National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)

NACWA Member Spotlight: Great Lakes Water Authority is shaping the future of the water workforce. Read more about their award-winning project https://lnkd.in/e_AepV4m

"I reject the notion that engineers can't be great communicators." NACWA President Diane Taniguchi-Dennis set the tone for an engaging discussion during WEFTEC 2024 about how clean water utility leaders can position themselves as effective communicators.

Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, shared the latest in wipes consumer education legislation during WEFTEC 2024. She noted that the WIPPES Act passed the US House of Representatives in June, and NACWA is continuing to seek co-sponsors for the legislation.

NACWA is deeply saddened by the loss of life and sends prayers for those still missing in the wake of Hurricane Helene. NACWA remains committed to supporting our members and all clean water utilities as recovery efforts continue. According to data from the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center, more than 300 water and wastewater utilities across five states are in partially functioning, non-functioning or unknown status, leaving thousands of Americans without access to clean water. The heartbreaking aftermath of Hurricane Helene is a sobering reminder of the critical need for increased investment in clean water infrastructure, which NACWA will continue to advocate for https://wapo.st/3TWYHns

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa will receive a state revolving fund loan of $348 million to upgrade aging water infrastructure. This project is anticipated to create 100+ local jobs over the approx. four-year construction period.

Thank you to Representative Lori Chavez-Deremer (R-OR) for cosponsoring H.R. 7944, the Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act! This crucial legislation helps protect water utilities and households from undue legal and financial burdens of PFAS cleanup, helping preserve access to affordable clean water in our communities.

#SepticSmartWeek is underway! NACWA celebrates with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water and other members of EPA’s Decentralized Wastewater Partnership by educating homeowners and renters about adequately maintaining septic systems to protect public health and highlighting the best options for communities to address their clean water challenges. Learn more https://lnkd.in/g4pNc6kM

ICYMI: Today, in collaboration with several partners, NACWA hosted a Congressional Briefing on PFAS Policy and Practice. The engaging discussion explored the roles of passive receivers - local governments and essential public services - in managing PFAS while protecting public health and the environment.

NACWA Member Spotlight: from waste to wisdom - Houston Public Works effective water conservation campaign. Read more about their award-winning project https://lnkd.in/eeNAdSrD

The hundreds of millions of capital investment that water utilities invest on an annual basis creates opportunities for engaging local labor and workforce, which positions the utility as an anchor institution, explained Tony Parrott, CEO of the Louisville MSD.“Aging infrastructure is the biggest threat to our water and wastewater utilities. When we don't invest in infrastructure, we really are doing a disservice to communities across the nation." #ALC53