U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Michigan) has been honored with the Water Quality Association’s Champion Award for his support of water-related legislation, particularly his work in forming a bipartisan congressional PFAS task force. The award was presented during the annual WQA Fly-In, a series of strategic meetings on Capitol Hill that includes the Water Resources Congressional Summit, hosted by WQA in conjunction with the Irrigation Association and the National Groundwater Association.

“Being a native of Flint, Michigan, Rep. Kildee understands the importance of quality drinking water,” said WQA Global Governmental Affairs Director David Loveday. “We honor his work helping other lawmakers understand the dangers of PFAS contamination and the importance of legislation to address it.”

Kildee, chief deputy whip of the House Democratic Caucus, joined forces with U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) to form the bipartisan congressional PFAS task force, which is advocating for policies and funding to better protect communities impacted by PFAS contamination. Fitzpatrick was named a WQA Champion in 2018, as was U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire).

This week, WQA honored Kildee and a fellow Michigan legislator, Republican Fred Upton representing Michigan’s 6th District, for their support of water-related legislation. It is the second year WQA has given the awards during the annual Fly-In.

“I am honored to receive the Water Quality Association’s Champion Award this year alongside my fellow Michigander, Congressman Upton. The Water Quality Association does important work addressing drinking water contamination issues and I am grateful to their commitment to protect public health in our country,” said Kildee. “PFAS chemicals contamination is a serious threat to our environment, drinking water and economy, and I’m proud to be working with my colleagues in Congress to address the issue.”

Nearly 40 WQA members and staff are taking part in this year’s event, which includes the March 5 summit and small-group congressional visits on March 6. The group emphasized WQA’s support of legislation and funding to fight contamination by PFAS and other emerging contaminants and the effectiveness of in-home filtration systems or devices during emergencies or long-term contamination issues. The delegation also offers legislators and agency representatives WQA’s expertise and help dealing with contamination issues or water-related legislation.