Kicking off the fifth annual Infrastructure Week, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jon Boozman (R-AR) introduced The Clean Safe Reliable Water Infrastructure Act, legislation seeking to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to add provisions relating to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including the formal federal establishment of the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense program. IAPMO has been a vocal proponent of WaterSense since its inception more than a decade ago.

A poll commissioned by the Value of Water Campaign revealed that 67 percent of Americans believe rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure is an extremely or very important priority — the highest percentage of any other national issue. Infrastructure Week brings together 280 affiliate organizations for a national week of events, media coverage, education, and advocacy efforts to elevate infrastructure as a critical issue impacting all Americans.

“Infrastructure is a priority of the Trump Administration and this Congress, and we are thrilled that Congress recognizes the importance that demand-side water contributes to our nation’s overall foundation,” said Dain Hansen, senior vice president of IAPMO Government Affairs. “We look forward to working across all parties and both chambers of congress to settle on language that can be signed into law officially recognizing the WaterSense program.”

Modeled after the ENERGY STAR program, WaterSense is a labeling and recognition program that seeks to protect the future of the U.S. water supply by offering consumers a simple way to make product-purchasing choices that conserve water with no sacrifice to quality or performance.

“Underfunding of our vital drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is an issue we cannot ignore,” Cardin said. “Year after year, Sen. Boozman and I work together to combat America’s growing need for repairs to its aging drinking water and wastewater systems. We recognize the public health risk and economic jeopardy from a growing population placing greater demands on a water infrastructure system that is nearing the end of its useful life.”

Learn more about the Acts by reading them on the IAPMO Website.