Recently, water leaders and advocacy groups met in Washington, D.C., for Water Week 2026. Their main goals? To tackle aging water infrastructure and revive a federal program that helps low-income households pay their water bills. It was a chance for experts and policymakers to come together and address these crucial issues.
This annual event, organized by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, offers a platform for discussing our water policies. With panels and sessions featuring government officials, attendees got insights into priorities for water infrastructure.
The atmosphere at this year’s meeting was a bit more hopeful than last year. The previous conference followed the surprising cancellation of several grants aimed at improving water and air quality by then-EPA administrator Lee Zeldin. Jessica Dandridge-Smith, the executive director of the Water Collaborative, noted that discussions about water infrastructure were more collaborative this time around. “It’s still sad, but maybe there’s a glimmer of hope,” she said.
On April 15, during a meeting with water sector leaders, EPA assistant administrator Jessica Kramer shared plans to revamp the Water Workforce initiative. This program aims to connect job seekers with careers in drinking water and wastewater management while bolstering public awareness about these roles.
Interestingly, the EPA is also focusing on the growing issue of microplastics and pharmaceuticals in our drinking water. Recent proposals aim to regulate these contaminants for the first time, highlighting an increasing awareness of water quality issues.
Despite these positive steps, Dandridge-Smith expressed concerns that economic priorities often overshadow water quality. “It’s as if they can’t balance economy and health,” she said. Addressing this imbalance is crucial, especially considering the pressures climate change puts on our water systems.
Some policymakers are advocating for water reuse, such as launching the Water Reuse Action Plan 2.0, which aims to recycle wastewater for various industries, including tech. However, challenges persist. A recent Cornell study revealed that rapidly expanding data centers could consume as much water as 10 million Americans annually, further straining our resources.
Addressing the financial needs of low-income households is also a pressing issue. Rep. Eric Sorensen emphasized the importance of the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which provides vital support for those struggling to pay their water bills. Unfortunately, the program lost funding in 2022, and there are efforts to secure ongoing support to make it permanent.
Many water leaders voiced concerns about outdated infrastructure. For instance, Tony Parrott from Louisville’s Metropolitan Sewer District warned that without proper funding, disasters like sewer overflows could become more frequent. “We are on the edge of failure,” he stated. Jordan Gosselin from the New England Water Environment Association echoed this sentiment, advocating for increased federal support for their region’s aging water systems.
In New Orleans, Dandridge-Smith noted that the city requires at least $2 billion to modernize its water infrastructure. Much of their system dates back to the early 1900s and cannot cope with the additional challenges posed by climate change.
In terms of drought management, Rep. Greg Stanton from Arizona highlighted that over 70% of his state is facing drought. He stressed that policies need to address the current realities of water distribution, especially as the Colorado River faces unprecedented challenges. The ongoing debate about water rights between different states reflects how critical these discussions are in today’s climate scenario.
Ultimately, as Dandridge-Smith stated, a balanced approach that includes affordability, climate justice, and water quality is essential. If we don’t prioritize our communities and environments, we risk severe consequences in the future. With climate change worsening water issues, the time to act is now.
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drinking water,Environmental Protection Agency,EPA,Low Income Household Water Assistance Program,microplastics,The Water Collaborative,water contamination,Water Week
