waterloop

How many people in the U.S. lack safe drinking water? How much water do you drink each day? Where does your drinking water come from? Hear how people answered in this edition of Water Your Questions. Tell us in the comments the water questions to ask next! From Water Street outside the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions.

Linda Ofori is the Assistant Director of Water Systems Operations for New Jersey. Linda highlights the growing need for investment in drinking water infrastructure, noting that estimated needs in New Jersey have tripled or quadrupled since 2003. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the EPA and states to secure sufficient funding, ensuring water systems can meet critical demands. “Our water is worth it,” she says. #SDWA50 series is a collaboration with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). See the series at https://bit.ly/50SDWA

💧H2O Minute News ⏰ Rogelio Rodriguez of Water Finance Exchange (WFX): Water Finance Exchange Municipal Advisors launched to further the organization's mission of helping communities access funding, financing, and expertise to implement resilient, sustainable, and equitable water infrastructure solutions. More: https://lnkd.in/e-nkNEWZ H2O Minute News is sponsored by 120Water

The Potomac River and other waterways in Washington, D.C., are undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to the DC Clean Rivers Project. This $2.7 billion initiative addresses the city's historic combined sewer overflow problem, which has long polluted its rivers. Bethel Abate, PE, PMP, Assoc. DBIA, a Civil Engineer at DC Water, describes the innovative system of deep tunnels and massive storage shafts that divert and store overflow until it can be treated at the Blue Plains facility. These efforts have already achieved a 96% reduction in combined sewer overflows, dramatically improving water quality. Bethel highlights the profound responsibility water professionals have to care for these rivers and ensure they become a source of pride and joy for future generations. She is an alumni of the Water Innovation Leadership Development program at Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Environment Plus.

Built in 1869, the Chicago Water Tower stands as one of the oldest and most iconic pieces of public infrastructure in the U.S. Surviving the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it has become a lasting symbol of resilience and innovation. Designed in Gothic Revival style, the tower originally housed 140-foot standpipes to regulate water pressure, a critical function for the growing city. Today, it remains a celebrated landmark, attracting over 5 million visitors annually who marvel at its timeless architecture amidst Chicago’s modern skyline. This enduring structure showcases the power of public infrastructure to be purposeful, beautiful, and built to last.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, waterloop collaborated with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) on a series. It features two dozen former and current state officials sharing reflections and accomplishments under the landmark legislation. Here is the collection of interviews. https://bit.ly/50SDWA

Cheers to 50 Years! Today marks five decades of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the landmark federal legislation designed to protect public health by regulating the quality of drinking water in the United States. To mark the occasion, we are resharing our discussion from earlier this year with Alan Roberson, Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). He explores the state of America’s drinking water before the enactment of SDWA, the fundamental changes brought about by the law, and the progress of the past 50 years. Alan highlights how the 1986 and 1996 amendments to SDWA strengthened regulations and expanded the scope of protections. He also talks about opportunities to improve SDWA and changes that may shape the next 50 years of drinking water safety. From a conversation at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions https://bit.ly/50sdwa

Farm conservation practices are making a measurable impact on water quality and climate. Adam Kiel of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund highlights significant results in 2023, including saving 8 to 10 pounds of nitrogen and three-quarters of a pound of phosphorus per acre while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 0.8 metric tons per acre. Episode at https://lnkd.in/esuNpFYG

Supporting farmers in adopting conservation practices often requires innovative funding. Adam Kiel of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund explains how financial assistance from USDA, EPA, and state agencies helps incentivize water quality improvements, while new creative approaches aim to bridge funding gaps and meet farmers' economic needs. Episode at https://lnkd.in/esuNpFYG The Mississippi By Nature series is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia. Find the series at https://lnkd.in/e4jineYY

Lance Jones is the Director of Drinking Water for Arkansas. Lance says that many smaller water systems around the state are cooperating and even consolidating under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This has allowed them to take advantage of reservoirs in the state’s north and west, which provide high-quality water for utilities. By pooling resources, communities have ensured abundant water supplies for growth and improved public health through reliable, clean drinking water. #SDWA50 series is a collaboration with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). See the series at https://bit.ly/50SDWA