The Nation's Capitol provides facts, figures and torrential downpour
By Kortney Scroger
Arlington, Va., June 7, 2013 – Upon descent from cruising altitude, our nation’s Capitol came into view; monuments and buildings only previously seen in photos by several of the researchers came closer and closer to reality.
The Tapped Out team, worn and hungry, left the Reagan National Airport with their plethora of luggage they have begrudgingly been carrying across the country to navigate the historic city that is Washington, D.C.
After unpacking and preparing for the next busy day of interviews, it was time for the team to hit the hay. But not before taking a few quick seconds to enjoy their surroundings: from the deep purple door to the dark wood floors and intricate detailing, their Old-Town Alexandria residence surely provided a true colonial experience.
The morning of June 6th started at 6:30 am for the team, who then made a necessary pit stop at the closest Starbucks before venturing to their first interview of the day at the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). They met with Joseph Doss, president and CEO of the IBWA. This interview was an eye opening one, as Doss broke down many of the common misconceptions in regards to bottled water in terms of health, safety, and sustainability.
More specifically, Doss talked about the positive and negative impacts of the industry on the health of humans and the health of the environment. Some facts that Doss shared with the team were that the recycling rate for plastic water bottles is 39 percent, and is on the rise with the IBWA’s work to increase curbside recycling. And interestingly, out of all the water in the United States, bottled water only accounts for .02 percent.
After shaking hands and exchanging farewells, the Tapped Out team split into teams of two to cover more ground. One team went to meet with Nancy Stoner, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while the other team met with Chris Williams who is the Senior Vice President of conservation at American Rivers. The intention for both interviews was to get a general idea of how water in the United States is regulated (EPA) and how water systems work and their importance (American Rivers).
The teams then reconvened for one last interview. This interview was held inside the Department of the Interior with Michael Connor, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. This interview was a little tougher for the team to get to, however. Armed with large bags full of cameras, oddly-shaped lights, and audio kits, the team was subject to much scrutiny by the security officers guarding the building.
After enduring what seemed like airport security and thorough equipment inspections, the team was permitted to haul their 75-plus pounds of equipment to the elevator and down the hallway that felt like it would never end.
But the team finally reached their destination, the Commissioner’s office. It was beautifully decorated with historical artwork and furnishings, making the process of setting up the interview frame quick and easy. To boot, the interview with Commissioner Connor was a complete success. From the importance of water management both locally and globally, to the development of infrastructure and maintenance, Commissioner Conner covered the entire scope of services the Bureau of Reclamation provides to ensure a reliable water supply to all communities.
After a full day of interviews, the tired crew packed the rental minivan, lovingly nicknamed the “Starship Enterprise,” and drove back to Virginia to the temporary homestead to freshen up before dinner and some monument hopping.
Unfortunately, the Washington, D.C. weather had other plans, and the closer we got to the city the heavier the rain fell. So instead of getting drenched, the team enjoyed a driving tour of the city, crossing their fingers for clearer weather to come.
By Kortney Scroger
Arlington, Va., June 7, 2013 – Upon descent from cruising altitude, our nation’s Capitol came into view; monuments and buildings only previously seen in photos by several of the researchers came closer and closer to reality.
The Tapped Out team, worn and hungry, left the Reagan National Airport with their plethora of luggage they have begrudgingly been carrying across the country to navigate the historic city that is Washington, D.C.
After unpacking and preparing for the next busy day of interviews, it was time for the team to hit the hay. But not before taking a few quick seconds to enjoy their surroundings: from the deep purple door to the dark wood floors and intricate detailing, their Old-Town Alexandria residence surely provided a true colonial experience.
The morning of June 6th started at 6:30 am for the team, who then made a necessary pit stop at the closest Starbucks before venturing to their first interview of the day at the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). They met with Joseph Doss, president and CEO of the IBWA. This interview was an eye opening one, as Doss broke down many of the common misconceptions in regards to bottled water in terms of health, safety, and sustainability.
More specifically, Doss talked about the positive and negative impacts of the industry on the health of humans and the health of the environment. Some facts that Doss shared with the team were that the recycling rate for plastic water bottles is 39 percent, and is on the rise with the IBWA’s work to increase curbside recycling. And interestingly, out of all the water in the United States, bottled water only accounts for .02 percent.
After shaking hands and exchanging farewells, the Tapped Out team split into teams of two to cover more ground. One team went to meet with Nancy Stoner, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while the other team met with Chris Williams who is the Senior Vice President of conservation at American Rivers. The intention for both interviews was to get a general idea of how water in the United States is regulated (EPA) and how water systems work and their importance (American Rivers).
The teams then reconvened for one last interview. This interview was held inside the Department of the Interior with Michael Connor, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. This interview was a little tougher for the team to get to, however. Armed with large bags full of cameras, oddly-shaped lights, and audio kits, the team was subject to much scrutiny by the security officers guarding the building.
After enduring what seemed like airport security and thorough equipment inspections, the team was permitted to haul their 75-plus pounds of equipment to the elevator and down the hallway that felt like it would never end.
But the team finally reached their destination, the Commissioner’s office. It was beautifully decorated with historical artwork and furnishings, making the process of setting up the interview frame quick and easy. To boot, the interview with Commissioner Connor was a complete success. From the importance of water management both locally and globally, to the development of infrastructure and maintenance, Commissioner Conner covered the entire scope of services the Bureau of Reclamation provides to ensure a reliable water supply to all communities.
After a full day of interviews, the tired crew packed the rental minivan, lovingly nicknamed the “Starship Enterprise,” and drove back to Virginia to the temporary homestead to freshen up before dinner and some monument hopping.
Unfortunately, the Washington, D.C. weather had other plans, and the closer we got to the city the heavier the rain fell. So instead of getting drenched, the team enjoyed a driving tour of the city, crossing their fingers for clearer weather to come.