The Value of Water Coalition has hired a new director, launched a new website and added 12 public and private sector organizations to its coalition.

The founding members of the Value of Water Coalition — American Water, American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, CH2M HILL, MWH Global, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, United Water, U.S. Water Alliance, Veolia, Water Environment Federation and Xylem — will be joined by two leading private sector companies — Dow Chemical Company and Black & Veatch. Additionally, major public utilities, which are on the front line of delivering essential water and wastewater service to millions of people, have joined the coalition. New public utility partners include: Alexandria Renew Enterprises, Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, DC Water, Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Kansas City Water Services, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Philadelphia Water Department and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

“In a few days, we will celebrate the United Nation’s World Water Day, which is a great reminder of how exceptional American water and wastewater service is. The public and private utilities that ensure clean, safe, reliable water to and from homes and businesses across the country are nothing short of remarkable. But utilities, as well as the systems and infrastructure they manage, are taken for granted. While water is priceless, we undervalue it in the United States,” says Radhika Fox, the coalition's new director. “The strength of our coalition is that we have leading voices from the public, private and nonprofit sectors shining a bright light on urgent, but often unseen, water issues and inspiring positive action that will strengthen this nation.”

Fox has 20 years of experience developing infrastructure policies, programs and issue-based advocacy campaigns. Previously, she served as the director of policy and government affairs at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and as the federal policy director at PolicyLink, a research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans can participate and prosper.

About Value of Water Coalition
The Value of Water Coalition draws attention to our nation’s aging and underfunded water infrastructure, and teaches about the importance of water to economy, environment and community. The coalition is growing and redoubling its efforts in 2015 as water-related issues become a rising concern for the nation.