A broad array of water sector groups from across the country will join forces this spring in Washington, D.C., for the inaugural Water Week 2014. Scheduled for April 7-11, the event provides an opportunity for sector professionals to advocate for clean-water issues, showcase innovative approaches to sustainable water management, and educate national leadership about the importance of clean water to public health, the environment and a strong economy. 

Organized by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, and the Water Environment Research Foundation, with support from national, state, and regional water organizations, the event will bring hundreds of water and wastewater professionals to the nation’s capital to discuss key legislative, regulatory and legal water developments with members of Congress and federal regulators, showcase innovations and new technologies, and celebrate the progress of water professionals in addressing our nation’s water challenges. 

“This historic first-of-its-kind gathering of water professionals in the District will demonstrate to policymakers the great value the water sector brings to environmental protection, economic development and job creation,” said NACWA Executive Director Ken Kirk. “NACWA is looking forward to Water Week and successful dialogues, briefings and other planned events advancing clean water priorities across the country.” 

WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill explained the importance of this event. “With so many challenges facing our country’s leadership, it’s important that water isn’t lost in the fray of top national priorities,” she said. “It is our hope that this event will celebrate innovation in water, spark dialogue between the water sector and key decision-makers on all levels, and foster a collaborative approach to achieving a shared vision of a water-focused future.” 

Glenn Reinhart, WERF executive director, agreed with O’Neill and Kirk. “As the nation’s leading independent scientific research organization dedicated to wastewater and stormwater issues, we believe that it is critical that members of congress have access to the best, objective scientific information available to inform their decisions,” he said. 

The anchor event of Water Week 2014 is NACWA, WEF and WERF’s jointly hosted National Water Policy Forum & Fly-In, April 7-9. The two-and-a-half-day agenda features Congressional speakers, policy briefings, visits to Capitol Hill, and roundtable dialogues with key policymakers. The event will culminate with a Water Infrastructure & Innovation Expo on Capitol Hill, showcasing clean-water innovations and technologies from utilities around the country. 

Below is a list of events. Other portions of Water Week and National Water Policy Forum & Fly-In will be also open to the public. 

For more information on Water Week and individual events, visit www.waterweek.us. 

Monday, April 7
6 – 8:30 p.m.: U.S. Water Alliance Water Prize Ceremony & Reception 

Tuesday, April 8
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Water Week 2014 Congressional Briefing: Utilities of the Future –Engaging Communities, Embracing New Challenges & Ensuring Economic Prosperity 

5:30 – 7 p.m.: Water Week 2014 Congressional Reception 

Wednesday, April 9
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: WEF with NACWA & WERF Water Infrastructure & Innovation Expo