WASHINGTON, DC, April 14, 2015 -- On Monday, April 13, hundreds of water and wastewater professionals gathered in Washington, D.C., for Water Week 2015 to celebrate the national advancements in clean and safe water and meet with federal regulators and members of Congress to discuss the value of water. Further, they commemorated the creation of clean water systems -- the single most important public health achievement of the 20th century, helping to eliminate deadly diseases and extend life expectancy in the U.S. by 30 years.
"Clean water agencies at the local and federal level provide safe water access to communities across the country," said Congressman Bob Gibbs, chair of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. "Today, cities large and small are enjoying a remarkable resurgence, driven in part by revitalized waterfronts that support new businesses, residences and recreational activities. America's clean water success story can be attributed to public and private utilities working together across the county."
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, added, "Water knows no boundaries -- geographic or political. As my home state of California faces an epic drought, we must accelerate investment in water recycling, desalination, sound groundwater management, and storage. This will require creativity, innovation and public-private partnerships."
"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 and green factories," said Ed McCormick, president of the Board of Trustees of the Water Environment Federation. "Through our innovation, we are reducing costs and increasing revenue while sustaining and improving the world's most precious resource."
Karen Pallansch, CEO of Alexandria Renew Enterprises, board president of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and member of the Value of Water Coalition, added, "As an industry, we know that the dedicated service we provide is essential to our communities. This week, we are asking congress and the administration to be stronger federal partners than ever before, to ensure that communities across America have what they need to be healthy and resilient."
See also:
"Water sector groups announce Water Week 2015, taking place in April"
"Water Week 2014: Water leaders, federal agencies seek climate change resilience"
About the Value of Water Coalition
The Value of Water Coalition includes key public and private sector leaders from the U.S. world of water. We aim to educate the public on the importance of clean, safe, and reliable water to and from every home and community, and to help ensure quality water service for future generations. For more information, visit www.thevalueofwater.org.
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