Washington’s only public affairs practice devoted to the water sector turns 12 months. Read more on Signal Water’s latest updates:
It has officially been twelve months since Signal Group launched Signal Water – Washington’s only full-service public affairs practice specifically devoted to the water sector.
Lately, we have been fully engulfed in infrastructure discussions, fighting tooth and nail for water to be included in both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (aka the BIF) and the reconciliation package.
We are pleased to see the IIJA include significant boosts in funding to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, targeted investments in rural and disadvantaged communities, a pilot program for low-income water customer assistance, funding for green infrastructure, and many more excellent provisions!
Mae Stevens, Chair of Signal Water is hopeful that the investments will go even further saying:
“What we are seeing included in the BIF for water is exciting and sorely needed for the millions across our country unable to pay their water bills, or without access to safe or modernized drinking and wastewater systems. The IIJA is a good start, but our needs are vast, and we are hopeful that the reconciliation package will include even more funding for the sector, including funding to expand the low-income assistance pilot program into a permanent, national program housed at the EPA. We are continuing to advocate for the expedient passage of both packages with these critical provisions intact.”
Recent Additions
Since last year’s launch, Signal Water has taken on clients doing exciting work across the water sector. See our full list below:
Stantec is an international engineering and architecture firm providing consulting, project delivery, and design build to public and private sector clients. Their operations in the U.S. focus heavily on water infrastructure.
National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) is the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal clean water advocacy, with the goal of building a resilient and sustainable clean water future.
US Water Alliance is a national nonprofit organization that aligns its diverse body of One Water stakeholders to find common ground solutions to the nation’s most pressing water challenges, and achieve a sustainable water future for all.
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading nonprofit dedicated to building resilient, healthy, and strong communities through parks and recreation. NRPA achieves this through investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals who advance equity, climate-readiness, and health and well-being.
City Parks Alliance is a coalition of urban park stakeholders supporting the creation, revitalization, and sustainability of parks and green spaces that contribute to more vibrant and equitable cities.
Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofits working to provide training, technical assistance, support, and resources to rural communities, tribal lands, and U.S. territories.
Signal Water in the Public Eye
Signal Water has been very busy this year, taking every opportunity to discuss all things water, including why the time is now to ramp up investments in this critical space, and what that means for our country and communities. On behalf of Signal Water, our Chair, Mae Stevens, has made many appearances at (virtual) conferences and in the press.
In April, Mae led a discussion at the P3 Water Summit on the business case for water infrastructure investment. In May, she joined a panel at the Waterfront Alliance Conference on models for funding flood control and resiliency projects.
Also in May, Mae was honored to be named to Water and Waste Digest Magazine’s Young Pros list, highlighting 10 leaders, drivers, and influencers under 40 in the water sector. Check out her interview with Bob Crossen accepting the award and discussing her background.
As infrastructure negotiations ramped up in July, Mae joined Emily Lewis of Clyde Snow on her Ripple Effect Podcast to discuss what this moment means for federal water infrastructure investment.
She has also been asked to serve as a guest columnist for Water Conditioning & Purification International Magazine – writing on water policy. Check out her work in the May, June, and August articles!
Look out for much more to come this fall, including new additions to Signal Water’s 3 Questions with Mae Video Series! The first episode of the season will feature George McGraw – Founder and CEO of DigDeep – to discuss the new WaSH Sector Database (which includes Signal Water).
Signal Water looks forward to another exciting year for water in Washington! To learn more about our stellar Water Practice Team, visit our website here.