WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 6, 2016 -- The US Water Alliance has released its One Water Roadmap: The Sustainable Management of Life's Most Essential Resource as a guide for changing the way water is managed in America. The nation saw the devastating water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Communities across country are struggling with aging water infrastructure. Coastal areas are fighting rising sea levels, while inland communities alternately struggle with unprecedented flooding and drought.
The roadmap outlines a bold new approach to tackle our biggest water challenges, including: embracing regional, integrated planning for our water resources; diversifying water supplies and transforming wastewater into a renewable resource; creating new business models for water management; watershed-scale planning; a water safety net so water is accessible and affordable for all; sustainably managing groundwater, and many more strategies. Each strategy also includes a real-world case study to highlight where utilities, community groups, and businesses are making tangible progress in smarter water management.
Radhika Fox, CEO of the US Water Alliance, said: "Creating this roadmap has been an incredible process. We've learned so much from our passionate and talented members and supporters, and we hope that this roadmap provides practical guidance to the innumerable stakeholders across the country who are facing severe water challenges. Water is the most pressing issue of our time. We have to get this right."
Kevin Shafer, Board Chair of the US Water Alliance and Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, said: "Our water challenges are too severe for any one entity, including utilities, to solve them alone. Success will require collaboration from agricultural communities, businesses, environmental groups, foundations, and more. This roadmap makes a strong case for the one water approach, meaning diverse stakeholders need to work across areas of practice for forge solutions together."
Contributors to the roadmap include water and wastewater utilities, Fortune 500 corporations, and major foundations and philanthropies that understand the critical need to sustainably manage life's most important resource. US Water Alliance thanks its members, who are driving change on the front lines of water management, and the One Water Council, for its leadership and insightful feedback which shaped the roadmap.
About the US Water Alliance: The US Water Alliance is dedicated to promoting policies and programs to advance a sustainable water future for all. Established in 2008, the Alliance is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that educates the nation on the true value of water, accelerates the adoption of one water policies and programs, and celebrates innovation in water management. The Alliance brings together diverse interests to identify and advance common-ground, achievable solutions for our nation's most pressing water challenges. Our membership includes water providers, public officials, business leaders, environmental organizations, community leaders, policy organizations, and more.
Related Articles:
'One Water': Concept for the Future?
VIDEO: Trends in Watershed Management
