On March 12, the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) launched the WWEMA Water Challenge to raise awareness of the value of water and the need for adequate funding for water and wastewater infrastructure.

In announcing the Water Challenge’s launch, WWEMA Executive Director Vanessa Leiby spoke of the public’s reliance on ready access to water in our daily lives, and how much we take that access for granted. “We’re using the #NoWater hashtag to spread the word and draw attention to our most precious resource,” Leiby said.

WWEMA is challenging officials at all levels of government, as well as community leaders and other concerned citizens, to “turn off their taps,” whether literally or figuratively, and share their experiences on social media. According to the Water Challenge website: “You can decide for yourself how long you want to go without tap water, whether you try it for a few hours or longer.” The site offers complete details on the Challenge as well as suggestions on additional steps individuals can take, including an online petition calling for increased awareness and support for water and wastewater funding. The Challenge will continue through Water Week, April 12-18.

CWC encourages its members to check out the WWEMA site and to help bring attention to the critical need for more water infrastructure funding by taking the Challenge. To do so, visit www.wwema.org.