People, Policy Dialogue, and Policy Change 5th World Water Forum March 20, 2009 David W. Moody Past President American Water Resources Association

Assertions Associations can be the “ glue ” that holds water sector stakeholders together. Serve as an interface between science, management, policy, law, and civil society Serve as “ neutral ” meeting ground for the exchange of information, knowledge and perspectives Can sponsor dialogues that others cannot politically sponsor.

What is the American Water Resources Association? AWRA is a non-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of water resources management, research, and education. Mission - To advance multidisciplinary water resources education, management and research. Promise - A balanced, professional approach to solving water resources challenges in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Community, Cooperation, Connections

AWRA Objectives To advancement water resources research, planning, development, management and education. To establish a common meeting ground for physical, biological, and social scientists, engineers, and other persons concerned with water resources. To collect, organize, and disseminate ideas and information in the field of water resources science and technology

US Water Challenges

The Dialogues Sponsored/proposed by ten federal agencies Purpose: Identify policy issues and possible actions; provide input to WWF Regional Process (Dialogue 4) Outcomes: Letters to President, Members of Congress, Govenors and senior leaders; Summary reports

Stewardship of the Nation ’ s water resources is being neglected and the manner in which we deal with water issues is dysfunctional Letter to the President, Congress and Governors Feb 2007 The center of gravity for national water actions is shifting to the state level and should be backed by appropriate support from the federal government.

Fourth Dialogue Washington DC on Capital Hill Sponsored by AWRA, Environmental and Water Resources Institute(EWRI) of ASCE, National Wildlife Federation Identify Key Current Issues for New President Provide Input to 5th World Water Forum

Conclusions of 4th Dialogue 1. Need for a national water resources assessment 2. Need to develop a national vision and overarching principles to guide water resources development 3. Need mechanisms that better coordinate water activities 4. Re-evaluate changing relationships between federal, state, and local relationships 5. Federal actions must be taken in a watershed context and planned in partnership with states and local entities.

10 National Priority Watersheds “ Top 200 “ ( 10% Most Risk Acceptable Urgent High Low Moderate ( Non-Decisional. For Illustration ONLY. ) Water Stress Index National Watershed “Baseline” National Watershed 100-yr Intent Risk Triangle Watershed Triage National Priority Watersheds “Top 200” 10% Risk of NOT achieving 100-year “vision” $ “Top 200” 10% Risk of NOT achieving 100-year Vision

Third National Water Resources Policy Dialogue - January 2007 Arlington, VA

Outcomes Series of National Water Resources Policy Dialogues has led to periodic communications with the Office of the President, Congress, and Governors. Briefings of Congressional staff on issues Networking between Federal, State, and local water resources managers leading to a shared vision of where to go, what the gaps are, and common priorities Evolution of political will and momentum which comes from all parties moving in the same direction