Water Hub

The U.S. is in a water affordability crisis. 1 in 3 households report struggling to pay their water bill on time, risking access to #SafeAffordableWater. The H2O UP Act is a crucial step toward addressing this challenge. We're proud to support the Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus in their efforts to shape legislation like this. The H2O UP Act takes a holistic approach to water affordability by offering infrastructure investments, technical assistance, and bill assistance. As a communications organization, we collaborate with partners like the #WECRCaucus to highlight solutions that ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable water. Learn more about this vital legislation here: https://lnkd.in/gaKicnpB

Three years ago, the #BipartisanInfrastructureLaw (BIL) became a landmark investment of $60B+ in water systems, improving lives and addressing critical water challenges across the U.S. As the recent election results demonstrate, clean water, clean air, and public health protections remain bipartisan and widely supported priorities. From New York to Louisiana, voters support measures to fund water projects and safeguard nature. As we navigate uncertain times for these protections, the BIL serves as an example of what’s achievable when we invest in the wellness of our communities. Here are some stories from the ground: ??? In Puerto Rico, #NatureBasedSolutions like mangrove planting and coral reef restoration are protecting communities from storms. ?? In Texas, $4m is delivering reliable access to safe water for rural colonias that have long relied on trucked-in water. ??? In Arizona, rainwater harvesting programs are helping low-income families conserve water and build climate readiness. All people deserve wellness, safety, and dignity. It’s our birthright. And we’re going to keep working with all of you to push progress by: ??Celebrating local leaders delivering on these universal values ??Telling stories of progress ??Showing the economic, environmental, and public health value of investing in clean water and climate preparedness Now more than ever, we need to build a shared vision of regenerative economies and thriving communities. ??Explore these stories of hope and the BIL’s impact: justinfrastructure.org. #JustInfrastructure #ClimateAction #WaterIsAHumanRight

Celebrating #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, we honor Daniel Cordalis, a proud member of the Navajo Nation and Staff Attorney at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). With a deep commitment to tribal sovereignty and water justice, Daniel leads the Tribal Water Institute, providing legal support and fostering collaboration to address the water challenges faced by tribal communities Through his work, Daniel ensures that tribal voices are at the forefront of critical discussions on water access and resource management, shaping a future built on equity and justice. Join us in celebrating him! Read more: https://lnkd.in/e-c7-PgN Find more water experts of color ?? https://colorofwater.info

Water Cooler newsletter drop ?? In case you missed this week's send, Briana Flin offered her post-election reflections and asked the team what "resilience" means to them in a time of political and environmental uncertainty. Sneak peek below... “Remember what you love. Remember what loves you. Remember in this tide of hate what love is. The pain you feel is because of what you love.” - Rebecca Solnit Give the latest edition a read and sign up to get the next edition delivered to your inbox: https://lnkd.in/d6mjjKPF

?? A win for water justice: A federal judge has extended a restraining order against drilling for the Big Sandy Lithium Project, protecting the Hualapai Tribe's sacred waters of Ha’Kamwe’ and Arizona’s finite groundwater resources. “So now that we’ve obtained the preliminary injunction, that means that they won’t be able to do any of the ground-disturbing work, including drilling for the duration of this case.” - Laura Berglan, senior attorney for Earthjustice ?? Gabriel Pietrorazio writes for KJZZ 91.5 FM Phoenix: https://lnkd.in/dwKyTgnc

"It’s daunting. A staggering amount of debris. But the lake is starting to rally around it," shared Tim Gestwicki of the N.C. Wildlife Federation, reflecting on the ongoing cleanup after #HurricaneHelene. Volunteers have already removed 20 tons of debris from Lake Norman, but with over 500 miles of shoreline, the task ahead is daunting. Beyond state funding, nonprofits like the NCWF and Catawba Riverkeeper are mobilizing to restore and protect the impacted waterways. Read more from Zachary Turner in North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC: https://lnkd.in/gX9hQmi5

Peatlands like the Great Dismal Swamp in North Carolina store carbon, reduce wildfire risks, and provide wildlife habitats. However, degradation has turned many into carbon sources instead of carbon sinks. Restoration efforts by The Nature Conservancy, supported by federal grants, aim to restore 33,000 acres of peatlands and protect an additional 10,500 acres—an impact equivalent to reducing emissions from up to 1.4 million cars annually. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/etmh5jNe

"I can’t think of a more generous gift to give to the community than to grow delicious, naturally organic food for the direct community. This is one of the noblest things anyone is doing today." – Katherine Wong, Crop Swap LA subscriber Crop Swap LA is proving that front yards can be so much more than grass. Their microfarms in South LA provide fresh, hyperlocal produce to 80 families while using a fraction of the water traditional lawns need. Learn more about the model from Cara Buckley for The New York Times: https://lnkd.in/e28nAHbh #UrbanFarming

?? The Water Cooler newsletter drops tomorrow! This month, we’re reflecting on the term “resilience” and what it means in a time of political and environmental uncertainty. Our team shares personal reflections, plus we’re spotlighting upcoming webinars on: ? Post-election implications for water policy, equity, and justice ? Storytelling lessons from the Just Infrastructure campaign Sign up for water news, insights, and resources: https://lnkd.in/d6mjjKPF

Rising heat is affecting outdoor workers in North Carolina, posing serious challenges for those in agriculture, construction, and transportation. North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC’s new zine, How Rising Heat Affects Outdoor Workers in North Carolina, uses art and storytelling to highlight these impacts. With illustrations by Durham-based Mexican-American artist Antonio Alanis, the zine raises awareness about the impacts of #ClimateChange while offering practical tips for those most vulnerable to heat-related illness. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/efqnCXjD