Congress: Support Post-Disaster Mitigation Programs - Clean Water, etc.

Today I’m writing in support of strengthening Federal programs aimed at post-wildfire and flood mitigation, something that FEMA, and other federal agencies, like the US Forest Service can help. States cannot do it alone, communities cannot, either. But all of this is in jeopardy: We cannot keep cutting and cutting and expect people to simply get on with their lives. Numerous recent wildfire and flooding events around the country highlight critical concerns over access to clean drinking water in the aftermath of such disasters. This is something no one really thinks about once the cameras turn off and media attention is diverted, but As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires and extreme weather events and flash floods, it is imperative that we strengthen our preparedness and response capabilities to safeguard community water supplies. As an example, the water crisis in Las Vegas and surrounding areas demonstrates how existing infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle post-fire conditions like debris flows and ash contamination. Los Angeles fires have encountered similar contamination. Floods also cause long term problems with water quality, and there have been too many examples to name. The emphasis may be on the tragedy, but never enough about the recovery from floods. Investing in resilient water treatment facilities and distribution systems that can withstand these challenges is crucial to maintaining access to safe drinking water during and after such events. However, states and municipalities need federal aid. The water contamination situation underscores the need for robust private well testing and remediation programs to address potential chemical and bacterial contamination from fire runoff. Many rural residents rely on these private sources of water and lack the resources for comprehensive testing and treatment. Proactive forest management, including controlled burning and thinning in high-risk watersheds, can mitigate the severity of fires and subsequent flooding, protecting critical water sources. Allocating federal tax dollars for such preventive efforts is an investment in preserving community health and resilience. Ensuring equitable access to clean water in the face of increasing environmental threats is a matter of public health, safety, and environmental justice. I urge you to prioritize federal support for infrastructure improvements, well testing initiatives, and sustainable forest management practices through legislative action and funding. The long-term viability of communities in fire-prone regions depends on addressing these pressing water security challenges. Thank you for your attention to this matter.