Water Environment Federation Supports The Paul Simon Water for the Poor Legislation

Alexandria, VA – The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is pleased to support The Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act (H.R.1973) and its passage by the House of Representatives earlier this week.

The Act, authored by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), aims to make access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries a major objective of U.S. foreign assistance by recognizing the direct link between poverty and the availability of clean drinking water and sanitation.

The legislation supports WEF’s mission to preserve and enhance the global water environment and draws attention to the vital role water quality plays in public health, the economy and environment. Last week, Mr. Blumenauer and other officials attended WEFTEC®.05 where over 18,000 water professionals gathered in Washington, DC to share expertise and learn the latest in water quality research, technology and services.

“In the U.S. and in most of the developed world, we have the technologies that make delivery of clean and safe water possible,” said WEF President Michael Read. “But when you compare the situation in America with many countries in the developing world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the contrast couldn’t be more striking.”

It is estimated that 20 million people die each year due to poverty with a third of these deaths due to waterborne diseases.  “Half the people in the world today who are sick, are sick unnecessarily because of this simple problem,” said Blumenauer. “This bill is an opportunity, not to create vast new programs and bet on new technology, but to refocus our foreign assistance efforts on a comprehensive, strategic series of investments. There are simple common-sense steps the world fully understands which will make a difference in people’s lives.”

“The U.S. may not be able to shoulder the sole responsibility for this issue,” continued Read. “But this [bill] helps put America in a leadership role as the world community confronts this very surmountable challenge. WEF is gratified that the House passed this legislation and urges Congress to fully enact this measure as soon as possible.”
   
About WEF
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with members from varied disciplines who work toward the WEF vision of preservation and enhancement of the global water environment. The WEF network includes water quality professionals from 76 Member Associations in 30 countries. www.wef.org

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