“Resilient and sustainable sanitation is a problem in rural communities across the U.S.,” Colman Flowers said.

Nationwide, 2.2 million people live without running water or a flush toilet.

More on DEI backlash and how it's impacting sanitation access.

www.al.com/news/2025/04...

With the federal government forgoing its responsibilities, we need the state of Alabama to step up to the plate and continue to invest in wastewater infrastructure, especially in communities that have not gotten the investment that everyone else has gotten over the past several decades.

Couple that with areas like Lowndes County in the Alabama Black Belt where the soils make traditional septic solutions nearly impossible, and you have a situation where families are living with raw sewage all around their homes, neighborhoods and waterways.

If you are an American anywhere in this country located in an area where you do not have access to a centralized sewer system, you are responsible for paying the full cost of treating your wastewater properly.

We’ll provide helpful tips and a special training on how to talk to your legislators about issues important to you, and also about our latest important bill dropping this week. More info about that coming later this week - be on the lookout! www.alabamarivers.org/rad

Due to the winds and colder temps, we're headed inside at Pebble Hill. We'll still have partner mix and mingle, delicious hot chocolate, popcorn, S'mores and more! Bring your own mug and reusable cup and get ready for an awesome night of film and conversation. Details: www.alabamarivers.org/se2024

"Cindy also shares some fast facts about Alabama’s water ecosystem that you won’t want to miss! Tune in to learn more about the importance of protecting our rivers and the role we all play in preserving Alabama’s natural resources."

5. Attend ARA's Lobby Day on Rivers of Alabama Day Tuesday, April 8 to make our voices heard! Mark your calendars and request the day off to #DefendRivers with us in Montgomery!

Our collective voice is our greatest strength — let’s make ripples together!

alabamarivers.org/the-2025-leg...

4. You can also keep up with the session on the Alabama Channel, a tremendous resource from our friends at League of Women Voters featuring easily searchable recordings of all legislative meetings, including committee meetings. #ALPolitics

www.thealabamachannel.org

2. If you already know your legislator, we can give you talking points about bills we plan to introduce and ones we are monitoring.

3. Help us follow the action! If you see any concerning news articles or hear of any bills that impact water or the environment, let us know!

HOW CAN YOU STAY ENGAGED AND HELP DURING THE SESSION?

1. Stay tuned to your emails + posts from ARA -- and respond to our action alerts as you see them. There is incredible strength in numbers, and our elected officials must hear from you!

alabamarivers.org/the-2025-leg...

#DefendRivers #WaterIsLife #AlabamaRivers #RiversOfAlabama #EnvironmentalDocs #MobileAL #SpanishFort #Fairhope #MobileBay #SouthAlabama

Kelly was at the Salamander Festival in Homewood with Friends of Shades Creek, Cahaba River Society, Cahaba Riverkeeper, Alabama Environmental Council, Freshwater Land Trust and more to make sure Southern Exposure Films has great footage of this super well attended and much beloved event!

Our board member Alyssa was at the City of Montgomery's Lunar New Year Cultural Festival listening to the community talk about access to the mighty Alabama River, as well as let folks know about our new job opening in the area!

We also shared the history of the Alabama Water Plan and advocated to revive the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Water Policy and Management. We are super excited looking toward 2025 and all the ways we can #DefendRivers with our elected officials across the state!