Reps. Gabe Evans and Tonko Introduce Bipartisan House Resolution Designating National Water Week

WASHINGTON – Congressman Gabe Evans introduced a bipartisan resolution with Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) to designate the week of April 6-12 as National Water Week and recognize the need for investments in safe, clean, and reliable water resources across the United States.

“Every American deserves access to clean drinking water and reliable sanitation. While water is one of the most important and beloved natural resources in Colorado, too many of our communities — especially small, rural towns — struggle to access critical water infrastructure that would provide residents cleaner water and improve water management to stretch resources further during droughts,” said Rep. Evans. “National Water Week serves as an opportunity to celebrate vital water resources and reinforce the need for smart policies that secure our water's future.”

“National Water Week is an important opportunity for us to recognize that every job, every community, and every life depends on clean water,” said Rep. Tonko. “Despite this, far too many Americans do not have access to safe drinking water and other essential water infrastructure. Congress plays a key role in clean water initiatives across the nation, particularly for rural and disadvantaged communities. As we reaffirm our commitment to supporting essential water infrastructure and services, we must also recognize the importance of EPA and other critical agencies in their missions to protect our nation’s drinking water.”

States across the country, including Colorado, continue to face increasing water shortages and environmental challenges. The legislation calls on Congress to work together to ensure all communities have access to affordable, and safe water, while setting up the infrastructure necessary to meet future needs. This National Water Week resolution urges bipartisan efforts to strengthen our water security and highlights issues facing the water sector, including:

• Over 2 million Americans who lack access to clean water and sanitation services

• The struggle of rural communities to afford the investment needed in water systems.

• The importance of federal support for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater capture, and water recycling programs

• The need for research and development to tackle challenges like aging infrastructure, emerging contaminants, drought, and water scarcity. 

“Protecting and conserving our water resources requires innovative, community-driven solutions that empower Americans on the ground. The American Conservation Coalition Action and its over 70,000 members nationwide applaud this effort to designate a National Water Week, raising awareness of the critical importance of responsible water management." -Andrew Mills, Managing Director, ACC Action

“Colorado considers water to be one of our greatest natural resources.  As the ‘headwaters’ state for much of the western and central United States, Colorado goes to great efforts to protect our water resources. With nine major river basins, each relying on a mixture of rain, snow and groundwater, the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts supports the protection of our national water resources and supports April 6-12 as National Water Week to bring attention to these efforts.” -The Colorado Association of Conservation Districts

Click here to read the resolution text.