(October 3, 2017) -- NACWA held a collaborative roundtable workshop in June with the Western Coalition of Arid States (WESTCAS) in San Diego, CA to discuss the unique perspectives and water resource challenges in both the arid west and in the southeast. During the discussions, it became clear that many of the water sector’s challenges extend beyond the arid west boarders and demand greater national attention.

In response, NACWA drafted the white paper, Incorporating Arid State Priorities in NACWA’s Advocacy Agenda. This draft white paper offers insight on policies such as climate change and resiliency, regulatory improvement and Clean Water Act reform, affordability and funding, Utility of the Future and technology, and the water quality and quantity nexus. The white paper also provides specific national recommendations from workshop participants.

NACWA is committed to incorporating the issues raised during the roundtable workshop into its overall advocacy portfolio and revising NACWA’s Strategic Plan to reflect these important arid state and broader water quantity issues. Members are encouraged to examine the white paper, and direct any comments or questions about it to Emily Remmel, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs & Outreach.