This resolution expresses the House's support for designating the week of April 6 through April 12, 2025, as "National Water Week" to raise awareness about water infrastructure and public health.
Gabe Evans
Representative
CO-8
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress in support of designating a specific week in April 2025 as "National Water Week." The bill emphasizes the critical need for clean, safe drinking water and sanitation access across all U.S. communities, including rural and Tribal lands. It highlights the importance of federal investment in water infrastructure, research, and addressing challenges like aging systems and supply chain issues. Ultimately, this is a symbolic measure to raise awareness about vital water issues without enacting new laws or funding.
House Supports 'National Water Week' to Spotlight Critical Infrastructure Needs and $2 Million Americans Lacking Running Water
This resolution is the House of Representatives formally throwing its support behind designating the week of April 6 through April 12, 2025, as “National Water Week.” Think of it like Congress giving a nod to a national awareness campaign. It’s a way to put a spotlight on something most of us take for granted until the tap runs dry or the bill hits the roof: clean, reliable water.
The Real Crisis Behind the Resolution
While this resolution doesn't create any new laws or allocate a single dollar, the text itself is a pretty frank assessment of where we stand. The big takeaway is that over 2 million Americans still lack basic running water or proper wastewater service. That’s not just a third-world problem; it’s happening right here, impacting public health and quality of life. The resolution is essentially Congress saying, “Hey, this is a huge deal, and we need to talk about it.”
Why Your Water Bill Is a Policy Issue
The resolution highlights a core economic problem: small, rural, and disadvantaged communities are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They need massive infrastructure upgrades—we're talking about fixing pipes that are older than your grandparents—but they can't afford it without making water bills completely unaffordable for residents. This is where federal funding comes in, assisting local utilities with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater management projects. For the average homeowner or renter, this federal help is the only thing standing between stable rates and a sudden, painful rate hike needed to finance a new treatment plant.
From Aging Pipes to Climate Change
This isn't just about old infrastructure; it's also about future threats. The resolution points out that research is crucial for tackling big problems like new contaminants (think PFAS), dealing with severe drought, and protecting systems from extreme weather. They also acknowledge the real-world hurdles utilities face: supply chain limitations when trying to buy specific parts for complex systems, rising operating costs, and staff shortages. In short, the people who keep your water clean are juggling aging systems, new threats, and a tight budget, all at once.
What This Means for You (And What It Doesn't)
This resolution is purely symbolic. It’s a statement of support, not a mandate. It won't instantly fix a leaky pipe in your town, nor does it create a new tax or allocate funding for a specific project. However, it does signal that Congress views water infrastructure as a priority. This kind of official recognition is often the first step toward pushing future legislation that will include funding and mandates. By raising national awareness, the resolution sets the stage for future debates on how to pay for the massive, necessary upgrades that keep our water safe and reliable.