The U.S. stormwater sector faces an estimated $8.5 billion annual funding gap, according to a survey by the Water Environment Federation (WEF). The funding shortfall exists as municipalities nationwide work to maintain water infrastructure, control pollution in waterways, and protect communities from flooding. The funding gap was identified in WEF’sRead More

Congress recently released the Fiscal Year 2021 Consolidated Appropriations bill. The legislation contains a provision to create the first ever Low-Income Household Drinking Water and Wastewater Emergency Assistance Program with $638 million in appropriations – an historic win for water accessibility and the first appropriation of its kind for water assistance.Read More

In a letter to President-elect Joe Biden last week, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) urged the incoming administration to prioritize COVID-19 relief for water utilities and investment for the overall water infrastructure sector. The letter, authored by association president Melissa Elliott, cites AWWA research that revenue shortfalls at U.S. drinkingRead More

The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) are applauding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the pre-publication release of its proposed 2020 Financial Capability Assessment (FCA). The new document will aid water sector utilities and theirRead More

The application period is open for the Utility of the Future Today recognition program, which seeks to honor water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship and recovery of resources such as water, energy and nutrients. The Utility of the Future Today concept is being promoted as water systemsRead More

The organizers of Water Week 2020 will present complimentary webinar sessions on April 22 and 29 to discuss the water sector’s key issues and talking points, as well tools and tips for engaging with congressional representatives. Live conference events for Water Week 2020, originally scheduled for April 26 – May 2Read More

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has released a new WATER’S WORTH IT toolkit to raise public awareness about the vital role of water utilities and workers in the coronavirus response. The high-impact materials highlight the critical need for water and wastewater services during this unprecedented time and recognizes the dedicatedRead More

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with federal partners, has released the National Water Reuse Action Plan: Collaborative Implementation, a collection of bold actions developed in collaboration with water sector organizations that will reshape the way communities around the nation manage water. The plan identifies 37 actions across 11Read More

Global water leaders, innovators and activists gathered on Dec. 16 in Los Angeles for the world premiere of “Brave Blue World,” a powerful new documentary that aims to change people’s perception of water. The world’s first screening of the stunning, 50-minute documentary, narrated by Liam Neeson, was met with rapturousRead More

If you’re looking for a public utility leader who’s respected by her peers for her leadership style, passion about water and engagement across the industry to effect change in water resources management, Diane Taniguchi-Dennis checks all the boxes. As chief executive officer of Clean Water Services serving Oregon’s second-largest county,Read More