Value Of Water Coalition Announces 12 New Partners

As Water Issues Grow More Pressing, the Value of Water Coalition Unites and Reminds America that Water Infrastructure Is Both Exceptional and at Risk

The Value of Water Coalition announced recently it has added 12 new leading public and private sector organizations to its coalition, has brought on a new director and has launched a new website.

The Value of Water Coalition draws attention to our nation’s aging and underfunded water infrastructure, and educates on the fundamental importance of water to the economic, environmental and community well-being of America. The coalition is growing and redoubling its efforts in 2015 as water-related issues are a rising concern for the nation. The frigid winter has led to a rash of century-old water mains bursting in East Coast cities, while the West Coast continues to suffer from record droughts. Despite the essential role that water plays in driving critical sectors of the economy and contributing to the high quality of life we enjoy in America, water is often overlooked in the national discussion of infrastructure investment.

“In a few days, we will celebrate the United Nation’s World Water Day, which is a great reminder of how exceptional American water and wastewater service is. The public and private utilities that ensure clean, safe, reliable water to and from homes and businesses across the country are nothing short of remarkable. But utilities, as well as the systems and infrastructure they manage, are taken for granted. While water is priceless, we undervalue it in the United States,” said Radhika Fox, the new director of the Value of Water Coalition. “The strength of our coalition is that we have leading voices from the public, private and nonprofit sectors shining a bright light on urgent, but often unseen, water issues and inspiring positive action that will strengthen this nation.”

The founding members of the Value of Water Coalition are: American Water, American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, CH2M HILL, MWH Global, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, United Water, U.S. Water Alliance, Veolia, Water Environment Federation and Xylem.

Today, the founding members are joined by two leading private sector companies—Dow Chemical Company and Black & Veatch. Additionally, major public utilities, which are on the front lines of delivering essential water and wastewater service to millions of people, have joined the coalition. New public utility partners include: Alexandria Renew Enterprises, Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, DC Water, Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Kansas City Water Services, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Philadelphia Water Department and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

About The Value of Water Coalition
Radhika Fox, director of the Value of Water Coalition, has 20 years of experience in developing infrastructure related policies, programs and issue-based advocacy campaigns. Previously, she served as the director of policy and government affairs at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and as the federal policy director at PolicyLink, a research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans can participate and prosper.

For more information, visit thevalueofwater.org.