‘Policy at the tipping point’: Experts to host discussion at National Press Club

Amid a critical time for current and future policy decisions affecting America’s water systems, experts are planning an exclusive discussion for members of the press on April 15 at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

During Water Week 2026, this National Press Club press conference will bring together leading water experts, policymakers, financiers, utility leaders and innovators to examine the water crisis at a pivotal moment. The event will be 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 — helping educate media and policymakers on the significant strides being made in water technology, infrastructure intelligence, and innovative financing solutions.

“Addressing existing failures alone will require an estimated $600 billion over the next 20 years, and that investment does little to prepare communities for future conditions,” said Gagliardo on the state of water infrastructure. “The central question is no longer whether the water system must change – but how policy, funding and innovation can move fast enough to meet the challenge.”

The event will feature two one-hour conference sessions with three experts and press club media members in attendance. The event will also be live streamed to broaden access for journalists and stakeholders nationwide.

Part 1 will examine “Policy at the Tipping Point.” Panelists will examine how upcoming federal, state and regulatory decisions are shaping water scarcity, affordability, infrastructure resilience and long-term planning – and what these policy choices mean for communities, industry and the environment.

Part 2 will cover “Funding, Innovation and the Path Forward.” The session will explore how new financing models, technological advancements, utility modernization, and circular economy strategies can dramatically improve water outcomes – and where investment can deliver the most impact.

Gagliardo said his hope is that the panels will 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.

The National Press Club is located at 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20045.