As the water industry sets sail into 2024, two significant initiatives, the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Water 2050 and the National Rural Water Association’s (NRWA) advocacy agenda, shed light on the sector’s goals, challenges, and strategies for the future.
AWWA’s Water 2050: Envisioning a Sustainable Water Future
AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative plays a pivotal role in guiding the water community toward a sustainable and resilient future. The 20th annual State of the Water Industry Report (SOTWI) offers insights into the persistent challenges that demand attention in the coming year.
Aging Infrastructure and Financing Challenges
The perennial concern of renewing and replacing aging water infrastructure continues to dominate the industry’s agenda. Despite the significant financial boost from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, financing for capital improvements ranks as the third issue in the SOTWI report.
Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)
With the LCRI expected to finalize in 2024, the industry faces the daunting task of identifying and addressing lead service lines across the United States. Strengthening public trust, particularly in disadvantaged communities, becomes a priority. AWWA aligns efforts with the Water 2050 Social/Demographics Think Tank’s vision for utilities to transform into communication and community engagement entities by 2050.
Long-term Drinking Water Supply and Resilience
Respondents in the SOTWI report recognize the urgency of ensuring long-term drinking water supply availability. The rising concern underscores the industry’s forward-thinking approach, aligning with the Water 2050 think tanks’ recommendations to integrate climate impact, shift to watershed-based thinking, and regionalize water utilities based on watersheds.
Workforce Challenges
Replenishing an aging workforce emerges as the sixth-ranked issue in the SOTWI report. Recognizing the need for a diverse and techno-savvy workforce, Water 2050 think tanks emphasize the importance of developing a workforce capable of tackling complex issues, from PFAS and cybersecurity to equity and infrastructure.
Optimism Amid Challenges
The parallel optimism shared by the State of the Water Industry respondents and Water 2050 think tank participants reflects the industry’s confidence in overcoming present and future challenges. AWWA looks forward to witnessing the accomplishments of water professionals in 2024.
NRWA’s Advocacy Agenda: Addressing Disproportionate Impacts
As 2023 concludes, NRWA reflects on the challenges faced and outlines its agenda for the year ahead, with a focus on PFAS, LCRI, and Cybersecurity.
PFAS Protection
In the realm of PFAS, NRWA’s primary focus is protecting water systems and customers from potential legal, remediation, and reputational risks associated with EPA’s proposed hazardous substance designation of PFOS and PFOA. NRWA supports legislation aligning with the “polluter pays” principle to eliminate PFAS from public drinking water.
Cybersecurity Preparedness
Continuing to address Cybersecurity remains a top priority. NRWA actively collaborates with Congress on a Farm Bill initiative to create a Cybersecurity Circuit Rider program, providing free, in-person, boots-on-the-ground cybersecurity assistance. The aim is to enhance defenses against cyber threats, ensuring the resilience of drinking water and wastewater systems.
LCRI and Lead Removal
NRWA applauds EPA’s efforts to protect public health by removing lead from the nation’s drinking water. With a commitment to meeting LCRI’s ambitious goals, NRWA, alongside its State Affiliates, actively supports initiatives like the “Get the Lead Out” Partnership. As LCRI details are reviewed, NRWA continues to work with EPA to prepare members for forthcoming challenges.
In 2024, NRWA anticipates both challenges and opportunities but remains confident in the industry’s ability to provide safe drinking water and clean wastewater services when government and industry collaborate.
Conclusion: Sailing into a Resilient Future
As the water industry sets its course for 2024, the convergence of AWWA’s Water 2050 vision and NRWA’s advocacy agenda highlights a commitment to sustainability, resilience, and addressing longstanding challenges. The industry’s optimism, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts pave the way for a resilient and water-secure future.
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