Clean Water Current

(October 30, 2018) - Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry kicked off the 2018 American Water Summit on October 25 by announcing a “grand challenge” to spur innovation in the water-energy nexus space through competition.  Though few details were provided, NACWA was expecting the announcement and had worked with its water sector partners for weeks to help craft the component of the grand challenge that applies to wastewater.

As announced by Secretary Perry, the grand challenge seeks to double the resources—nitrogen, phosphorus, energy and reuse water—recovered from municipal wastewater by 2030. EPA will be leading the work on this piece of the grand challenge. NACWA will provide more information on the nature of the competition and the potential funding available as specifics become available.

NACWA Board Member Andy Kricun, Executive Director and Chief Engineer for the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, welcomed Summit participants at the start of the meeting and underscored the importance of NACWA’s partnership with Summit organizers and the continued engagement among all water sector stakeholders both public and private. NACWA’s members were featured prominently throughout the Summit, highlighting the innovative work they are doing in the areas of data-driven solutions, finance, partnerships and more.