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O
n September 9, the Water Environment Research
Foundation (WERF) and the Water Research
Foundation (WRF) released the executive report to
a new study exploring the significant impact the wa-
ter utility sector has on the U.S. economy. As reported in
the planned operat-
ing and capital investments of 30 public water utilities determined
that these water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities will contribute
approximately $524 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade
and will support roughly 289,000 permanent jobs.
Study results show that investments by utilities generate similar job
impacts as compared to investments in clean energy, transportation,
and healthcare. In addition, these investments generate more jobs per
$1 million than investments in military spending or personal income
tax. The total annual employment impact of the water utility sector ex-
ceeds the total workforce of many major cities, including New Orleans,
Miami, and Pittsburgh and the combined economic contribution
by utilities exceeds the gross regional product of metropolitan areas
Chattanooga and Santa Barbara.
In addition to the significant number of jobs sustained by the water
utility sector, utilities in the study anticipate major workforce replace-
ment hiring needs, with nearly one-third of their existing workforce
currently eligible for retirement. The current workforce replacement
needs of the water industry sector exceed the nationwide average.
New Research Reveals Substantial
Economic Impact of Water Utility Sector
O
n September 10, water leaders from across the sector
were in Washington, DC for a series of events co-hosted
by members of The Value of Water Coalition, includ-
ing NACWA, along with the American Society of Civil
Engineers; the Bipartisan Policy Center; Building America’s Future;
the National Association of Counties; the National League of Cities;
the National Urban League; and, the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The events focused on a new report,
released by the Water Research Foundation
and the Water Environment Research Foundation (see related ar-
ticle). The report’s findings, and the range of the organizations par-
ticipating in
Water Works! – Investing Together for a Stronger America
,
demonstrated the growing recognition of the water sector’s eco-
nomic importance and underscored that investment in our nation’s
water and wastewater infrastructure puts people to work, spurs eco-
nomic development, and builds a stronger America.
The report’s data confirms that 30 utilities from around the country,
representing 25% of the U.S. population, will contribute approximately
$524 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade and support
roughly 289,000 permanent jobs. Focusing on the findings of the re-
port, the leaders from a number of NACWAMember Agencies, and
others, participated in a number of events and media opportunities
– ultimately reaching 2.7 million via radio and satellite TV. At each
event and in each interview, the sector leaders showcased the report’s
Key Groups Take Water Works! Message to Capitol Hill
Karen Pallansch, NACWA President and CEO of Alexandria Renew Enterprises (center) provided introductory remarks at the September 10 press conference.
Speakers included (l to r) Reps. Tim Bishop (D-NY), and Bob Gibbs (D-OH), San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), and National
Association of Counties President and Maui County Council Member Riki Hokama.
