The future of water policy is shaped not only by regulations and funding but also by the voices of those working in the sector. This was the focus of a recent Water Environment & Technology (WE&T) article, “Speak Up for Water,” featuring a conversation between Kristiana Dragash, a project manager at Carollo and WEF Delegate-at-Large, and Peter Garvey, growth officer for Dewberry. Their discussion highlights the importance of the National Water Policy Fly-In, set to take place on April 8-9, 2025, and why water professionals must engage in advocacy efforts.
Why the National Water Policy Fly-In Matters
Each year, water professionals from across the country gather in Washington, D.C., to discuss critical policy issues with legislators. In 2024, Kristiana attended the Fly-In for the first time and quickly saw its impact. “Our presence did make a difference,” she explains. “The day after our meeting, U.S. Reps. John Curtis (R-Utah) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Washington) introduced H.R. 7944 to exempt water utilities from [CERCLA] liability, establishing a precedent to prevent the water sector from being held financially accountable for PFAS cleanup efforts.”
Advocacy at the Fly-In directly influences decisions that affect water infrastructure, funding, and regulations. The event offers a rare chance for water professionals to meet face-to-face with policymakers, allowing industry expertise to guide legislative decisions.
Key Policy Issues in Water Advocacy
At the 2024 Fly-In, Kristiana and her industry peers advocated for protecting utilities from being classified as PFAS generators, supported the WIPPES Act to address costly infrastructure damage from mislabeled “flushable” wipes, and raised concerns about workforce shortages in the water sector. They also highlighted the financial burden of Florida’s Senate Bill 64, which mandates eliminating certain surface water discharges by 2032. By engaging directly with lawmakers, they helped shape water policies that address the real challenges utilities face and advocate for practical solutions.
How Water Professionals Can Get Involved
For those new to advocacy, the Fly-In might seem daunting, but Kristiana assures that preparation makes all the difference. “Before the Fly-In, I coordinated with other Florida-based water professionals and scheduled meetings with U.S. Reps. Marco Rubio and Vern Buchanan. Once I had a guest list, it was easy to schedule a meeting through their staffs.”
Even if attending the Fly-In isn’t possible, Kristiana urges water professionals to participate in WEF’s Water Advocates Program, which enables individuals to engage with legislators through email and other outreach efforts. “We need to keep the conversation going year-round, not just during Water Week,” she emphasizes.
Now is the Time to Speak Up for Water
With water utilities facing increasing regulatory pressures, aging infrastructure, and workforce shortages, now is the time for the industry to take an active role in shaping policy. As Kristiana puts it, “We do our leaders, the public, and our sector a disservice when we do not advocate for water.”
To read the full conversation between Kristiana Dragash and Peter Garvey, check out the article in Water Environment & Technology (WE&T).