#USA #Washington, DC #Legionnaires' Disease #APLD #Water Wellness Summit

Introduction

The 2025 Water Wellness Summit is just weeks away, set to take place on October 2, 2025, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Organized by the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires' Disease (APLD), this summit is crucial for addressing the alarming rise of waterborne diseases, especially legionella. The event will bring together a diverse group of experts—from public health officials to building engineers—who will collaborate to discuss preventative measures and innovative policies.

Importance of the Summit

With recent outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in major cities like New York, the urgency to bolster our public water systems has never been more pronounced. APLD organizer Tom Leach emphasizes the critical nature of this summit, stating that it’s essential to connect stakeholders across different sectors to safeguard our drinking water. The collective wisdom and insights gathered at the conference aim to lead to actionable strategies that can mitigate the potential hazards posed by waterborne pathogens.

Expert Speakers

The summit will feature an array of speakers who are leaders in their respective fields:

• - Robert Bowcock, Managing Director at Integrated Resource Management, Inc., known for his expertise in water resource management and sustainability.
• - Elizabeth Hannapel, an epidemiologist from the CDC (pending approval), will provide critical public health perspectives tied to the epidemic.
• - Andrew Kricun, a prominent figure at EPA, will share insights from his extensive work on microbial safety in drinking water.
• - Gary Klein, a plumbing expert, will discuss innovations in water systems aimed at promoting efficiency.
• - Bill McQuade, President of ASHRAE, will cover engineering solutions related to water safety and management.
• - Deborah Vacs Renwick, compliance manager at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, will detail regulatory framework and its implications on public health.
• - Jill Akre, a survivor of Legionnaires' disease, will give a personal account of the disease's impact and the necessity for robust water safety practices.
• - Gwen Hanlon, a community advocate, will elaborate on grassroots initiatives that further the cause of safe water.
• - Tom Leach will also feature, expanding on policy advocacy in New Jersey, emphasizing collaboration among policymakers.
• - Jon Leleu, from Argentum Partners, will discuss strategic approaches for ensuring water wellness in Illinois.

Engaging Discussions

Participants can expect interactive sessions focusing on key discussions surrounding water safety. Topics will include:

• - Addressing current challenges in public water systems.
• - Sharing best practices from various sectors involved in water safety.
• - Discussing new policies that can be adopted at local, state, and federal levels to protect public health.

The collaborative format is designed to foster networking among professionals from different fields, ensuring that diverse perspectives influence the shared goal of ensuring safe drinking water.

Special Guests

The summit also welcomes notable political figures such as Frank Pallone, a key advocate for clean water policies, and M. Teresa Ruiz, a New Jersey Senate leader known for her work in public health initiatives. Their participation underscores the importance of legislative support in addressing these urgent issues.

Conclusion

The 2025 Water Wellness Summit is not just another conference; it’s a vital gathering for stakeholders who are committed to tackling the threat posed by waterborne diseases. The insights and discussions generated at this summit will shape the future of our water systems and public health policies. Those interested can find more information and secure their spot for this free event by visiting APLD’s website. Join the critical conversation that could protect lives and promote wellness in our communities.