“Farm Bill conservation programs, along with partnerships between [the U.S. Department of Agriculture], water utilities and farmers, can be key to protecting drinking water sources.”
DENVER (PRWEB) April 12, 2018
The American Water Works Association, the largest association of water professionals in the world, today applauded the U.S. House Agriculture Committee for introducing a Farm Bill that recognizes the importance of protecting drinking water sources from nutrient runoff.
In a letter delivered to the committee today, AWWA thanked Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-TX, and Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-MN, as well as Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-OK, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Marcia Fudge, D-OH, for their commitment to protecting source water. The bill, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, includes several key measures advanced by AWWA over the past two years.
“Farm Bill conservation programs, along with partnerships between [the U.S. Department of Agriculture], water utilities and farmers, can be key to protecting drinking water sources,” the letter noted. “AWWA believes the ‘downstream benefits’ and public health benefits of these conservation programs make the conservation title of the farm bill extremely important to all Americans who depend on clean drinking water.”
The bill was introduced just days before 150 water utility managers from 48 states will take to Capitol Hill for more than 400 meetings with their elected representatives as part of the Water Matters! Fly-In event, April 18-19.
Specifically, the Farm Bill introduced today:
1. Emphasizes protection of drinking water sources throughout the conservation title.
2. Expands opportunities for the Natural Resources Conservation Service to work with water systems to prioritize activities in each state.
3. Increases benefits for farmers who employ practices that benefit downstream water quality.
4. Ensures at least 10 percent of conservation program funds is focused on the protection of drinking water.
“AWWA began to engage in the Farm Bill process over two years ago to bring more attention to the issue of protecting sources of drinking water through conservation practices funded by the Farm Bill,” the letter noted. “We believe it’s important for USDA to emphasize protection of drinking water sources as part of its overall water quality and water quantity mission.”
AWWA created a whiteboard animation video to more clearly illustrate how the Farm Bill’s conservation programs are key to protecting drinking water sources. It is available on AWWA’s YouTube channel.
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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.