AMWA and NACWA Launch Affordable Water, Resilient Communities Campaign

Yesterday the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) announced the launch of a joint Affordable Water, Resilient Communities campaign to highlight the critical role of water utilities in their communities and the nation and the need for increased federal investment in water infrastructure. The press release for the campaign observes that the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated this role, especially when it comes to protecting public health and the environment, while simultaneously laying bare affordability challenges that have been growing for years. Noting that the federal share of water infrastructure investment is less than five percent, the campaign seeks to help attract additional federal funding to address the acute challenges of the pandemic and affordability. AMWA and NACWA further submit that this funding could be used to confront climate change, make systems and communities more resilient, invest in future capital needs, and address environmental justice inequities. The campaign website contains additional information and resources, including proposed policy initiatives and advocacy materials. These materials include social media shareables and a communications “toolkit” that can be used to help advance water affordability awareness at the local level. Access the campaign webpage and press release.