Water & Health Advisory Council

We must make it a priority to ‘fix the basics’ first by investing resources to upgrade our nation’s water infrastructure. Learn from Council Member Chad Seidel as he explains why America’s water infrastructure needs major improvements.

The discovery of legionella bacteria recently prompted the closure of four Maryland state buildings. In response to the outbreak employees claim to be terrified, as the waterborne illness can lead to severe, potentially fatal pneumonia. Cases of Legionnaires' disease are becoming increasingly common, highlighting the need to secure water infrastructure in order to reduce public fears and provide reliable drinking water. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gE6QC7-m

Syracuse, New York is facing a public health crisis, as nearly 10% of homes tested show lead levels exceeding the EPA's safety standards. Older water infrastructure, often built with lead pipes, has gradually contaminated drinking water in some areas, putting residents' health at risk. While utilities nationwide have been replacing lead pipes for years, prioritizing high-risk areas is crucial to ensuring safe drinking water for all.    Read more: https://lnkd.in/ecNUWCYu 

To recognize the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, we partnered with the Water & Health Advisory Council to host an event addressing the future of U.S. drinking water. “This is not just a celebration of what we’ve achieved but a call to action,” said Professor Manny Teodoro who helped lead the event. Drinking water leaders, decision-makers, researchers, and community leaders from across the country came together to discuss the challenges of aging infrastructure, microbial and chemical contaminants, and the erosion of public trust. The event also launched the Madison Declaration, a strategic vision for the future of drinking water. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gbvmB-Qk

A recent study published in Nature Cities reveals a troubling rise in "plumbing poverty" across U.S. cities since the 2008 financial crisis. Even affluent areas like Portland, Phoenix, and Philadelphia are experiencing increases in households without running water. The research highlights that people of color are disproportionately affected in 12 of the 15 largest cities. Lead researcher Professor Katie Meehan from King's College London emphasizes that the combination of high housing costs and living expenses is forcing many into homes lacking basic amenities. The study calls for significant improvements in housing and social infrastructure to meet the United Nations' goal of universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gntuY-aQ

The 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act presents an opportunity to pause, reflect, and envision a brighter future. Council Member Chad Seidel and Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators Alan Roberson recently sat down to discuss the importance of prioritizing risks, urging the drinking water community to respect the fundamentals as we consider new policies over the next fifty years. Learn more:

An Emergency Administrative Order was issued to the Havasu Water Company in California for numerous violations of SWDA drinking water regulations. The utility company has had a series of water supply outages and failed to appropriately inform the public of boil advisories. To protect public health, consistent access to safe drinking water, even during crisis situations, is vital.    Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/ebMzP7mE  

🎉👏💧 Happy 50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act! We all share the expectation that everybody should have safe, affordable, and reliable water but we also recognize the challenges of what it takes to accomplish that. The Safe Drinking Water Act has accomplished a lot in 50 years but it’s important that we think about how that functions for the next 50 years if we want to achieve the objective of safe, affordable and reliable water for everyone, everywhere, all the time. I'm grateful for all those who have dedicated their lives to providing and protecting safe drinking water in the U.S. It truly is a miracle that most take for granted. Thanks to the SDWA, Americans enjoy some of the safest drinking water in the world, with utilities operating at a higher level of professionalism and accountability. Despite these achievements, significant challenges remain as millions across the country continue to face risks from inaccessible, unreliable or contaminated drinking water. I'm pleased to support the Declaration for the Future of Drinking Water in America, a strategic vision outlining the steps necessary to ensure safe and reliable drinking water for all Americans over the next half-century. #SDWA50 https://lnkd.in/gHEPd5JE

The delivery of safe, reliable and accessible drinking water is paramount to securing public health protection. Today as we reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (#SDWA50), we recognize that we must prioritize risks in drinking water. Read more from Council members Chad Seidel and Manny Teodoro as they share their insights on how we should prioritize risks to drinking water over the next 50 years with Circle of Blue: https://lnkd.in/gY8d8Uc2.

Today marks 50 years since President Gerald Ford signed the Safe Drinking Water Act into law on December 16, 1974. It remains one of America’s most important environmental laws and most effective public health regulations. While we have made tremendous progress, many communities still face significant risks from unreliable, inaccessible or unsafe drinking water. Read council member Manny Teodoro's recent op-ed that outlines the Council's bold vision on how we can better ensure public health, rebuild trust, and provide sustainable drinking water: https://lnkd.in/g4SSUvzm. #SDWA50