As World Water Week 2023 commences, the American Business Water Coalition (ABWC) continues to reflect on this year’s theme, “Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World.” We need accessible and safe water to operate as a society, as it is the foundational resource that human, environmental and economic health relies on.
In the U.S., aging water infrastructure too often proves to be the weakest link when unprecedented operational and climate-related challenges arise. Local economies and the commercial needs of U.S. businesses are at risk. Currently, the federal government provides less than five percent of total water infrastructure investment nationwide, leaving businesses and the public to pay the rest—nearly $1 trillion. An estimated 83 percent of water utilities believe they cannot maintain a state of good repair without additional external funding.
Change is urgently needed to overcome this critical issue. Out-of-date infrastructure leaves our members and every other business, their employees and the communities they serve in a state of perpetual and increasing risk. ABWC was founded to provide businesses with a platform to urge Congress and the Administration to restore adequate federal investment in water that will spur economic growth.
We celebrate World Water Week 2023 for bringing awareness to this important cause and initiating crucial dialogues. ABWC and its members will continue to advocate for change to cement a future where we all have access to safe, reliable and affordable water.
