Water Environment Federation

One of WEF’s innovative efforts to create a coordinated movement is the Water Advocates Program. This is an effort to train individuals and give them the resources to engage their elected officials and the public at large in a conversation about important water issues. WEF recognizes that grassroots organizing is a powerful tool that sways leaders to make the right decisions in difficult times.

WEF also recognizes that utilities have a crucial role to play. To aid them in their role, WEF publishes research reports so that utilities can make better informed decisions on policy. For example, a recent report entitled, Navigating Legal Pathways to Rate-Funded Customer Assistance Programs, is a guide for utilities exploring the possibility of using rate revenue to fund bill pay assistance programs for low-income customers. The guide includes state-by-state summaries on the different legal frameworks that a utility must consider.

Another program designed to benefit utilities, as well as water management experts in general, is the Stormwater Institute (SWI) that discusses priorities in advancing stormwater management. The Institute strives to find solutions to funding stormwater management, increasing public engagement, and promote integrated asset management.