Many of us may remember going on a school sanctioned summer field trip when we were kids. I am making this reference because my scheduled return flight from D.C. back home (Chicago) this summer was cancelled, but my go-to airline came through and put me on an earlier flight. I quickly scrambled to the Reagan airport. What I didn’t expect was walking up to the gate area to see a large gaggle of young grammar school students. While checking in at the counter, I noticed a priest standing just to my right. I turned to him and said, “Are you in charge of this field trip Father?” He smiled and said he was just one of the many guiding chaperones for the large group of 8th Graders. I thanked him for his service!

After many miles on my preferred airline, I normally get a decent seat farther forward. But when you are rebooked, all bets are off. I gladly took my seat towards the back. While I was the first one in the row, two of the 8th graders quickly jumped into my row, sat down and politely said hello. My first question was, “How did you like the Washington D.C. Field trip – and what did you see?” They went onto to say it was “cool” and they enjoyed seeing all the major sites and monuments – and even learning about how D.C. works (I bit my tongue a little). My next question was what school are you at? Much to my surprise, they were from a little Catholic Grammer School in the same town north of Chicago I’ve lived in for the last 30 years with my wife (raising our two children). Small world.

I got to thinking that I had just completed my own Field Trip on behalf of the Plumbing Industry (and our media brands – Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times). Courtesy of the PILC (Plumbing Industry Leadership Council) – the industry leading Consortium of top water and plumbing advocates, I had the privilege of traveling to Capitol Hill to advocate for a cause that touches every community: Water. This meeting and our visit to Capitol Hill was carefully organized by PILC as a coordinated effort to raise awareness and support for federal water policy reform. I joined fellow advocates and industry leaders in urging lawmakers to prioritize the continuation of supporting water safety, infrastructure, efficiency, and conservation in upcoming legislation.

The importance of water advocacy

Perhaps it’s taken for granted in the US, but worldwide, water is foundational - essential for life, public health, economic development, agriculture, and environmental protection. Yet across the U.S., aging infrastructure, drought, contamination, and climate change threaten the reliability and safety of our water systems. Without proactive policy and investment, these challenges will only worsen.

Our trip was focused on promoting policy solutions that address these growing concerns—ensuring that every community, regardless of geography or income, has access to safe and sustainable water. We also were there supporting the trades who install and service this critical infrastructure as well as the manufacturers and wholesale distributors that keep the supply chain full.

Growing up next to one of the Great Lakes, water scarcity didn’t seem like much of an issue. But seeing all the failing systems around the country, it is clear it’s time to act. Speaking with congressional representatives from Texas, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and even Hawaii, they all have concerns about the access and availability of fresh, clean, safe drinking water. This is not a red or blue issue. It is truly a bi-partisan issue… and just like your faucet – it has red and blue (hot & cold) on it.

Meetings on the Hill

Throughout the visit, we had the opportunity to visit the offices of important U.S. Senators and their staff, including:

• Senator John Kennedy (LA)
• Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI)
• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH)
• Senator Raphael Warnock (GA)
• Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)
• Senator Brian Schatz (HI)

Each meeting offered a chance to share stories from the field, highlight community-based solutions, and discuss how federal legislation supports local efforts. While each of the representatives brought a unique perspective, we were pleased to see the senators’ staffs had a shared recognition that water issues are both urgent and nonpartisan – and need to be integral to the budget as a whole.

Policy priorities

Our advocacy focused on three key areas:

1. Water Safety:
   We emphasized the need for continued investment in drinking water infrastructure, especially in communities dealing with lead contamination and aging pipelines.
2. Water Efficiency:
   By supporting the EPA’s WaterSense program and promoting high-efficiency technologies, we can help communities and businesses reduce waste, lower costs, and become more resilient.
3. Water Conservation:
   Healthy watersheds and restored ecosystems are essential for long-term water security. We discussed federal support for conservation programs that align environmental protection with economic sustainability.

Reflections and impact

One of the most powerful parts of the trip was witnessing how personal stories and local successes resonate with policymakers. Whether it was a community's struggle with water quality or the adoption of cutting-edge conservation practices, these conversations helped bridge the gap between policy and lived experience.

The trip reinforced for me that real progress happens through persistence, partnership, and storytelling. Advocacy isn’t just about asking for support - it’s about building trust and shared understanding.

This summer field trip was a reminder that we all have a role in shaping a more sustainable future. I return home inspired to continue this work—educating others, supporting water-smart policies, and staying engaged with our elected officials.

How you can get involved

• Contact your representatives to express support for water infrastructure and conservation funding.
• Practice and encourage water efficiency in your daily life—every drop counts.
• Join or support organizations that champion water justice and environmental protection in your community, city or state.

After many years in the plumbing industry, I’ve heard all cliches – like “water is the new gold”. Water (unfortunately) is a vital resource that too many times is taken for granted. D.C. needs to be reminded of that on a continual basis.

Just being part of this industry, you are in a position to influence our next generation coming in. There is a pride in our trade that needs to be communicated to that next generation. BTW, please take a moment and nominate someone in your company to be an industry Next Gen All-Star at https://www.pmmag.com/next-gen-all-stars.

A huge thank you to The Plumbing Industry Leadership Coalition (PILC) and to the NIST/Dept of Commerce (The National Institute of Standards & Technology) for opening its doors for our meetings as well as touring their testing & training facilities.

They say a person can typically survive for about 3 days without water, whereas survival without food can be extended to about 3 weeks. It truly is our most precious resource. Remember that when you jump in the pool or go to the water park this summer.

Water connects us all. Let’s work together to protect it.