AWWA hosts Capitol Hill ‘Water 101’ briefing for congressional staff

On Jan. 3, the 119th U.S. Congress was sworn in—and the race for policymakers to advance legislation started anew. With that in mind, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) partnered with other water associations to brief congressional staff and other stakeholders about federal statutes and regulations governing water systems.

The Feb. 18 Water 101 briefing was hosted by AWWA, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), WateReuse Association (WateReuse), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Representatives from the water organizations shared their insights with new and returning congressional staff and stakeholders who may be working with water policy for the first time or from a different point of view.

Nate Norris, AWWA director of legislative affairs, moderated an expert panel discussion about the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act, and water provisions in the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. The briefing then moved into a question and answer dialogue between panelists and attendees.

Steve Via, AWWA director of federal relations, outlined key components of SDWA and criteria considered for rulemaking, such as best available science, affordability and benefit-cost evaluation. He also stressed the importance of being prudent when determining regulations.

“The regulatory process takes time and care because the resources communities expend to address potential risks are then not available to make necessary investments in maintaining and improving existing facilities and workforce,” he said. “That has very real public health implications.”

Other panelists included:

• Amanda Aspatore, chief legal counsel, NACWA
• Kristina Surfus, managing director, government affairs, NACWA
• Ted Stiger, senior director, public affairs, NAWC
• Megan Seymour, legislative affairs manager, AMWA
• Greg Fogel, director of government affairs and policy, WateReuse

Water 101 also highlighted challenges the water sector is facing with affordability, cybersecurity, aging infrastructure, and emerging contaminants, as well as current efforts to address these concerns.

The AWWA Government Affairs staff, along with member volunteers, work with members of Congress to garner support for AWWA priorities. The 119th Congress presents new opportunities for AWWA members to establish relationships with newly elected officials. Most members of Congress do not have a background in water utility operations or management, which makes members’ knowledge extremely valuable.

The Government Affairs legislative team can assist with developing these relationships and facilitating opportunities such as the annual Water Matters! Fly-In for utilities to share their experiences with their congressional representatives.

Visit the Government Affairs page to reach out to a legislative staff member and learn more about AWWA policy priorities.