[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION RESEARCH ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 
631, the ``Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act.'' H.R. 
631 recognizes the need to increase research, development, education, 
and technology transfer activities related to water use efficiency and 
conservation technologies and practices at the Environmental Protection 
Agency. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, the importance of protecting our water resource cannot 
be overstated. In economic terms, the measurable contribution of water 
to the economy is difficult to estimate. In environmental terms, water 
is the lifeblood of the planet. Without a steady supply of clean, fresh 
water, all life, including human, would cease to exist.
  The quantity, quality and economic problems we face as a result of 
our use of water are complex but, at least one of the causes of these 
problems is easy to manage--the way we waste water. And, the solution 
is straight forward--water conservation. Simply stated, water 
conservation means doing the same with less, by using water more 
efficiently or reducing, where appropriate, to protect the resource 
now, and for the future. Using water wisely will reduce pollution and 
health risks, lower water costs, and extend the useful life of existing 
supply and waste treatment facilities.
  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 
that water utilities will need about $277 billion for infrastructure 
construction, upgrades, and replacement during the next 20 years. In 
addition, waste water treatment utilities will need multi-billion 
dollar infrastructure upgrades and expansions, with much of this 
investment tied to the volume of water needing treatment. By reducing 
water consumption through efficiency measures, water and wastewater 
utilities can delay or reduce infrastructure costs, while reducing 
environmental impacts.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 631 will allow for the leading authorities to 
conduct the research on water consumption within major economic 
sectors. The surveys are highly detailed, carefully constructed to be 
statistically representative of the entire population, and are 
indispensable analysis and policy planning. In gauging the success of 
any water efficiency program, data on consumption, price, and product--
both prior to and after the research program's implementation--are 
needed to calculate the change in water use, cost, and product purchase 
tendencies.
  Establishing a baseline of consumption and price levels by sector for 
a variety of end-uses and customer classes will assists policy planners 
to better identify the highest-value products to target in designing 
their programs.
  Mr. Speaker, at least 31 water efficiency projects in Texas are ready 
to go and will create jobs and improve clean water supply, according to 
a quick survey conducted by the Alliance for Water Efficiency. The 
projects which provide a sample of water efficiency projects across the 
state include retro-fitting plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems, 
upgrading water meters, and planting water wise plants and other 
vegetation to decrease wasteful water use.
  I thank my colleague, Rep. Jim Matheson, of Utah, for introducing 
this important legislation, to ensure that we preserve our planet's 
most treasured resource, and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this H.R. 631.

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