Gary B. Scott, CPMM Glenbard Wastewater Authority Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 (630) 790-1901 x124

1. Gary B. Scott, CPMM Glenbard Wastewater Authority Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 (630) 790-1901 x124 GSCOTT@GBWW.ORG

2. What is Water is Life….. An education program… Designed to inform and to motivate the general public, ratepayers, and elected officials to invest in water and wastewater infrastructure.

3. Water Is Precious • 70 percent of Earth is covered by water, but only 1 percent is accessible freshwater • Water is a renewable resource

4. The Challenge… Infrastructure investment has declined dramatically; community challenges continue: Aging systems • Costly upgrades • Regulatory demands • Growing populations • In 10 years, water pollution levels may deteriorate to those observed in the 1970s if we do not invest in our infrastructure. (2005 Gap Analysis) U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

5. The National Challenge …. Mr. Tim Williams, WEF Managing Director of Governmental Affairs noted in part at our 2006 Annual Meeting: “The very systems responsible for providing us with clean and safe water are at or near the breaking point. Simply put, the pipes and pumps that do the job under our streets and in our facilities – Infrastructure – are getting older and falling apart…..The last national initiative to improve our facilities was over 34 years ago, and those gains are in danger. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that $485 Billion - $1.2 Trillion is needed over the next 20 years to make the necessary improvements across the country.”

6. The Central States Challenge …. • Needs in the CSWEA geographic area determined as of 2005 indicated: Illinois WisconsinMinnesota Water $6.15 B $3.10 B $3.01B Wastewater $4.89 B $3.33 B $2.61B • ARRA Submissions in the CSWEA geographic area (5/12/09) Illinois WisconsinMinnesota Water $4.75 B $177 M $3.01B Wastewater $ 6.2 B $ 1.1 B $2.31B • ARRA Funding in the CSWEA geographic area Illinois WisconsinMinnesota Water $ 80M $ 77 M $ 60 M Wastewater $180M $175 M $165 M

7. So, What’s the Problem? The need to reinvest in our water and wastewater infrastructure • In 10 years, water pollution levels may deteriorate to those observed in the 1970s if we do not invest in our infrastructure. • (2005 Gap Analysis) U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

8. Local Governments need to be committed to … Reversing the declining investment in America’s infrastructure by implementing a program that will educate and motivate public support for Infrastructure

9. What to Do? Strategy Overview • Organize an effective alliance • Mobilize and equip your water & wastewater utility with tools and materials needed • Create public outreach

10. Target Audiences - Internal • WEF Member Associations • Allied Organizations / Professions • Water & Wastewater Utilities • Committees

11. Target Audiences - External • General Public / Ratepayers • Funding Decision Makers • Business Leaders • Opinion Leaders • Civic Leaders • Reporters

12. - Centerpiece brochure - Folder - Fact sheets - FAQs - Talking points- PowerPoint presentations - How-to guide WEF Provides the Tools

13. WEF Provides the Tools - Media kits Sample press releases Sample opinion articles & editorials Sample letters to the editor - Campaign models Bill stuffers Sample display ads / PSAs - Topic brochures

14. What Can We Do to Support Water is Life Set a specific goal to support the program for 2009… Example: An increased understanding among elected leaders of the connection between the benefits of clean, safe water and the infrastructure systems that provide it. Seek support and run “Liquid Assets” public service program on local public television stations, to increase public awareness of critical funding needs.

15. What Can We Do to Support Water is Life Be a Champion… • Establish or join a CSWEA Committee to lead responsibility for educational activities or implement a public outreach program

16. What Can We Do to Support Water is Life… Utilize the Website… • Create an announcement on your Utility or Community website, link it to the National site: www.waterislife.net

17. What Can We Do to Support Water is Life… Participate..… • Give a presentation to Civic Organizations in your area • Get on the agenda of Community Board, Mayors or County electives, etc.,

18. Target Audiences AudienceMessageAction Local Rate-Payers Value of Services Support Bonds City Council Members Capital Funding Priority Vote Sufficient Funds State Legislators Public Health Needs Loan & Grant Programs WWTP Neighbors Professional WWTP Approach Community Support

19. What Can You Do to Support Water is Life… Focus on the Media… • Visit local editorial boards, pass out materials • Capitalize on any local event/issue and develop a press release

20. What Can You Do to Support Water is Life… Focus on elected officials… • Send the CS Water to Mayors and County electives, etc., when articles address infrastructure • Hold a seminar; Coordinate a brown bag luncheon or workshop and invite local elected officials, utility board members, and the press

21. What Can You Do to Support Water is Life… Go ahead, preach to the choir… • Talk about the infrastructure investment gap whenever possible • Create a Buzz • Member Association Meetings • Working Associates • Phone Contacts

22. Do You Know the Answer?

23. Questions

24. Linda Kelly Managing Director, Public Communications Water Environment Federation 703-684-2448 LKelly@wef.org