National Association Of Water Companies Calls On Congress To Support Solutions To Nation's Water Infrastructure Financing Needs

The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) testified recently before Congress about financing solutions to increase much-needed investments in the country’s water and wastewater infrastructure.

The NAWC was represented by Jeffry Sterba, president and CEO of American Water, NAWC’s largest member. Sterba spoke before the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies during a hearing entitled “Water Infrastructure Financing.” In his testimony, Sterba cited the critical role a solid water infrastructure plays in the economic growth, public health and environmental quality of every community across the nation. He also addressed the aging infrastructure system evidenced by 650 water main breaks each day and the loss of two trillion gallons of treated water each year, indicators of the significant need for infrastructure investments.

“The challenges we face to protect and maintain our water and wastewater systems and make the investments needed for continuing growth and new public health and environmental standards seem vast, but they need not paralyze us. The tools I am proposing will help attract additional private capital for the long-term, reliable investments that well-run water utilities provide. These tools will also provide municipalities with additional flexibility to deliver cost-effective and sustainable solutions in addressing their water and wastewater system and for improving their overall fiscal health,” said Sterba.

The private water companies that the NAWC proudly represents, are responsible for maintaining more than 100,000 miles of water distribution pipeline. Each and every day, those pipes deliver an essential service to people, businesses and communities throughout the country. The NAWC and its member companies are committed to helping end the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality that has kept investment at insufficient levels.

“The majority of the water infrastructure system in the United States was installed in the first half of the twentieth century and many pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan. A lack of sufficient investment coupled with continued population growth is straining the system and the time to act is now,” said NAWC’s Executive Director Michael Deane. “We applaud Congress for recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges and encourage the committee to support innovative financing approaches to allow for the long-term, reliable investments that are needed.  Private sector expertise and capital are ready to increase the role we play in helping the nation meet its water infrastructure challenges.”

NAWC’s full testimony can be viewed on the NAWC website at http://www.nawc.org/uploads/documents-and-publications/documents/NAWC%20Sterba%20Testimony%203-13-2013%20Final%282%29.pdf

About the National Association of Water Companies
The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) is the voice of the private water service industry with members located throughout the nation, ranging from large investor-owned utilities to small, community-based providers. Through our various business models private water and wastewater professionals serve more than 73 million Americans, nearly a quarter of our country’s population. For more information, visit www.NAWC.org.