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Coronavirus Pandemic Renews Interest in Flushables Issue

May 15, 2020

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The coronavirus pandemic has attracted renewed attention to the issue of labeling sanitary wipes and other consumer products as “flushable” even if they do not disperse easily in conventional collection systems.  Image courtesy of Renate Köppel/Pixabay

During the coronavirus pandemic, water utilities around the world are emphasizing the importance of flushing only the “Three Ps” — pee, poop, and toilet paper. In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amplified the water sector’s plea, urging Americans only to flush toilet paper and dispose of all other items in garbage receptacles. The […]

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Accommodating Essential Water Services

March 31, 2020

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State and federal regulators recognize that water resource recovery facility (WRRF) operators are among a select few critical personnel categories. During the coronavirus pandemic, regulators at multiple levels are exercising reasonable enforcement discretion and enabling more people to help keep WRRFs in operation. Image courtesy of U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

In recent days, state and federal regulatory groups have made several temporary policy changes that recognize the water sector’s critical role in protecting public health during the coronavirus pandemic. These changes relax certain restrictions, such as temporarily honoring expired operator certification credentials or forgiving missed consent decree deadlines, that could otherwise impede a water resource […]

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WEF Joins Utility Leaders in Endorsing New EPA Workforce Grants

January 20, 2020

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Attend the National Water Policy Fly-In, April 27-28, in Washington, D.C.  Image courtesy of skeeze/Pixabay

As utilities across the U.S. brace for the workforce skills gap anticipated from the water sector’s looming silver tsunami, federal regulators and utility leadership organizations are taking action with a new grant program aimed at attracting new talent to jobs in water. The Water Workforce Infrastructure and Utility Development Grants program was passed by U.S. […]

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EPA Announces New Water Workforce Initiative at WEFTEC 2019

October 31, 2019

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During WEFTEC Technical Session No. 200: Water Policy Update, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water Dennis Lee Forsgren Jr., unveiled America’s Water Workforce Initiative, which will formulate an action plan to attract and preserve talent in U.S. water utilities. Photo courtesy of Oscar & Associates

At WEFTEC 2019 in Chicago, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water Dennis Lee Forsgren Jr., announced a new effort to help American utilities surmount the looming water-sector skills shortage expected in coming years. EPA plans to release a draft of America’s Water Workforce Initiative for public comment by […]

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WEF Supports Bipartisan Bill to Extend NPDES

April 28, 2019

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On March 14, legislation (H.R. 1764) was introduced that would extend the maximum term for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued under the Clean Water Act from 5 to 10 years. U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D–Calif.), Ken Calvert (R–Calif.), and Rob Woodall (R–Ga.) introduced the bipartisan bill to support local water infrastructure projects. […]

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WEF Letter Supports Legislation to Increase Clean Water SRF

April 26, 2019

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On March 7, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2019 (H.R. 1497). The bill would more than double the size of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) joined other […]

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Support Funding for National Priorities Water Research

April 19, 2019

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The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) encourages members to urge their representatives in U.S. Congress to support funding for the National Priorities Water Research Program in the 2020 fiscal year. In 2019, Congress appropriated $5 million to the National Priorities Water Research Program. This is the only source of federal funds that supports collaborative, […]

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WEF-Backed Provisions Incorporated Into 2019 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

March 24, 2019

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The omnibus appropriations bill, which sets a budget for government programs for the 2019 fiscal year, passed through U.S. Congress and was signed into law by President Donald Trump. The package includes appropriations for the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) supported many […]

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