Members of Congress are home in their states and districts this month during a congressional recess as they campaign for the upcoming General Election on November 8. This is the perfect time to reach out to your federal elected officials and educate them on the importance of your utility's work to protect public health and the environment in your community. 

If your utility has federal elected officials on the key House and/or Senate committees of jurisdiction over clean water issues, your outreach is even more vital. NACWA’s Congressional Toolbox is a helpful resource to facilitate this engagement. 

Over the past few years, strong advocacy by NACWA members have played an important role in advancing key legislation into law, such as the American Rescue Plan Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Further, this October is especially important to the clean water sector as October 18^th marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Communities from around the country will be celebrating how far we have come.

This is a prime time for clean water utilities to show collaboration between local, state, and federal governments and demonstrate where investments are being maximized for the betterment of our communities. Events such as plant tours, press conferences, ribbon cuttings, or ground breakings are perfect reminders of just how much success we have had in improving the nation’s water quality.

Member engagement and advocacy can be done through reaching out to your Representatives and Senators to invite them to take a facility tour, meeting with them and their staffs when visiting Washington, DC or in your local district to discuss key policy priorities, or connecting with their state staff to make them aware of specific local issues and impacts.

For more information or questions regarding outreach, please contact NACWA’s Legislative Team.