ALEXANDRIA, Virginia – The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is urging Congress to protect funding for federal research that is critical to addressing challenges facing the nation’s water resources.
WEF requests funding be increased or at least maintained for water research programs at the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, National Science Foundation and Bureau of Reclamation.
“Funding for water science and technology research is essential to the continued protection of public health and the environment,” said Eileen O’Neill, WEF executive director. “Continued research funding is critical to the quality of life for communities across the U.S., and the business and economic advantages it gives our nation in the global marketplace.”
Population growth, aging infrastructure, increasing urbanization and extreme events are increasing threats to water quality and demand on water resources. Research can increase understanding of the potential impacts of these on public health and water quality. It can also lead to new and improved methods to mitigate health risks and damage to the environment, enhanced resource recovery (nutrients, energy, and water) from wastewater treatment, provision of sufficient water for energy and food, opportunities for U.S. companies in a growing global marketplace and cost-effective infrastructure repair and replacement.
“WEF urges Congress and the Administration, through increased funding and programmatic support, to bolster efforts in the water sector to develop innovative technologies and approaches,” O’Neill said.