COG Environmental Planner Heidi Bonnaffon is a facilitator of information exchange about the region's valuable water resources.

She brings challenges to the attention of member governments and utilities, tracks policies across jurisdictions, and helps communicate with the public about the value of water, the importance of infrastructure, and more.

Bonnaffon came to COG in 2005 after studying sustainable development and conservation biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and working for the National Association of County & City Health Officials. 

“Water can be taken for granted—you turn on the tap, and it’s always there,” said Bonnaffon. “I’ve gained a huge appreciation for water during my time at COG; conveying its value is important for the whole habitat.”

Here are a few of the ways Bonnaffon is raising the profile of water resource issues:

She’s launched two regional water-focused communication campaigns

As the committee manager for COG’s Community Engagement Campaign (CEC), a partnership of regional water utilities, Bonnaffon spearheaded the creation of Protect Your Pipes, a public education campaign encouraging proper care of household plumbing. The group created three sinister “clogging criminal” characters—Grease, Wipes, and Medications—for use in videos, ads, and on social media. The campaign playfully reminds residents that plumbing damage caused by these materials are costly to homeowners and wastewater treatment plants. 

Bonnaffon worked with COG’s legal counsel to license the Protect Your Pipes materials, making them available to local governments around the country. Revenue will be reinvested in the CEC.

“It was exciting to work collaboratively to build this campaign from the ground up,” said Bonnaffon. “I love that the CEC is so engaged."

Another campaign, TapIt, launched in 2012. This network of 1,000 area businesses provides residents and visitors with easy access to free tap water on-the-go, encouraging the use of reusable bottles. The network can be navigated using the campaign’s mobile-friendly website.

She ensures that local voices remain part of the conversation about the Chesapeake Bay

Metropolitan Washington lies within the vast Chesapeake Bay watershed. The health of the Bay and its tributaries, including the Potomac and Anacostia, is important for public health, quality of life, and the economy.

Bay restoration efforts involve many stakeholders, from federal agencies to state and local governments. Bonnaffon tracks and analyzes these activities for the COG Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee (CBPC), ensuring local voices remain part of the conversation. 

Last year, Bonnaffon coordinated CBPC lobbying efforts to push for Maryland legislation requiring that non-flushable wipes be clearly labeled “Do Not Flush.” This protects wastewater infrastructure and in turn protects the Bay.

And, when full federal funding for the U.S. EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program was in question, Bonnaffon worked with the CBPC to develop a Washington Post op-ed, letters to officials, and resolutions communicating the vital role of the federal government in continued Bay progress. The funding was preserved.

“I’m a bridge between members, identifying areas of policy crossover, amplifying their messages, and sharing their great work,” said Bonnaffon.  

She has her finger on the pulse of all things water, keeping members apprised of the latest issues affecting area waterways

Bonnaffon is managing the development of a landscaping guide to help residents create green spaces that are resilient to drought, that protect watersheds and drinking water, and control nuisance flooding using native plants and other techniques.

She is also exploring the impact of salts on water quality in local streams and drinking water, particularly those used for deicing. She will continue to track this issue on behalf of members, and seek opportunities for collaborating on a solution.

“There’s so much that our members need to know, especially in the water world,” said Bonnaffon. “I’m trying to get that information to them in a concise way to inform their work and serve their residents.”