Government Affairs: Federal

Water Caucus

With strong support from the Irrigation Association, Congress established a Water Caucus in June 2007 to promote a dialogue about water issues and provide timely, scientific information about water  resources and water use. Five members of Congress agreed to be co-chairs.

Co-chairs are Rep. John Linder, R-Ga.; Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif.; Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.; Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Calif., and Rep. George Radanovich, R-Calif.

In a letter encouraging colleagues to join the Water Caucus, leaders outlined the goals and "Twelve Principles of Water Policy."

Below is the text from the founding co-chairs of the Water Caucus:

The establishment of a Congressional Water Caucus will allow Members of Congress committed to the goals of promoting dialogue about our nation's water issues to have a meaningful educational venue and forum about how best to realize those goals. The Congressional Water Caucus will aim to provide timely, scientific information and dialogue about water resources and water use.

Twelve Principles of Water Policy
Congressional Water Caucus

1. Ensure an adequate supply of fresh water for U.S. citizens, securing a sufficient water supply for both urban and rural areas;
2. Consider all available technologies for increasing water supply efficiently, while safeguarding the environment, including the use of best management practices;
3. Recommend a means of capturing and storing excess water for future droughts;
4. Implement strategies to improve water use efficiencies and reduce water waste;
5. Support adequate funding to implement water re-use strategies wherever appropriate;
6. Advocate the coordination of efforts by Congress, the President, and state and local government to solve water issues;
7. Consolidate and streamline efforts between local, state, and Federal government agencies to reduce the bureaucratic red tape many local communities face when trying to build water reservoirs and other infrastructure needs;
8. Protect the rights of state and local governments;
9. Suggest financing options for new public works water projects;
10. Encourage Federal assistance to state and local governments to identify potential groundwater banking as part of sustainable water supplies;
11. Recognize international implications for water resources shared with other nations; and
12. Collect and share data related to water use and water quality to determine effectiveness of policy.

For more

IA Water Caucus Proposal (pdf 22KB)
Congressional Water Caucus Established (June 19, 2007)