Events Archive
- Verna Arnette, interim Executive Director, Greater Cincinnati Water Works
- Andy Burnham, Vice President, Water Management, Stantec
- Emily Simonson, Director of Strategic Initiatives, US Water Alliance
Watch the recording here.
- Mami Hara, CEO, US Water Alliance
Speakers:
- Andy Kricun, Senior Fellow, US Water Alliance
- Chris Sturm, Managing Director, Policy and Water, New Jersey Future
- David Zimmer, Executive Director, New Jersey Infrastructure Bank
Watch the recording here.
- Katy Lackey, Senior Program Manager, US Water Alliance
- Richard S. Dovey, President, Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA)
- Cate Lamb, Global Director of Water Security, Carbon Disclosure Project
- Brian Mendenhall, Senior Water Resources Specialist, Valley Water
Watch the recording here.
- Alexis Frasz, Co-Director, Helicon Collaborative
- Katy Lackey, Senior Program Manager, US Water Alliance
- Maura Jarvis, Community Outreach Specialist, Philadelphia Water Department
- Alex! Jimenez, Artist, Print-maker, Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Tucson
- Trapeta Mayson, Poet, Teaching Artist, Community Organizer, City of Philadelphia 2020-2021 Poet Laureate
- Kelly Wiehe, Project Manager, Public Information and Conservation Office, Tucson Water
Watch the recording here.
This Imagine a Day Without Water, the US Water Alliance is hosting a One Water Webinar on state and local policies and programs that water leaders across the country report are making a difference in their communities. With an historical influx in infrastructure funding on the horizon, now is the time to spread how states and local actors are innovating around water to build more resilient water systems.
On Thursday, October 21, The Value of Water Campaign and the US Water Alliance are encouraging participants to hear from two One Water leaders doing just that. Paul Hunt of Portland Water District will discuss Maine’s Sebago Clean Waters coalition, which is leveraging funding for projects that promote water quality. Joone Lopez, General Manager of Moulton Niguel Water District, will share about the California Water Data Consortium, which advances data sharing and economic development.
October’s One Water Webinar will also showcase a new tool released by the Alliance—the Recovering Stronger Knowledge Map—designed to help participants dive deeper into One Water projects in their regions and across the country. The Knowledge Map is a digital tool that plots One Water policies and programs geographically and provides key information about each of the plot points. Webinar attendees will be introduced to the Knowledge Map and will learn about the different ways to interact with the tool.
Join this month’s webinar, “Exploring State and Local Water Innovations,” to celebrate Imagine a Day Without Water and to learn more about what projects are driving change in your state or region!
- Joya Banerjee, Senior Fellow, US Water Alliance
- Paul Hunt, Environmental Services Manager, Portland Water District
- Joone Lopez, General Manager, Moulton Niguel Water District; Board Member, Water Data Consortium
Watch the recording here.
Scientists say we have less than a decade to act on climate, and any efforts to help the water sector recover stronger must contribute to progress on the climate crisis. The water sector has ample opportunities to contribute to climate mitigation and adaption efforts while pursuing sector goals like resilience and sustainability. From renewable energy generation to carbon sinks, water can help reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.
This four-hour event will explore insights and recent developments across the global water community on how utilities and countries are stepping up on climate action. Learn from experts about ongoing research on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from water, discover how the water sector can help achieve climate mitigation goals set out in the Paris Agreement, and engage with water utilities that are implementing #NetZeroWater strategies to meet GHG reduction targets.
Speakers include water utilities, decision-makers, researchers, and institutes from across the globe. Watch the recording here, and click here to view the full agenda and speaker list.
This symposium is part of the kick-off for the Imagination Challenge: Water’s Role in Race to Zero. A sector-wide Imagination Team will undertake this challenge, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
-
Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Gerald Bright, Administrative Scientist, Green Stormwater Operations, Philadelphia Water Department
- Jacqueline Muhammad, Senior Manager, Government and Customer Relations, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Watch the recording here.
- Radhika Fox, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency
- Ike Irby, PhD, Policy Advisor, Office of the Vice President, The White House
- Rick Callender, CEO, Valley Water
- Emily Feenstra, Managing Director, Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives, ASCE
- Josina Morita, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
- Will Pickering, CEO, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
- Kevin Reilly, International Representative, LIUNA
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Allison Deines, Director of Policy and Strategy, Alexandria Renew Enterprises
- Dave Metz, Partner and President, FM3 Research
- Dr. Manuel Teodoro, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
-
Lori Weigel, New Bridge Strategies
Watch the webinar here.
- Juliet Ellis, Head of Public Sector, Promise and Chair, Water Agency Leaders Alliance
- Gary Brown, Director, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department
- Mami Hara, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Seattle Public Utilities
- Tony Parrott, Executive Director, Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District
Watch the webinar here.
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Hank Habicht, Co-Founder, Water Finance Exchange
- Eric Letsinger, CEO, Quantified Ventures
- David Naftzger, Executive Director, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Kevin Critendon, Assistant Director, Austin Water
- Inge Wiersema, Vice President, Water Resources Practice Lead, Carollo
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Wendy Broley, Vice President, One Water, Brown and Caldwell
- Tim Thomure, Director, Tucson Water
We are at a unique moment in water infrastructure. The challenges of the global pandemic, structural inequities, and a changing climate are sources of stress on water utilities. But these challenges also present opportunities for great innovation. This is a rare opportunity for us to #RebuildBetter and highlight the innovations water utilities are implementing in their own backyards. One of the great sources of inspiration and experimentation for utilities is their own facilities. Projects that re-envision and redesign utility capabilities can demonstrate the effectiveness of a new technology or approach, and can serve to inspire wider adoption. This webinar will feature three different utilities across the country showcasing how they are paving the way with innovative approaches to alternative energy and building-scale water reuse. Three leaders from each utility will share how these projects can serve to encourage knowledge sharing and to spread One Water ideas to scale.
Moderator:
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
Speakers:
- Brian Good, Chief Administrative Officer, Denver Water
- Paula Kehoe, Director of Water Resources, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
- Saul Kinter, Business Development Program Manager, DC Water
Watch the recording here.
From localized flood events to extreme storms, hurricanes, and rising sea levels, floodwaters are rising around the nation. Water knows no jurisdictional boundaries, but flooding impacts often do. Historical injustices and a lack of infrastructure investment have left low-income communities and communities of color in low-lying areas that flood more frequently. The compounding risks posed by climate change demand coordinated and proactive thinking, policies, and investments.
In 2019, the US Water Alliance convened stakeholders from nine US cities building cross-sector momentum to address these challenges. This culminated in our recent report, Water Rising: Equitable Approaches to Urban Flooding. The report details five priority actions water professionals and communities can take to co-create flooding solutions and ensure all residents are prepared for a changing climate.
This webinar will discuss urban flooding challenges and feature the five priority actions from the report. Attendees will also hear lessons learned from ongoing efforts to implement equitable flood resilience in Houston, TX and Raleigh, NC— including innovative methods for shared decision-making, community oversight, no-new development regulations, and the implementation of an equity provision for infrastructure investments.
Moderator:
- Katy Lackey, Senior Program Manager, US Water Alliance
Speakers:
- Iris Gonzalez, Coalition Director, Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience
- Jamila Johnson, Infrastructure Policy Manager, Houston Public Works
- Wayne Miles, Stormwater Program Manager, Engineering Services Department, City of Raleigh
- Rev. Jemonde Taylor, Saint Ambrose Episcopal Church and City of Raleigh Stormwater Management Advisory Commission
Watch the recording here.
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Juliet Christian-Smith, Senior Program Officer, Water Foundation
- Michael Claiborne, Senior Attorney, Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability
- Jonathan Nelson, Policy Director, Community Water Center
- Bill Stanley, Ohio State Director, The Nature Conservancy
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Deb Degillio, Chief Customer Officer, American Water
- Luis Montestruque, Vice President, Digital Solutions, Xylem Inc.
- Donald Smith, Wastewater Collection System Manager, Town of Cary, NC
Watch the recording here.
- Katy Lackey, Program Manager, US Water Alliance
- Yvonne Forrest, Deputy Director, Houston Water
- Kevin Shafer, Executive Director, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
- John Sullivan, Chief Engineer, Boston Water and Sewer Commission
- Kevin Westerling, Chief Editor, Water Online
- Abigail Gardner, Communications Director, Value of Water Campaign & US Water Alliance
- Emily Simonson, Senior Manager, Strategy and Special Projects, US Water Alliance
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Kaitlin Little, Program Coordinator, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (Iowa Delegation)
- Candice Rupprecht, Water Conservation Program Manager, Tucson Water (Tucson Regional Delegation)
- Jennifer Walker, Senior Program Manager, Water Programs, National Wildlife Federation (Austin Regional Delegation)
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Maria Brodine, Water Program Specialist, Groundwork USA/(Urban Waters Delegation)/
- Charlie Flatten, Water Policy Program Manager, Hill Country Alliance/(Texas Hill Country Delegation)/
- Abu Moulta-Ali, Urban Waters - Partnership Programs Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds/(Urban Waters Delegation)/
- Jen Schmitz, Principal Planner – Water Resources, Triangle J Council of Governments/(Research Triangle Delegation)/
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Andy Kricun, Executive Director and Chief Engineer, Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority
- Oluwole (OJ) McFoy, General Manager, Buffalo Sewer Authority
- James A. (Tony) Parrott, Executive Director, Louisville MSD
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Daniel Logsdon, Assistant Director of Policy and Research, The Council of State Governments
- Karyn Riley, Director, Intergovernmental Relations, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
- Chris Sturm, Managing Director, Water and Policy, New Jersey Future
Infrastructure Week, a non-profit organization, convenes a national week of education and advocacy that brings together American businesses, workers, elected leaders, and everyday citizens around one message in 2019: Let’s #BuildForTomorrow. Starting Now. Each year during IWeek, leaders and citizens around America highlight the state of our nation’s infrastructure – roads, bridges, rail, ports, airports, water and sewer systems, the energy grid, telecoms, and more – and the projects, technologies, and policies necessary to make America competitive, prosperous, and safe.
Learn more here.
- Albert Cho, Vice President & General Manager, Advanced Infrastructure Analytics, Xylem Inc.
- Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
- Ted Henifin, General Manager, Hampton Roads Sanitation District
- Andrew Sawyers, Director, Office of Wastewater Management, US Environmental Protection Agency
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- Jonathan Gano, Public Works Director, City of Des Moines
- Alex Johnson, Freshwater Fund Director, Freshwater Trust
The high level of fragmentation in the water sector makes all the pressing issues communities face even more challenging. Aging infrastructure, soaring operating expenses, affordability for low-income customers, shifting population and demographic changes, and how to make systems more resilient in the face of a more uncertain climate are just some of the challenges to securing our nation’s water future. If every single one of the thousands of water, wastewater, or stormwater utilities had to find their own solutions to this list of challenges, the nation would never arrive at a sustainable water future for all. Perspectives and approaches to utility consolidation vary widely across communities. Join this webinar to learn how different communities have taken on principled consolidation efforts to achieve goals and establish the enabling conditions for One Water.
Moderator:
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
Panelists:
- Tad Bohannon, Chief Executive Officer, Central Arkansas Water
- Matt Holmes, Deputy CEO, National Rural Water Association
- Kenny Waldroup, Assistant Director, Raleigh Public Utilities
Watch the webinar here.
In partnership with ArtPlace America, the US Water Alliance launched an initiative to accelerate innovative and promising efforts to integrate arts and culture into the water sector. Last month at One Water Summit 2018, the Alliance released Advancing One Water Through Arts and Culture: A Blueprint for Action to demonstrate how arts and cultural strategies are helping achieve sustainable and inclusive water goals; inspire action from water leaders to consider, implement, and scale arts and cultural initiatives; and help inform interested artists of the priorities of the water sector and help them see how they can partner with water utilities, agencies, nonprofit organizations. Learn from both arts and water leaders about how integrating water, arts, and culture has helped imagine new solutions to water challenges.
- Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance
- Amanda Lovelee, Artist, Metropolitan Council
- Tiffany Ledesma, Management Specialist, CDM Smith
- Kate Jacobi, Project Manager, Community Murals and Preservation, Mural Arts
- Scott Berry, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, US Water Alliance
- David Metz, President and Partner, FM3 Research
- Lori Weigel, Partner, Public Opinion Strategies
- Scott Berry, Policy Director, US Water Alliance
- John Lisle, Chief of Marketing and Communications, DC Water
- James MacAdam, Superintendent of Public Information and Conservation, Tucson Water
Watch the recording here.
From July 10-12, 2018, leaders from across the country will gather at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis for a thought-provoking and action-oriented national summit on what it will take to secure a sustainable water future for all. This year we will focus on important, solutions-focused conversations about how we value and manage water to foster economic prosperity, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. Thank you to our 2018 host, Metropolitan Council, for inviting us to your One Water city.
Awarded on an annual basis, the US Water Prize celebrates outstanding achievement in the advancement of sustainable, integrated, and inclusive solutions to our nation's water challenges. It is the pre-eminent national recognition program for exemplary efforts to secure a sustainable water future for all. The winners will be announced and recognized at the 2018 US Water Prize Ceremony during the One Water Summit.
The National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems, advances best management practices to support the use of building- or local-scale non-potable water systems, building upon years of research and collaboration by leading water utilities, public health officials, and national research foundations. The Commission recently developed and released a new report, “Making the Utility Case for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems” to help water and wastewater utilities, local government agencies, and other interested stakeholders understand the benefits and drivers behind onsite non-potable reuse, how other utilities have addressed potential challenges, and best practices for the ongoing operation of these systems.
Speakers include:
- Alan Cohn, Managing Director, Integrated Water Management, New York Department of Environmental Protection
- Ron Doughten, Water Quality Permit Program Manager, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
- Brian Good, Chief Administrative Officer, Denver Water
- Paula Kehoe, Director of Water Resources, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Watch the webinar here.
Every business is a water reliant business. Without safe, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure, stores close and assembly lines grind to a halt. Water is also a main ingredient in our products and the processes we use to build them. Businesses rank water as a top corporate concern and a priority investment for a secure supply chain. As our water infrastructure ages, the status quo is no longer an option, and businesses are finding creative ways to use, reuse, and manage water safely and sustainably. By prioritizing holistic water management into business models, companies can enhance decision making, reduce costs, manage long-term water-related risks, improve resiliency and competitiveness, attract investor interest, and enhance their brand and reputation.
Join the Value of Water Campaign and senior private sector executives for a discussion on how companies are driving innovative water management practices and navigating the challenges of today’s complex water landscape. This event is hosted in partnership with the National Association of Counties and the National League of Cities.
Opening Remarks:
- Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson of Gary, Indiana
Confirmed Panelists:
- Jason Andringa, CEO, Vermeer Corporation
- Michelle Patron, Director of Sustainability Policy, Microsoft
- Kimberly Kupiecki, Global Lead for Sustainability, Advocacy, and Communications, DowDupont
Moderator:
- Radhika Fox, Director of the Value of Water Campaign and CEO of the US Water Alliance.
On behalf of the Value of Water Campaign and hosted in partnership with the National Association of Counties and National League of Cities, join us for an Infrastructure Week reception following our panel discussion on the rooftop of 660 North Capitol St. NW, Washington DC.
In partnership with the National League of Cities and the Value of Water Campaign, the National Recreation and Parks Association is hosting a panel discussion about the role of green infrastructure. This panel will highlight the ways water utilities, park and recreation agencies, planners, and landscape architects are working to plan, fund, and implement green infrastructure projects. The event will take place in the United States Capitol building and focus on informing congressional staff about green infrastructure and creating multiple benefits for communities.
Panelists:
- Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parts and Recreation
- Kishia Powell, Commissioner, City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
- Cynthia Pratt, Deputy Mayor of Lacey, WA
America’s infrastructure—from roads and bridges, to water and wastewater systems, to the energy grid and more— is crumbling, inefficient, and inadequately designed to meet 21st century needs. It’s also one of the rare issues that can bridge political parties, forge public/private partnerships, and catalyze leaders from the White House to state houses to city halls. Infrastructure Week is a national week of education and advocacy that brings together leaders and citizens to highlight the state of our nation’s infrastructure and encourage policy makers to invest in the projects, technologies, and policies necessary to make America competitive, prosperous, and safe.
Participate.
The 2018 Water Research Foundation Conference will focus on Advancing Reuse and Integrated Water. It is designed to help communities prepare for the future with a comprehensive program offering innovative approaches and creative solutions for managing our water resources. The Conference highlights two keynote speakers: Peter Colohan of NOAA will speak on climate impacts and risks to future water management, and Peter Grevatt of EPA will talk about water trends and challenges and the recently released Potable Reuse Compendium. The 2018 Research Conference is on May 6 – 8 in Atlanta, GA.
The water industry is historically slower to adapt to technological innovation due to the innate risks of changing processes that affect public health. However, solving some of our most pressing water challenges requires investing in, developing, and deploying new technologies and processes that can transform water management. For example, wastewater, whether from industrial or municipal sources, can be converted into valuable resource streams. Sensors and satellites can provide precision data on water quality, water quantity, and infrastructure condition to facilitate decision making. Establishing a more enabling policy and regulatory environment is essential for innovation to flourish in the water industry. Join us for the final installment of a seven-part series diving into each of the Seven Big Ideas in the One Water for America Policy Framework.
Speakers:
- Morgan Brown, Manager, Technical Solutions, Water Environment Federation
- Snehal Desai, Executive VP & Chief Growth Officer, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
- Jeff Moeller, Director of Water Technologies, The Water Research Foundation
- Dave Stanton, President, Utility Operations and Federal Services, SUEZ
Watch the webinar here.
Water utilities are responsible for providing safe drinking water by treating water to regulatory standards, and by maintaining safe water quality through the distribution system. Water utilities do not control the quality of plumbing systems within individual property lines. But using their expertise, water utilities can be leaders to find solutions to their community’s lead problems, motivated by the imperative of public health protection. If we are committed to providing safe drinking water, we must reach across silos to generate community-wide solutions that engage healthcare systems, school systems, city departments, state agencies, and community groups. Join us for part six of a seven-part series diving into each of the Seven Big Ideas in the One Water for America Policy Framework.
- Joseph Grande, Water Quality Manager, Madison Water Utility
- Caroline Gray, Project Manager, Cooper's Ferry Partnership
- Gina Wammock, Principal, Lakeview Strategic Services, LLC
Watch the webinar here.
Utilities across the country grapple with affordability concerns for their customers. The heart of the issue is ensuring that everyone has access to affordable water and sewer service, while also generating sufficient utility revenues to cover rising costs, deal with our aging infrastructure, and protect public health. While water service is generally affordable for most Americans, the lowest 20 percent of earners pay almost one-fifth of their monthly household income for water. Utilities in rural areas and cities with declining populations struggle to keep water affordable, while funding infrastructure needs to protect public health and comply with regulations. Water rates need to reflect the needs of the entire community, from the utility to the customer. Join us for part five of a seven-part series diving into each of the Seven Big Ideas in the One Water for America Policy Framework.
Speakers:
- Rob Curry, Executive Director, CHN Housing Partners
- Constance Haqq, Director of Administration & External Affairs, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
- Debra McCarty, Commissioner, Philadelphia Water
- Josie Pickens, Co-Director for Energy Unit, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Watch the webinar here.
As a place that is rich in water resources, and also the location of some of the most serious water crises in recent American history, the Great Lakes region exemplifies the challenges and opportunities inherent in our water systems. It is also home to inspiring leaders and a hotbed of rich solutions for addressing water and equity challenges. Please join the US Water Alliance and the Northeast-Midwest Institute for a congressional briefing showcasing top utility, community, and philanthropic leaders discussing the latest innovations from the Great Lakes region that are forging progress in providing access to affordable and safe water and wastewater services, and how cross-sector partnerships are driving revitalization, job growth, and economic development.
Public-private partnerships have been in practice for generations. For years, many publicly-owned utilities have worked with private companies on planning, design, project delivery, operations, maintenance, and management. In addition, private water utilities account for about 15 percent of the US water market. But public-private partnerships can be a mystery to the unfamiliar, and greater understanding is needed on how best to blend public and private resources for positive outcomes. While private expertise and investment can hold promise, each community is unique, and partnership decisions must be made locally. For the nation to attract more investment and innovation to water management, we need to address barriers to putting private money and expertise to work, while making sure that communities’ needs are met and all partners benefit. Join us for part four of a seven-part series diving into each of the Seven Big Ideas in the One Water for America Policy Framework.
Speakers:
- Michael Cherepko, Mayor, McKeesport, PA
- Bernie Grundusky, Director of Business Development,Pennsylvania American Water
- Kevin Shafer, Executive Director, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
- Scott Royer, Vice President and General Manager, Veolia Water Milwaukee, LLC
Watch the webinar here.
Capital needs are growing all the time to meet the challenges of water system development and renewal, regulatory compliance, lead service line removal, and climate change adaptation. Those needs are compounded by the rising costs of day-to-day utility operations. Over the last 40 years, the federal government has reduced its share of capital spending on water infrastructure from 63 percent to just nine percent. A resurgence in federal funding for water is unlikely, so our focus must be on fully representing the cost of water management, improving the cost-effectiveness of water services, and continuing to educate the public on our infrastructure needs. Join us for part three of a seven-part series diving into each of the Seven Big Ideas in the One Water for America Policy Framework.
Speakers
- Cynthia Pratt, Deputy Mayor, Lacey, Washington and Chair of the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, National League of Cities
- Peter Brooks, Water Resources Manager, Lacey, Washington
- Francine Durso, Senior Project Manager, Department of Environmental Quality, State of North Carolina
- Nathan Gardner-Andrews, Chief Advocacy Officer, National Association of Clean Water Agencies
Watch the webinar here.
When it comes to improving water quality and conservation, one topic drives more interest and engagement than almost anything else: building partnerships between water providers and the agricultural sector. Agriculture is a crucial keystone of our society, but is also one of the greatest contributors to water pollution. Agriculture and land management present the best opportunities to protect water quality, preserve ecosystems, and safeguard our drinking water supplies. By developing and implementing best practices that balance conservation with productivity, we can greatly improve the quality of our surface and groundwater resources. Join us for part two of a seven-part series diving into each of the Seven Big Ideas in the One Water for America Policy Framework.
Speakers:
- Mark Jockers, Government and Public Affairs Manager, Clean Water Services
- Steve Hershner, Utilities Director, City of Cedar Rapids
- Kristi Heffelmeier, Farmer, Middle Cedar Watershed
- Jason Gomes, Small Business Owner, North Iowa Agronomy Partners, LLC
Watch the webinar here, and view Clean Water Services' short video on their agriculture partnership that was discussed in the webinar here.
One Water recognizes that if we tackle problems based on the complete life cycle of water and larger infrastructure systems – rather than limiting ourselves to one piece of the equation – we can identify and advance more effective and lasting solutions. Our current system of managing water is siloed across distinct municipalities, authorities, private businesses, and multiple regulatory agencies, all of which have narrow slices of authority over some aspect of water. This fragmentation weakens the overall system, and regional collaboration is key to the future of sustainable water management. Join us for part one of a seven-part series diving into each of the Seven Big Ideas in the One Water for America Policy Framework.
Speakers:
- Ted Henifin, General Manager, Hampton Roads Sanitation District
- Darrin Polhemus, Deputy Director, California State Water Board
Watch the webinar here.
One of the most exciting developments in One Water management is the integration of smaller onsite systems that collect, treat, and reuse water within individual buildings or at the local scale. As an emerging innovation, the success of onsite non-potable water systems depends on strong collaboration between municipal utilities and public health agencies to ensure projects protect public health and meet water quality standards. To help advance the use of ONWS, the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems—convened by the US Water Alliance, Water Research Foundation, and the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation—released a guidebook for developing and implementing local and state regulations for these type of onsite reuse systems. Based on best-in-class science and research, this guidebook will help advance a consistent national approach to the regulation and management of ONWS. This One Water Webinar, hosted by US Water Alliance, Water Research Foundation, and the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation, will bring together public health and water utility leaders from the National Blue Ribbon Commission to discuss the contents of the guidebook and how it can be used in local jurisdictions across the country.
Speakers:
- Paula Kehoe, Director of Water Resources, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
- Anita Anderson, Principal Engineer, Minnesota Department of Health
- Jacqueline Taylor, Director, Environmental Protection Branch, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health
Watch the webinar here.
Water utilities are seeing an increasing number of requests for installations of onsite reuse systems in their communities. Onsite reuse can effectively augment water supplies, reduce sewer overflows, and help achieve community resiliency and sustainability goals. Yet concerns persist over the role water utilities can take in these initiatives, considerations for social equality issues, as well as how best to permit and operate these systems.
In Fall 2017, this workshop will engage attendees on the current state and future of onsite reuse. The workshop will include presentations on the current state and future direction of onsite reuse, highlighting findings from the National Blue Ribbon Commission and others. Topics include: water quality guidelines, regulations, permitting, treatment system and design, economics, operation of onsite systems, and opportunities for centralized water/wastewater utilities.
Partners: Water Research Foundation, US Water Alliance, California Water Environment Association (CWEA), National Water Research Institute (NWRI)
Nutrient pollution is one of America’s most widespread, costly, and challenging problems. It is a challenge for many different bodies of water across many different regions, but the response to nutrient pollution has been siloed and fragmented. To forge large-scale progress on nutrient pollution, we are going to need a new approach that is more strategic and holistic in its structure and execution. Collaboration across agriculture, utilities, businesses, environmental groups, government, and academia will be necessary to truly make progress towards adopted goals.
Together, the US Water Alliance, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and Water Environment Federation released a policy brief outlining a new collaborative approach on how to reduce nutrient pollution in our nation's waterways. The paper, Addressing Nutrient Pollution in Our Nation's Waters: The Role of a Statewide Utility presents options for a collaborative approach that would focus on cost-effective, results-driven investments and projects that would truly move the needle on nutrient levels. Please join us for this joint webinar hosted by the US Water Alliance, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and Water Environment Federation.
Speakers:
- Rob Greenwood, Principal, Ross Strategic
- Dave St. Pierre, Executive Director, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
- Bill Stanley, Director of State Conservation, The Nature Conservancy
- Roger Wolf, Director of Environmental Programs & Services, Iowa Soybean Association
Watch the webinar here.
Many communities across the country are pioneering promising efforts to leverage effective water resource management and infrastructure investment to improve outcomes for vulnerable communities. Promising practices and replicable models are essential in developing more equitable policies. Water utilities, government agencies, community organizations, and private sector actors are deploying a range of approaches, from low-income assistance programs, to workforce development and inclusive contracting, to capital projects that revitalize neighborhoods, to restoring watersheds. There are tremendous examples of how water can build and enrich communities of opportunity. How do we ensure that these promising equity practices flourish, grow, and spread even as committed staff or leadership change within utilities and other government agencies? Two water sector leaders will share their experiences with institutionalizing water equity within utilities and government agencies. In addition, this webinar will feature an introduction to the US Water Alliance’s newly launched Water Equity Clearinghouse, a searchable database of organizations doing important work at the intersection of water and equity.
Speakers:
- Michael Davis, Director, Environmental Justice & Service Equity Division, Seattle Public Utilities
- Juliet Ellis, Assistant General Manager, External Affairs, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Watch the webinar here.
For many water utilities, a key part of managing system sustainably is thinking long-term and taking stock of how assets will hold up over time. With miles of pipes below ground and critical storage, treatment, and pumping assets above ground, getting a handle on the condition of these systems is often easier said than done. Learn how leading utilities and cities are using sophisticated asset management practices and a risk-based approach to help address the issues of evolving regulatory requirements, growing populations, demand for improved service and reliability – all while simultaneously addressing the challenges of water scarcity, a highly variable climate, aging infrastructure, and limited state and federal funding.
- Dave Sklar, Water and Utilities Asset Management Leader,
- Patrick Beane, Asset Manager, Johnson County
Watch the webinar here.
In this informative webinar, hosted by the Water Environment Federation and the Value of Water Campaign, we will walk you through the various ways your organization can participate in this national effort. The webinar will include an overview of available resources, campaign messaging, and examples of what organizations have done in the past.
If you have questions about Imagine a Day Without Water or this webinar, contact Madison Heuston at mheuston@uswateralliance.org
Watch the recording here.
From June 27 – 29, 2017, leaders from across the country will gather at the Intercontinental Hotel in the heart of the French Quarter for a thought-provoking and action-oriented national summit on what it will take to secure a sustainable water future for all. New Orleans is the perfect backdrop for this important solutions-focused conversation about how we value and manage water to foster economic prosperity, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. Thank you to our 2017 host, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, for inviting us to your beautiful city.
Communities across the United States rely on an aging system of water pipes and over 156,000 public water systems that each serve at least 25 people per day. It’s estimated that a water main breaks every two minutes across the nation – wreaking havoc for homes and businesses. Manufacturing revenues alone are found to decline by an average of 20 percent due to a disruption in water service.
The report finds that if we close the investment gap for water infrastructure, there is a ripple effect of sustained job creation, GDP growth, resulting in over $220 billion in total annual economic activity to the country. A one-day disruption in water service represents loss of $43.5 billion in sales and $22.5 billion in GDP. Join us for this webinar that will dive into the benefits of investing in water infrastructure, from job creation to sparking economic activity across the country. Read the full report here.
Speakers:
- Rick Callender, Chief of External Affairs, Santa Clara Valley Water District
- Alexander Quinn, Director of Sustainable Economics, Hatch
Watch the webinar here.
Water challenges – whether it’s too much, too little, or poor quality- threaten business growth, impact bottom lines and create operational risks. Likewise, economic prosperity depends on a secure and sustainable water future. The private sector has valuable lessons learned on maximizing efficiencies and accelerating innovation that can translate well to the public sector. This webcast will feature representatives from Veolia and the Cleveland Water Alliance who will showcase how business is taking innovative steps to address water challenges.
This webinar is part of a six-part series featuring the recently-published One Water Roadmap.
Speakers:
- Patrick Schultz, General Manager – Resource Optimization, Veolia
- Bryan Stubbs, Executive Director, Cleveland Water Alliance
Watch the webinar here.
America’s infrastructure—from roads and bridges, to water and wastewater systems, to the energy grid and more— is crumbling, inefficient, and inadequately designed to meet 21st century needs. It’s also one of the rare issues that can bridge political parties, forge public/private partnerships, and catalyze leaders from the White House to state houses to city halls. Infrastructure Week is a national week of education and advocacy that brings together leaders and citizens to highlight the state of our nation’s infrastructure and encourage policy makers to invest in the projects, technologies, and policies necessary to make America competitive, prosperous, and safe.
Join the Value of Water Campaign for this webinar to learn how you can join more than 150 other affiliates across the country participating in Infrastructure Week from May 15-19, 2017.
Watch the webinar here.
Water is essential to everything we do, from the water we need to brush our teeth and make coffee in the morning, to the water farmers need to grow crops, and firefighters need to keep us safe. But the systems that deliver this essential resource are at risk.
Communities across the United States rely on an aging system of water pipes and over 156,000 public water systems that each serve at least 25 people per day. It’s estimated that a water main breaks every two minutes across the nation – wreaking havoc for homes and businesses. Manufacturing revenues alone are found to decline by an average of 20 percent due to a disruption in water service.
We have an incredible opportunity to make needed investments in our water systems. Join the Value of Water Campaign as they unveil a new report evaluating the economic benefits of investing in water infrastructure. The report finds that if we close the investment gap for water infrastructure, there is a ripple effect of sustained job creation, GDP growth, and more.
Opening remarks from Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), John “Jimmy” Duncan (R-TN), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), and Daniel Lipinski (D-IL).
- Radhika Fox, CEO of the US Water Alliance
- Tom Smith, Executive Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers
- Tony Parrott, Executive Director of the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District
- Alexander Quinn, Director of Sustainable Economics, Hatch
This event is being hosted as part of Water Week, March 19 – 25, 2017. Major water sector organizations with members spanning the nation are gathered in Washington, DC to advocate for national policies that advance clean, safe and affordable water, in support of their communities and a healthy sustainable environment.
As our population becomes more urbanized, the vitality of our growing cities are largely dependent on the sustainable management of water. Water is rapidly growing in strategic importance for cities and their elected leaders, and sustainability has become a key unifying theme for innovative local governments around the world. This webcast will dive into the innovative approaches both the City of Philadelphia and City of Syracuse are taking to advance one water solutions in their regions. From accelerating green infrastructure projects to harnessing the power of data, these cities are taking the next step in holistic water management.
This webinar is part two of a six-part series designed to go more in depth to the recently published One Water Roadmap.
Speakers:
- Adria Finch, Innovation Project Manager, City of Syracuse
- Christine Knapp, Director of the Office of Sustainability, City of Philadelphia
Watch the webinar here.
One Water is an integrated planning and implementation approach to managing finite water resources for long-term resilience and reliability, meeting both community and ecosystem needs. Co-sponsored by the Water Research Foundation, this webcast will discuss the various drivers pushing utilities in the direction of One Water, and how they have used the One Water framework to create efficiencies in service delivery, achieve water quality and environmental improvements, and diversify and stretch a community’s water supplies. Two recently published documents, WRF’s Blueprint for One Water and U.S. Water Alliance’s One Water Roadmap, will be showcased as practical tools for utilities seeking to implement a One Water framework. Both documents contain best practices and real-world examples of how diverse utilities are pursuing One Water initiatives.
Presenters:
- Cindy Paulson, PhD, PE, Chief Technical Officer, Brown and Caldwell
- Wing Tam, PE, Assistant Division Manager, Watershed Protection Division, LA Sanitation - City of Los Angeles
Moderators:
- Emily Feenstra, Deputy Director, US Water Alliance
- Katie Henderson, Research Manager, Water Research Foundation
Watch the webinar here.
It’s often difficult in the water sector to take risks and innovate. For new ideas or technologies, there’s often no way to conduct pilot testing or validation at the appropriate scale, and there’s a critical need to build in redundancy in case of failure, especially for public utilities. Hear from some top water innovators about how they were able to overcome these obstacles to move outside-the-box ideas through the process and make them a reality.
Speakers:
- Al Cho, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Xylem
- Karen Pallansch, CEO, Alexandria Renew Enterprises
Watch the webinar here.
At scales ranging from the neighborhood and city to the watershed and basin, some communities are doing the work of breaking down the silos in water management to increase sustainability and equitably maximize benefits across the community and watershed. So, what does “Integrated Water Management” mean for your watershed and your community? Where has it been used and what are the benefits and challenges? Can it help your community achieve “triple bottom line” (environmental, social and economic) benefits?
Flooding can strike suddenly, having devastating impacts on communities and rarely confining itself to one political jurisdiction. And in many communities around the country, the frequency and magnitude of flooding events is expected to increase as a result of a changing climate, impacting not only businesses and residents located on the floodplain, but in low-lying areas impacted by stormwater. Join us to learn how two different utilities are using integrated water management to tackle flooding challenges and reduce future flood risks in their regions.
In Iowa, agriculture is a key economic driver and every single county has been affected by major floods. The Middle Cedar River partnership was formed to focus on preventative measures, disaster resilience, and watershed management in response to the urgent need to address increasing concentrations of nitrates and extreme flood events in the Cedar River.
Louisiana is no stranger to flooding issues – Hurricane Katrina flooded 80 percent of the city and the homes and businesses of 1 million people in the region. The city has spent time rebuilding in a deliberate fashion with an eye to the future and an emphasis on green infrastructure – working with water instead of fighting against it. While investments in hard infrastructure have been critical, comprehensive urban water management is an equally important facet of their strategy.
This webinar is co-hosted by the US Water Alliance and River Network and is the fourth in River Network’s series with the Urban Waters Learning Network on Integrated Water Management that covers multiple examples of how these approaches are taking root across the country. Information about this series and recordings of the first three webinars can be found here.
Speakers:
- Steve Hershner, Utilities Director, City of Cedar Rapids
- Brad Klamer, Senior Planner, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans
Watch the webinar here.
Most Americans take water, and the systems that bring it to and from homes and businesses, for granted. They turn on the tap, and safe drinking water reliably comes out. They flush the toilet, and they don’t have to think twice about how that wastewater will be taken away and safely treated before it is returned to the environment.
But could you Imagine a Day Without Water? Without safe, reliable water and wastewater service? No water to brush your teeth, flush the toilet, grow crops, brew beer, or put out fires. A day without water is a crisis. On September 15, 2016, more than 500 organizations will raise awareness about our critical water infrastructure systems and the need to invest in them so communities never have to imagine a day without water.
Watersheds don't fall into clear-cut city or county boundaries. To manage these systems, it can take more than one municipality or organization to design a holistic approach. Tackling multi-jurisdictional challenges requires defined goals, responsibilities and funding sources which can be difficult to handle without strong partnerships. What's the ideal recipe for a successful watershed partnership? Ingredients include pinpointing specific geographic areas, targeting stressors and including grassroots organizations, all while steadily evaluating and communicating achievements. Hear from experts who have successfully advanced watershed partnerships through strategic collaboration and goal-setting.
Speakers:
- Carol Collier, Senior Advisor for Watershed Management and Policy, Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University
- Jason Pierce, Manager of Watershed and Contract Services, Upper Trinity Regional Water District
Watch the webinar here.
Imagine A Day Without Water is a national campaign to engage stakeholders, public officials, and the general public about how water is essential, invaluable, and needs investment. On September 15, 2016, hundreds of organizations across the country will host events, author resolutions, take to social media, and more, to show why water is important to our economies, jobs, communities, environment, and daily lives. There are many ways to participate and to educate your stakeholders and citizens – through events, online engagement, school curriculum, and partnering with organizations inside and beyond the water sector. Everyone has a water story to tell.
Watch the webinar here.
Communities from New York to Flint, Michigan and beyond have recently experienced tragic lapses in water quality. Consumer confidence in drinking water is understandably shaken, even though the overwhelming majority of water providers are doing an excellent job of providing high quality drinking water. How can we demystify what goes into water quality testing and so communities can be assured of access to safe drinking water? With the July 1st deadline for water providers to post their 2016 consumer confidence reports, now is the time to discuss how communities can better know their water. Hear from top experts about national trends in water quality testing, monitoring and reporting, challenges faced by utilities with different water sources, common myths about water quality, and best practices in communicating consumer confidence results and community outreach.
Speakers:
- Radhika Fox, CEO of the US Water Alliance (moderator)
- Diane VanDe Hei, CEO of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies
- Wally Wilson, Chief Hydrologist for Tucson Water
- Kelley Dearing-Smith, Strategic Communications Director for Louisville Water
Watch the webinar here.
The launch of the Value of Water Communications Bootcamp at the 2016 One Water Summit was wildly successful, so we're bringing to you for our June One Water Webinar.
Communicating the value of water and the importance of the often-invisible systems that bring it to and from homes and businesses is challenging. Educating and engaging community stakeholders and winning support from public officials for rate proposals and water projects requires a comprehensive communications strategy. Led by Communications Director Abigail Gardner, this webinar guides participants through best practices for developing a strategic communications plan, earned and social media strategies, and message decks, using the Value of Water messaging deck as a model.
Watch the webinar here.
The US Water Prize celebrates organizations that are driving game-changing projects, policies, and programs in one water management. To shine a bright light on one water leadership, the Alliance established the US Water Prize in 2011. The Water Prize is the first of its kind program that recognizes outstanding achievement in the advancement of sustainable solutions to our nation’s water challenges. In 2016, the US Water Prize will be awarded during the One Water Leadership summit in Atlanta.
The US Water Alliance and the City of Atlanta will host the One Water Summit 2016 from June 8-10, 2016. The summit will be a tremendous opportunity for networking, learning, and forging partnerships for progress. The One Water Leadership Summit is the nation’s premier gathering of utilities, business leaders, policymakers, researchers, environmental advocates, and community leaders—in short, the best minds addressing the urgent challenges of water sustainability.
The Value of Water Coalition, convened by the US Water Alliance, is part of the leadership team for the fourth annual Infrastructure Week, which will happen nationwide from May 16-23, 2016. Infrastructure Week brings together hundreds of organizations across infrastructure sectors, think tanks, elected officials, policy advocates, and more, that are united behind the importance of investing in and modernizing our nation’s infrastructure.
To learn more about Infrastructure Week please visit infrastructureweek.org.
California is in a time of unprecedented drought, and companies want to know what it means for their business. In this one our webinar, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Ceres, and the U.S. Water Alliance, attendees will learn about the current state of the drought, including where water comes from and how it is managed in the state. Speakers will also highlight how the drought is impacting business operations and financial performance. Through private sector case studies, attendees will also learn how companies are leveraging technologies, partnerships, and innovation to reduce impacts, mitigate risks, and protect freshwater in the state of California.
Speakers:
- Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance
- Kirsten James, Senior Manager for California Policy and Partnerships, Ceres
- Jennifer Gerholdt, Senior Director, Environmental Program
Watch the webinar here.
From May 16-23, hundreds of organizations across infrastructure sectors, the business community, think tanks, elected officials, policy advocates, and more will come together for Infrastructure Week 2016. Infrastructure Week is a coordinated week of events and programming across the country to elevate infrastructure-from passenger and freight transportation to water, electricity and broadband networks-as a critical issue impacting all Americans. Will you join us in educating the nation that #InfrastructureMatters?
To encourage our partners to participate in building awareness about the importance of our nation's infrastructure, the Value of Water Coalition is hosting a webinar featuring Zach Schafer, Executive Director of Infrastructure Week and Emily Feenstra, Deputy Director of the US Water Alliance, to share the campaign's theme, resources, events, and how your organization can engage.
Download the webinar slides here.
Throughout the United States, efforts are underway to restore and maintain healthy watersheds and high water quality in our streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal waterways. These efforts are built on a common goal of one water stewardship for land and water that is shared by urban, suburban, and rural communities. This work is complicated and requires effective collaboration to forge sustainable, common ground objectives. This webinar will highlight successful examples of municipal and agriculture partnerships to address water quality and productivity concerns. The examples will highlight new approaches to inclusive one water management for the health of our nation’s water ways.
Moderator:
- Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance
Featured Regional Case Studies:
-
Portland Metropolitan Area
- Bruce Roll, Director of Watershed Management, Clean Water Services
-
Madison, Wisconsin
- David Taylor, Director of Ecosystem Services, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District
-
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Tariq P. Baloch, Water Utility Plant Manager, City of Cedar Rapids
- Adam Kiel, Operations Manager Water Resources, Iowa Soybean Association
- Keith Schilling, Ph.D. Iowa Geological Survey University of Iowa
This webinar is part of a monthly interactive forum for US Water Alliance members that cover hot topics in one water management, and provide an opportunity to engage with Alliance members on topics of common concern.
Watch the webinar here.
From droughts that threaten water supplies to super storms that cripple water and wastewater infrastructure, water leaders are on the front lines of addressing the impacts of climate change on communities across the country. This session will feature innovators sharing how they are utilizing integrated, holistic, and sustainable water management strategies to develop resilient water systems and more sustainable cities.
Moderator:
- Radhika Fox, CEO, US Water Alliance
Featured Speakers:
- Cedric S. Grant, Executive Director, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans
- Laurna Kaatz, Environmental Scientist, Planning Division, Denver Water
- Erik Meyers, Vice President, The Conservation Fund
This session is part of the US Water Alliance’s One Water Webinar series that cover hot topics in one water management. These interactive sessions provide an opportunity for US Water Alliance members to engage with each other on topics of common concern.
Watch the webinar here.