To protect public health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Water Matters! Fly-In will be an online event in April 2021. Holding the event virtually will maintain the direct connection between AWWA members and their representatives and senators in U.S. Congress, while observing social distancing recommendations.

AWWA’s Fly-In typically occurs in the spring and brings about 150 members to Washington to meet directly with their members of Congress and voice support for sound water policy and legislation.

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout hampering face-to-face meetings and many employers’ travel policies, AWWA still felt it was important to provide a forum for grassroots activism on behalf of the drinking water community,” said AWWA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs Tracy Mehan. “A new Congress will be seated in January, and a new presidential term will begin. This will make the 2021 Fly-In a particularly important one.”

AWWA is targeting the week of April 26 to schedule virtual meetings with members of Congress. AWWA’s government affairs staff will provide delegates with issue briefs prior to the event. There will be a debriefing and “lessons learned” webinar the week after the event.

Registration information, including dates and times for these events, will be coming in the fall.

For more information, contact AWWA government affairs staff members, Tommy Holmes, Nate Norris, or Patty Chism.

Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 51,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and enhance our quality of life.