1. Resources
  2. Blog

Blog

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rely on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) affordability calculations, which have been criticized as narrow, outdated, and arbitrary.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 >

On Tap in Washington, October 2018

Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance | October 30, 2018

With the midterm elections looming, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is likely to be the last major piece of legislation on water infrastructure during this Congress. Historically, WRDA authorized projects and set policies for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), but recent versions have incorporated more water infrastructure provisions. | More >

Over a thousand organizations ‘Imagine a Day Without Water’

Emily Simonson, Program Manager, US Water Alliance | October 30, 2018

It is hard to imagine modern life without water infrastructure. Think about our neighborhoods, or what it takes to grow our food, or technology we all depend on. Reliable water infrastructure makes it all possible. Yet, policy makers fail to invest in water and wastewater service, leaving them vulnerable to unprecedented challenges. This inaction threatens the country’s ability to thrive in the future. Too often, critical water infrastructure is out of sight and out of mind, taken for granted until something breaks and service is disrupted. | More >

Priority Actions for Advancing Water Quality Trading

Willamette Partnership Staff | October 24, 2018

Water quality trading is a cost-effective way to meet clean water goals and deliver multiple benefits for people, fish, and wildlife. Yet, compared to other environmental markets (think: carbon offsets), interest and demand for water quality credit trading have been slow to catch on. A new report, Breaking Down Barriers: Priority Actions for Advancing Water Quality Trading, investigates what’s keeping water quality trading on the sidelines and proposes a detailed action agenda to help get water quality trading on the ground in more watersheds across the United States.   | More >

Imagine a Day Without Water—and the next day and the next day and …

Dr. Ben Stanford, Senior Director, Water Research and Development, American Water | October 10, 2018

Wednesday, Oct. 10, marks the Value of Water Campaign’s fourth annual Imagine a Day Without Water, which has gained momentum each year. At its core, the campaign calls on people to achieve a deeper understanding of the immense impact water makes on our health, economy and lives—every minute of every day. It also asks us to take some type of action, whether it’s implementing steps to conserve water at home and relieve stress on pipes, or contacting a local legislator requesting increased infrastructure funding. It’s these steps that will help move society forward and prevent a worst-case scenario of a future without water for our communities. (For more ideas on this last part, check out these 7 ways to participate in Imagine a Day Without Water.) | More >