rule because the stakeholders opposing the rule are a far squeakier wheel. How can our sector’s issues compete?  How can we be a more effective squeaky wheel? | More >

Celebrating Water Sustainability

G. Tracy Mehan III, Interim-President, U.S. Water Alliance | April 14, 2015

This year the US Water Alliance is awarding the 2015 US Water Prize to three outstanding organizations for their outstanding work in promoting the value of water and demonstrating the power of innovation and an integrated approach to “One Water,” i.e., sustainable water management which encompasses the entire water cycle as well as its life cycle from the nation’s headwaters to treatment and reuse.  The event will be held at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. on April 13th.  Many of the steering committee members of the Value of Water Coalition, as well as director Radhika Fox, will be in attendance. | More >

Your Dinner Plate is Covered with Water

Keith Zukowski, Value of Water Coalition | April 8, 2015

Steak, brocolli, tomatoes and potatoes. You've got your proteins, your veggies, your fruit and your starches. You also have a plate full of water. When chowing down on our dinner it's rare that we consider how much water it took to produce that food. But the reality is that in California, the infamously water-strapped state, agriculture uses 80% of the state's supply. Keeping the doctor away? That apple will require 19 gallons of water to produce. That glass of wine you're drinking? 32 gallons. And that delicios steak was produced using 1,230 gallons of water.  | More >

Thinking Outside the Box about Water

Eileen O'Neill, Executive Director, Water Environment Federation | April 7, 2015

Accelerated innovation in water technologies and approaches; increased collaboration with traditional and non-traditional partners; and the transformation of wastewater treatment from waste disposal to resource recovery are all contributing to a new and exciting paradigm for water. 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, “green factories,” and “Utilities of the Future” that work to reduce costs and increase revenue while sustaining and improving the world’s increasingly challenged water resources. | More >