Value of Water Coalition Celebrates the Clean Water Investments That Ensure Public Health, Protect the Environment and Sustain Our Economy

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hundreds of water and wastewater professionals are gathering today in Washington, D.C. for Water Week 2015 to celebrate the national advancements in clean and safe water and meet with federal regulators and members of congress to discuss the value of water. The creation of clean water systems was the single most important public health achievement of the 20th century. It eliminated deadly diseases such as cholera and typhoid and helped extend life expectancy in the U.S. by 30 years.

"Clean water agencies at the local and federal level provide safe water access to communities across the country. Today, cities large and small are enjoying a remarkable resurgence, driven in part by revitalized waterfronts that support new businesses, residences, and recreational activities. America's clean water success story can be attributed to public and private utilities working together across the county," said Congressman Bob Gibbs, Chair of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

"Water knows no boundaries—geographic or political. As my home state of California faces an epic drought, we must accelerate investment in water recycling, desalination, sound groundwater management and storage. This will require creativity, innovation, and public-private partnerships," said Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Water Week 2015 will showcase a new paradigm for water providers, with a focus on innovation in new technology and increased collaboration among traditional and non-traditional partners.

"By capturing valuable resources and useful products for society—such as clean renewable energy, recycled water, fertilizer, nutrients, heat, and even transportation fuel—water utilities are rapidly becoming manufacturing facilities and green factories. Through our innovation we are reducing costs and increasing revenue while sustaining and improving the world's most precious resource," said Ed McCormick, President of the Board of Trustees of the Water Environment Federation.

"As an industry, we know that the dedicated service we provide is essential to our communities. This week, we are asking congress and the administration to be stronger federal partners than ever before, to ensure that communities across America have what they need to be healthy and resilient," said Karen Pallansch, CEO, Alexandria Renew Enterprises, Board President of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and member of the Value of Water Coalition.

Throughout the week, water professionals will meet with federal regulators and members of congress to discuss the value of water. Water Week events will include the National Water Policy Forum, the U.S. Water Prize Awards Ceremony and Reception, a several other forums, roundtables, and congressional briefings. 

For more information about Water Week 2015, visit http://www.waterweek.us/

About the Value of Water Coalition
The Value of Water Coalition builds national will for investment in water infrastructure and water resources. The Coalition has come together to advance positive solutions to our nation's pressing water challenges. Members include: Alexandria Renew Enterprises, American Water, American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Black & Veatch, Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, CH2M HILL, DC Water, Dow Chemical Company, Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Kansas City Water Services, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, MWH Global, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Philadelphia Water Department, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, United Water, U.S. Water Alliance, Veolia, Water Environment Federation and Xylem.

Learn more about The Value of Water coalition at thevalueofwater.org and follow us on Twitter @TheValueofWater.

SOURCE Value of Water Coalition

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