A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced a resolution to formally establish the week of Sept. 25 as National Source Water Protection Week.
Introduced with leadership from Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), the resolution acknowledges the necessity of a resilient supply of safe drinking water for the health and success of the country.
Many water industry groups like the American Water Works Association (AWWA) had celebrated the first Source Water Protection Week during the last week of September 2021. Continuing that tradition this week, many water utilities, advocates, agricultural groups, and others are hosting events, posting social media messages, and issuing proclamations.
In addition to Reps. Axne and Miller-Meeks, the resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. John Curtis (UT-03), Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), David Trone (MD-06), and Susie Lee (NV-03). The resolution was formally endorsed by Iowa Water Quality Consulting, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and the Iowa Farmer's Union.
“The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the entire water community are grateful for the leadership of U.S. Reps. Axne and Miller-Meeks in protecting our nation’s precious drinking water sources,” said AWWA Immediate Past President Chi Ho Sham. “Source Water Protection Week reminds all of us that we play an important role in caring for our rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers to protect our drinking water and health.”
The resolution states that it “supports the protection of source water for public health and economic prosperity; recognizes the central role of water in sustaining life and supports innovative ways to conserve, protect, and restore the Nation’s drinking water sources; supports collaboration at the local, State, and Federal levels to achieve greater awareness, education, and engagement to protect and enhance drinking water supplies; and supports investments for more resilient and reliable drinking water sources, both ground and surface water, to better withstand the impacts of extreme floods and droughts.”
“Everyone deserves access to safe drinking water and a cleaner environment, and that starts with protecting our nation’s source water,” said Rep. Axne. “I’m glad to lead my colleagues in this effort recognizing the importance of protecting our nation’s source water and reaffirming the House of Representatives’ commitment to creating a healthier, stronger future.”
