Dear John,

Access to clean drinking water is critical to our personal well-being and the welfare of our communities.  The COVID 19 pandemic has shown that the intersection of water and public health is more relevant than ever.

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, health officials are urgently advising individuals to adhere to basic hygiene practices like regular handwashing and ensuring all surfaces in the home and workplace are regularly cleaned and disinfected to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus. This requires a constant and dependable flow of clean water to every home and place of work.  Our utility operators have stayed on the job to ensure that drinking water and wastewater reclamation plants are working to provide clean water to our communities.

However, in 2016 (the most recent data available) every 1 in 20 households in the U.S. had their water shutoff by a public utility. These numbers disproportionately represent low-income and communities of color. Our most vulnerable populations are almost always disproportionately impacted, with often limited access to clean, safe and affordable water.  This is unacceptable under any circumstances, but much more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tell congress to protect clean water for everyone.

Some states and utilities have responded with programs to suspend shut-offs for non-payment and emergency reconnections for the duration of the public health emergency, but others have left families without access to clean and safe water. Congress must act to mandate that during this health crisis no family is left without clean and safe water for drinking and hygiene.

Now more than ever, as we face this public health emergency, we must take action to ensure access safe, clean, and affordable water for all.

Take Action Today!!

For the rivers,