The House Science and Technology Committee recently passed important water conservation legislation. On July 16th the Committee unanimously passed H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act, sponsored by Representative Jim Matheson (UT).

The legislation would establish a research and development program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote efficient water use and conservation. The bill would call for the research and development of technologies and processes that promote the collection, treatment, and reuse of rainwater and greywater. Some research has shown that many consumers are successfully harvesting rainwater and recycling greywater for use in their homes and for outdoor household activities, thereby reducing their overall water consumption.

The bill would also require research for innovative water storage and distribution systems and require the EPA to develop "best practices" guides for consumers and businesses. H.R. 3957 further requires EPA to create a strategic plan for water-use efficiency and conservation and work with the National Academy of Sciences to investigate and report on strategies for the management of water supplies, wastewater, and stormwater.

Finally, the measure calls on EPA to carry out at least four demonstration projects focused on water conservation technologies in residential and commercial buildings.

Since 1950, the demand for water in the United States has significantly increased, with Americans now using an average of 100 gallons of water per day per person. This increased demand has severely stressed water supplies and distribution systems. H.R. 3957 is intended to spur innovation in water efficiency and conservation technologies that will decrease demand for water in this country.

Our nation depends on ample, clean water supplies to preserve health, to sustain a high standard of living and to maintain the quality of ecosystems. ASLA urges the efficient use of available water supplies and applauds the U.S. Congress for taking steps to achieve this aim. ASLA will continue to monitor this measure as it moves through the legislative process and will work with legislators to achieve water conservation goals.