WASHINGTON, March 15, 2016 -- A diverse group of U.S. water sector organizations will join forces next month in Washington, DC for Water Week 2016. Scheduled for April 10-16, this annual event provides an opportunity for water professionals to advocate for national policies that advance clean and safe waters in support of a healthy sustainable environment. The goal is to inform and inspire state and national policymakers about important water-related issues while communicating the value of water to environmental protection, economic development, and job creation.
Organized by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Water Research Foundation (WRF), the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), and WateReuse, with support from national, state, and regional water organizations, the event will bring hundreds of water and wastewater professionals to the nation’s capital to meet with members of Congress and federal regulators; discuss key legislative, regulatory and legal water developments; showcase innovations and new technologies; and celebrate the progress of water professionals in addressing our nation’s water challenges.
A preliminary list of events include:
April 11-13
National Water Policy Forum, Fly-In & Expo
Presented by NACWA, WEF, WERF, and WateReuse, the two and a half day agenda features notable speakers, policy briefings, visits to Capitol Hill, and roundtable dialogues with key policymakers. The event will culminate with a Water Infrastructure & Innovation Expo on Capitol Hill, showcasing clean water innovations and technologies from utilities around the country.
Featured speakers:
- Gina McCarthy, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator, EPA’s Office of Water
- Steven LaTourette, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives (OH 14th District) and the current president & chair of the Federation Government Relations Group
- Amy Walter,National Editor of the Cook Political Report
April 12-14
Water & Wastewater Equipment Manufacturer’s 43rd Washington Forum
April 13:
NEWEA Annual Congressional Briefing
April 15:
Stormwater BMPs, LID and Green Infrastructure
For the latest information, including agendas and speaker confirmations, visit www.WaterWeek.us.
About NACWA
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies is the leading advocate for responsible national policies that advance clean water. NACWA represents the collective interests of America's clean water utilities nationwide – and their clear commitment to America’s waters. For over 40 years, NACWA has been the clean water community’s voice in Congress, at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, as well as in the media and in the courts. To learn more about NACWA visit us at www.nacwa.org.
About WEF
The Water Environment Federation is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 34,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation. To learn more, visit www.wef.org.
About WRF
The Water Research Foundation is an internationally recognized leader in sponsoring research that supports the water community in holistically and cooperatively managing water from all sources to meet social, environmental, and economic needs. WRF’s research provides reliable and relevant solutions to the most critical challenges facing the water community today and into the future. Founded in 1966, WRF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has sponsored nearly 1,500 research projects valued at $500 million, and serves more than 1,000 subscribing organizations. For more information, go to www.WaterRF.org.
About WERF
The Water Environment Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed in 1989, is America’s leading independent scientific research organization dedicated to wastewater and stormwater issues. To learn more, visit www.werf.org.
About WateReuse
WateReuse is an international thought-leader on alternative water supply development and the global go-to source for applied research, education, and advocacy on water reuse. Representing a coalition that includes utilities, government agencies, and industry; WateReuse works to educate policymakers and the public on the science, economic value, and environmental benefits of treating water to safely use it for designated purposes, such as irrigation, manufacturing, and drinking. To learn more, visit www.watereuse.org.
