A coalition of water and wastewater leaders has launched the “No Community Left Behind” (NCLB) initiative to support solutions for the mounting challenges in the sector, including significant infrastructure needs, workforce challenges, regulatory demands, and the increasing costs of water services, which disproportionately affect communities that have been disadvantaged. An NCLB white paper, No Community Left Behind: Blueprint for Affordable, Equitable and Sustainable Water and Wastewater Services details the initiative.
“Communities are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the capital and regulatory costs of delivering safe and affordable water and wastewater services,” said Brent Fewell, Co-Founder of Water Finance Exchange and Co-Facilitator of NCLB. “This initiative is focused on helping communities understand whether voluntary regional solutions and collaboration can help.”
NCLB draws on extensive experience and expertise in successful regional approaches from its members. The initiative will further develop case studies, educational materials, and other guidance for local, state, and federal officials that are interested in exploring and implementing collaborative approaches to water and wastewater services.