STATE & FEDERAL LEGISLATORS
State and Federal legislators influence and control policies and budgets that have substantial and long-term impact on the direction and effectiveness of the drinking water sector. These leaders face a steady stream of often-conflicting and competing requests for attention and solutions. They need to know why an issue is important to their constituents, and are rarely topical experts as they respond to such a wide range of requests. Thus, effective communications should provide educational as well as advocacy opportunities.
Communications must be clear, concise and purposeful, with compelling calls for action that are within their authority and interest. Ultimately, a healthy relationship with key leaders increases willingness to invest in and maintain resilient and sustainable drinking water systems. This page provides high-level information for senior decision makers that can also be used by constituents to communicate more effectively.
We will continue refining this information to make it ever more useful. Please Contact Us with your suggestions and needs.
National and State-level Information and Resources:
- Why Care about Water – Important and compelling facts about the importance of clean, reliable and affordable water. The Everyday Value of Water and Economic Benefits of Investing in Drinking Water Infrastructure.
- Building Sustainable Water Infrastructure – this “hidden infrastructure” employs hundreds of thousands of workers and supports millions of jobs – roughly 20% of the US economy!
- Current and Projected Needs. The American Society of Civil Engineer’s 2021 Drinking Water Infrastructure Report Card graded our systems, many of which are at or far beyond their original design life, in the D+ to C- range. This Spring 2021 article provides a quick and compelling summary of infrastructure needs, and how the 2021 federal legislative session is creating a much-needed generational opportunity to revitalize aging and failing infrastructure.
- Key Water Advocacy Partners. The following organizations are willing and able to assist with education and outreach in support of the public drinking water sector: NH Water Works Association, NH Water Pollution Control Association, NH Department of Environmental Services Drinking Water Division, NH Municipal Association, New England Water Works Association, and American Water Works Association.
New Hampshire-focused advocacy and information:
- May 18, 2021 Manchester Union-Leader article by Boyd Smith and Mike Carle. Advocacy position by NH Water Works Association and NH Water Pollution Control Association in support of legally-authorized State Aid Grant funding.
- Projected Infrastructure Needs and State Aid Grants – Notes on benefits of clean water to New Hampshire, financial needs, and State and federal investments (April 2021).
- December 2012 NH Water Sustainability Commission report (SB60 Report) – a comprehensive report detailing the value of water infrastructure in New Hampshire and recommended strategies, policies and investments required to maintain quality of service. Note that the estimated costs have likely increased since the report was published in November 2013.
- Slide presentation of key SB60 Report findings by Senator Martha Fuller-Clark and John Boisvert, P.E.
