During Water Week 2026 in April, a press conference at the National Press Club brought together leading water experts, policymakers, financiers, utility leaders and innovators to examine U.S. water infrastructure policy. The event was hosted by BPR, sponsored by ASTERRA and moderated by Paul Gagliardo, renowned water engineer, influencer and host of “The Water Values Podcast.”
The idea for the conference was developed collaboratively by BPR and Gagliardo, with support from ASTERRA, which sought to bring this critical conversation to the forefront during Water Week.
The press conference was divided into four sessions. They featured:
Federal Policy & National Priorities
- Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.)
- Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.)
Policymakers
- Paul Schuler, Carollo & President-Elect, Water Environment Federation (WEF)
- Robert Garland, McKim & Creed & President-Elect, American Public Works Association (APWA)
- Denise Schmidt, Director of Water, Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC)
Utility Executives
- Kendra Morris, CEO, Regulated Water Business, Veolia
- Cynthia Baughman, Water Utilities Technology Director, City of Garland, Texas
- George Hawkins, Moonshot Missions (fmr. DC Water GM)
- OJ McFoy, City Engineer, City of Houston (fmr. Buffalo Sewer Authority)
Solution Providers
- Chris Tynan, President, Burnham
- Slava Libman, CEO, FTD Solutions
- Street Lee, CEO, McKim & Creed
- Josh Mahan, Senior Director, Xylem
Much of the panel discussions centered around educating the media and policymakers on the significant strides being made in water technology, infrastructure intelligence and innovative financing solutions. It also covered the areas of the sector with the biggest challenges and financial hurdles.
Gagliardo said his goal for the panel was to provide journalists with clear insight into what is changing, what is at risk, and what must happen next to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable water for people, agriculture, industry and the environment.
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