TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY WATER COMMISSION ACT OF 2003
WHEREAS, The U.S. Conference of Mayors fully understands the important role that water
supplies plays in the economic development and sustainability of the nation's cities, their
populations, institutions and cultural and industrial activities; and
WHEREAS, the pattern of population growth and land use development in the nation has strained
the availability of fresh water supplies over the last half century; and
WHEREAS, water conservation measures have reduced per capita consumption of water by
about 20 percent between 1980 and 1995, achieved primarily by technology and best work
practices by the industrial and agricultural sectors of the economy; and
WHEREAS, municipal per capita consumption has increased by roughly 24 percent over the same
1980 to 1995 period even though water conservation measures have been implemented; and
WHEREAS, the nation's cities are experiencing increasing cost to ensure an adequate and
dependable supply of high quality water, and are currently purchasing water rights or striking
agreements for water use; and
WHEREAS, local government provides nearly 90 percent of the investment on water
infrastructure in the nation; and
WHEREAS, the need to plan for future water supplies and protect current water supplies is great,
and provision of adequate water supplies in the future will have a significant impact on the quality
of life in urban areas,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports, and
urges Congress to enact, H.R. 135 "The Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2003"
and its goal to develop a comprehensive water strategy designed to identify incentives to ensure a
dependable and adequate water supply for the next 50 years; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls upon Congress to
include a local elected Mayor to serve as a Member of the "Commission" to ensure that local
government which provides almost 90 percent of the funding for water infrastructure is properly
represented in the planning process.
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors 
