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Water Week 2025: A Critical Intersection of Advocacy and Action

Water Week 2025 will see over 700 water sector professionals converge on Washington D.C. to engage with Congress during the National Water Policy Fly-In. This significant gathering unites representatives from various associations including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the WateReuse Association. The focus this year is sharper than ever, as attendees aim to highlight legislative and regulatory challenges currently facing water utilities across the country.

Key Issues at Hand

The legislative agenda for Water Week is packed with critical topics that demand urgent attention from Congress:

Aging Infrastructure

A primary concern is the dire state of aging water infrastructure nationwide. Federal funding is necessary to facilitate upgrades and replacements, ensuring that utilities can meet the increasing demand for safe drinking water. However, uncertainty looms over future funding as several key authorizations are set to expire after Fiscal Year 2026. Advocacy efforts will emphasize the need for Congress to reauthorize essential drinking water and wastewater funding programs, originally established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

PFAS Contamination

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose another challenge, with compliance costs skyrocketing for utilities. Estimates suggest that drinking water utilities face annual expenses exceeding $7.5 billion to adhere to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. This situation is alarming, as it places financial burdens on ratepayers. The water sector is calling for Congressional action to implement source control measures aimed at reducing PFAS contamination in water systems and to hold polluters financially accountable for cleanup costs, rather than passing the burden onto local utilities.

Water Affordability

Affordability remains a pressing issue, with water and wastewater costs surpassing both inflation rates and income growth in many regions, disproportionately affecting low-income households. Reports indicate that around 20% of U.S. households owe money to their water utilities, with as many as 19 million households struggling with unaffordable water costs. The sector advocates for the establishment of a permanent low-income water assistance program, which would enable utilities to modernize infrastructure while maintaining reasonable rates.

The Significance of Water Week

The pinnacle of Water Week is the National Water Policy Fly-In, enabling water professionals to discuss their matters directly with federal agencies and members of Congress. Each year, the event grows in stature, reaffirming the critical role that public clean water utilities play in safeguarding community health, economic vitality, and environmental integrity.

Key advocates like Adam Krantz, CEO of NACWA, and David LaFrance, CEO of AWWA, emphasize the urgency of this year’s gatherings. They stress that clean water is a fundamental federal priority, and acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by public clean water utilities is more crucial than ever.

Krantz points out the essential contributions clean water utilities provide, stating, “Public clean water utilities are vital institutions to their communities and the Nation.” He calls on Congress to step up and support initiatives that are crucial for the economy, public health, and environmental sustainability.

LaFrance echoes this sentiment, reminding Congress that “water matters,” emphasizing the integral relationship between water management policies and public health. “Infrastructure funding, PFAS liability protection, and affordability aren’t merely water management issues; they are health imperatives,” he asserts.

Collaborating for Solutions

This gathering of stakeholders across the water sector is about more than just advocacy; it’s about collaboration. Tom Dobbins, CEO of AMWA, emphasizes the importance of a united voice in addressing these pressing water-related challenges. The concerted effort to bring together voices from local utilities will reinforce the message to policymakers about the need for actionable solutions.

With the attendance of various federal agencies and congressional representatives, participants will brainstorm and advocate for effective policies, not only addressing the immediate needs of the water sector but also developing a sustainable framework for the future.

Brian Biesemeyer from WateReuse Association emphasizes the role of water recycling in economic development and public health safeguards, adding another dimension to the discussions.

Conclusion

As Water Week 2025 unfolds, it marks an important occasion for professionals in the water sector to come together to advocate for legislative changes. By focusing on critical issues like infrastructure, PFAS management, and affordability, these leaders stress that collaborative federal action is necessary to ensure safe and affordable water for all communities. The success of this week could shape the future of water policy, highlighting the vital role that clean, safe water plays in public health and environmental well-being.