The White House has launched a new strategy to build greater public and private support for a sustainable water future. The initiative focuses on increasing private investment in research and development of innovative water efficiency solutions. Goals include boosting water sustainability through the greater utilization of water-efficient and water reuse technologies and promoting and investing in breakthrough R&D that reduces the price and energy costs of new water supply technology.
The sustainability portion of the strategy aims at driving greater water reuse and efficiency for business, industry and municipal users, calling for reducing water usage by 33 percent. The R&D portion focuses on improving water security and developing technologies to achieve “pipe parity” for delivering water from non-traditional sources, such as reuse and desalination, equal to the cost and efficiency of water from traditional sources.
In addition, a new Center for Natural Resources Investments has been created at the Department of the Interior, which will promote increased private investment in water infrastructure and water exchange agreements in western states. A new funding opportunity for $20 million in water and energy efficiency grants will also be available through the WaterSMART program at Interior.
The White House will host a Water Summit on March 22, which will bring together water stakeholders from federal, state, private and NGOs to “catalyze ideas and actions” to help build a sustainable water future through innovative technology. The administration is seeking information about commitments, activities and actions that will support the summit goals.