#1: Water and Health Advisory Council Attends U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting
In January, the Water and Health Advisory Council attended the United States Conference of Mayors Annual Winter Meeting. The three-day conference consisted of informative panel discussions among local elected officials and thought leaders throughout the nation. Council Member Chad Seidel spoke to the growing concerns surrounding the EPA’s proposed PFAS drinking water regulations, urging decision-makers to apply the cost-benefit approach as we evaluate new policies resulting in unfunded mandates.
#2: Water Online: Tariff Trends: Utility Affordability in America
Water and sewer prices across the U.S. have risen steadily in recent years, reflecting broader economic trends and challenges in utility affordability. Factors like utility size, water source, and ownership type play a significant role in determining costs, with larger, publicly owned utilities often offering lower rates. These trends have critical implications for households and communities nationwide. This blog post by Council Member Manny Teodoro takes a deeper look at what’s driving these changes and what they mean for the future.
After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final National Drinking Water Standards for PFOA and PFOS, the Council had serious questions about the necessity of these extremely stringent drinking water limits and the burden they will have on our nation’s already strained drinking water systems. Read the full public comment to learn more about their questions, concerns and hopes for the future.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration established the first national standard to limit PFAS in drinking water. This legally enforceable standard aims to reduce exposure to these chemicals, which have been linked to various health issues. Council Member Chad Seidel is quoted in the article, providing expert insight into the implications of this new regulation; “We want to make sure those limited resources we’ve got in our communities really are used to address public health concerns and drinking water, and I wish the list was really, really short ahead of PFAS, but unfortunately, there’s a lot of really pressing things that we want to keep addressing,” Seidel said.
The Water and Health Advisory Council announced the launch of a national campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act and provide guidance to lawmakers on the future of drinking water safety in the United States. The campaign will showcase public health successes achieved by the Safe Drinking Water Act and illuminate regulatory actions that have veered from the law’s original intent. Throughout 2024, the Council will promote multimedia testimonials from drinking water, public health and elected officials; host local events in select municipalities and conclude with a symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In their op-ed, “Pipes Over PFAS,” Council Members Kathryn Sorensen and Janet Anderson explore how the need to identify and regulate new contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) has inadvertently shifted federal focus away from pressing issues. While it is important that we are protected from contaminants in drinking water, other issues such as aging infrastructure can pose greater threats to public health and must not be ignored.
#7: Declaration: The Future of Drinking Water in America
2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), a transformative law that established health-based standards for tap water quality in the United States. Today, thanks to the SDWA, Americans enjoy some of the world’s best tap water. While we have made tremendous progress, many communities still face significant risks from unreliable or contaminated drinking water. Political agendas have created reckless policies that ultimately threaten the safety of our most vulnerable populations. We have created a vision to light a clear path forward by addressing these persistent challenges and advocating for solutions that protect our nation’s drinking water.
#8: Safe Drinking Water Act 50th Anniversary Symposium
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, we gathered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison alongside fellow leaders in the drinking water community to shape the future of safe, reliable and accessible drinking water. The day was filled with thought-provoking discussions and bold ideas for the next 50 years of drinking water in the U.S. The event closed with the launch of our Madison Declaration that outlines a vision for the Future of Drinking Water for the next 50 years.
#9: As water pipes crumble, so does our trust in government. Here’s how we fix this. | Opinion
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the SDWA, Council Member Manny Teodoro wrote an op-ed that outlines the Council’s bold vision on how we can better ensure public health, rebuild trust, and provide sustainable drinking water.
#10: Circle of Blue: Safe Drinking Water Act Turns 50
The SDWA has been instrumental in ensuring the safety of America’s drinking water. Over the past 50 years, it has led to significant improvements in water quality, reducing contaminants and protecting public health. However, challenges remain. As the SDWA reaches this milestone, the Water and Health Advisory Council emphasizes the need for updated regulations, increased investment, and innovative solutions to address current and future water safety issues.