As Congress considers legislation to stimulate the nation's economy, the Alliance for Water Efficiency and a coaltion of organizations have urged a match of at least 20% of any drinking water infrastructure funds for additional water efficiency grants to reduce water use.
In making the request AWE joined with American Rivers, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Clean Water Action, Environment America, GreenPlumbers, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Natural Resources Defense Council, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, and Plumbing Manufacturers Institute.
At least $10 billion in funding for "shovel ready" drinking water infrastructure projects have been put forward to Congress by the American Water Works Association, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, and the National Association of Water Companies. AWE and its partners urged Congress to provide that $10 billion in funding as requested, but requested that an additional 20% be dedicated for water efficiency grantsa bringing the total request to at least $12 billion in drinking water stimulus funding.
Water efficiency projects have tremendous potential to save water, energy and resources in our communities. Investments in drinking water systems will put tens of thousands of people to work, and create lasting benefits by strengthening public health, safety, and quality of life. A recently released AWE position paper showed that for every $1 billion invested in water efficiency projects, between 15,000 and 22,000 jobs are created, including construction, plumbing, and manufacturing jobs. Total economic output per million dollars of water efficiency investment is between $2.5 and $2.8 million, a significant multiplier effect. The money communities save by investing in water efficiency can be substantial. These savings, in turn, can be applied to other community needs, such as hiring teachers and police officers.
AWE and Amercan Rivers State-Specific Press Releases: