NACWA Forms Alliance; CH2M Hill VP Named to Board
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) formed the Clean Water America Alliance (CWAA) as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help achieve changes in how water issues are discussed, managed, and solved, with a focus on holistic, watershed-based approaches.
Patrick T. Karney, global director and vice president of the Water Business Group for CH2M Hill, has been elected to the board of directors of the newly formed Clean Water America Alliance. The organization officially celebrated its launch on Sept. 24.
Karney brings to the table more than 20 years of experience managing publicly owned wastewater treatment systems and is well-versed on issues of importance to the environmental community.
Board members are leaders from various fields and viewpoints, including the private sector, municipal utilities, state agencies, the environmental and conservation communities, academia, and three former assistant administrators of water for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The vision of CWAA is to change the water paradigm so that the issues of clean water, drinking water, stormwater, and water reuse are no longer segregated. The organization will champion meeting future water challenges by focusing on sustainability, green cities, and watershed-based approaches.
"To ensure a sustainable future for our water supply, it is vital to share information and education with both citizens and policy makers about our nation's ability to provide clean and safe water for future generations. We must also recognize the successes of individuals and organizations for innovation and outstanding achievements in the water quality and quantity arena," says Karney. "The combined knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm of the CWAA's board of directors will no doubt lead to great success in changing the water paradigm. It is an honor to be involved."
The CWAA board of directors has already identified several key initiatives, discussed at the Washington, D.C., launch, to move forward in the coming year. For more about the Alliance, visit www.CleanWaterAmericaAlliance.org.