NACWA, joined by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) and National Rural Water Association (NRWA), held a Congressional Briefing for congressional staff —titled, “Clean Water & Safe Drinking Water 101”–on March 17, at the Capitol Visitors Center. NACWA CEO Adam Krantz provided a high-level review of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and discussed the key issues that face the clean water sector, with the benefit of 45 years of progress made since the CWA’s passage in 1972. AMWA CEO Diane VanDe Hei provided a similar overview and discussion related to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Following these presentations, Alan Heymann, Chief Marketing Officer of member agency DC Water, moderated a Q&A session, with questions from congressional staff, ranging in topic from low-income affordability to nonprofit source pollution issues.

Attendees ranged from environmental staffers for newly-elected members of Congress, to Congressional Committee staff with many years of expertise. Sources say the Briefing was well-received and therefore may be repeated with each new Congress. NACWA thanks NRWA for their help in coordinating the meeting, and Sen. Roger F.  Wicker (R-MS) for securing the meeting space for the event.