ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has launched the WEF Stormwater Institute to address stormwater and urban runoff issues, according to a press release.
The institute will be established within WEF’s current organizational structure to benefit from its leadership, membership and various partnerships, noted the release.
“WEF has been a leader on clean water solutions for many years and has already established itself as a leading authority on urban runoff issues,” said George Hawkins, CEO and general manager of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water), in the release. “The expertise and engagement of WEF’s membership will allow the Stormwater Institute to chart a new course toward a healthier and more sustainable stormwater system not only in North America but worldwide.”
Stormwater practitioners and communities can use the new organization as a resource, stated the release. Stormwater issues are expected to increase as severe weather becomes more common and urban areas grow.
“With increasing severe weather events and limited budgets, innovation in stormwater management and financing is becoming increasingly vital to communities across North America, “ shared WEF President Ed McCormick in the release.“The WEF Stormwater Institute has been created in direct to response to a gap in the water resource recovery sector for a central stormwater leadership, information and advocacy hub.”
The institute will have full-time professional staff and funding for collaborative projects, reported the release.
Click here to read the entire release.