WASHINGTON, DC, May 11, 2015 -- To commemorate Infrastructure Week 2015, taking place May 11-15, the Value of Water Coalition (VWC) has announced that it is highlighting innovative water practices and infrastructure projects across the country through the release of a new briefing paperand events from coast to coast.
After working around the clock for more than 100 years, the nation's water infrastructure is aging and failing. For example, in America today, a water main breaks every two minutes. Moreover, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that $4.8 trillion is needed for water infrastructure investment over the next 20 years to maintain a state of good repair.
"Public and private utilities have been putting people to work to construct, operate and maintain essential infrastructure that Americans rely on daily," said Radhika Fox, VWC director. "Now we are facing water infrastructure challenges as ... old systems are over-burdened and worn out, but it is not all bleak. Water leaders are forging innovative solutions to our most pressing water problems. That is the hopeful news from Infrastructure Week -- our problems are big, but our capacity for innovation is greater."
Across the country, water providers as well as water-reliant businesses are rising to the challenge and creating innovative solutions to solve local and national water-centric problems. Here are a few examples:
- In Minneapolis, Dow Water & Process Solutions is providing sustainable separation and purification technologies. Dow, a VWC member, will host an event on Friday, May 15, with national and local stakeholders to spotlight innovations in addressing water resources and supply challenges and also discuss the growing Twin Cities water technology cluster.
- The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District will host a week-long series of behind-the-scenes tours of the region's wastewater system for Cleveland-area civic leaders and media. "Follow the Flow" will trace wastewater's path from the sewer system to Lake Erie, highlighting the tremendous value of investments in clean water infrastructure for the region.
- Philadelphia Water and American Water will co-host, with the Economy League of Philadelphia and media partner WHYY, a forum on the state of water infrastructure and the innovative investments in Philadelphia's water system and across the Keystone State.
- The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission will spotlight how investments in water infrastructure are investments in jobs and the community at the 9th Annual Construction Contractors Breakfast. During the event, partner firms and the SFPUC will announce a $140,000 commitment for funding STEM curriculum at the Willie L. Brown Middle School.
- In Chicago, VWC will co-host an event with the Metropolitan Planning Council, the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings, and the Union League of Chicago to discuss how to finance, build, develop, and deliver world-class infrastructure and services.
- Finally, in Washington, D.C., representatives from VWC will meet with members of Congress to discuss the essential service that water infrastructure provides and the need for infrastructure investment.
See also:
"Drinking Water Week 2015: Poll shows securing sustainable water supplies a national priority"
"Water Week 2015: Value of Water Coalition celebrates clean water investments"
About the Value of Water Coalition
The Value of Water Coalition includes key public and private sector leaders from the U.S. world of water. We aim to educate the public on the importance of clean, safe, and reliable water to and from every home and community, and to help ensure quality water service for future generations. For more information, visit www.thevalueofwater.org.
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