Water sector leaders, including academia, technology providers, trade associations, and NGOs, are partnering in a new consortium to accelerate solutions to the world’s critical water and sustainability challenges. The Reservoir Center for Water Solutions, located in Washington, DC, will serve as a global collaboration hub to advance breakthrough water solutions and innovations.
Located on the banks of the Anacostia River, the Reservoir Center is designed to strengthen collaboration among the diverse set of stakeholders, from DC and beyond, who work together towards solving global water challenges. The Center’s thirty-three partners – including the US Water Alliance, the International Water Association, EarthEcho International, the Aspen Institute, and Reservoir sponsor and global water technology company, Xylem – will bring together their resources, knowledge, and partnerships to drive progress.
Through innovation programs, education and mentoring, and community outreach, the Center aims to create a vibrant hub for ideation and action on challenges like water scarcity, resilience and water affordability.
“We’re at a critical juncture for water,” said Mami Hara, CEO of the US Water Alliance. “Infrastructure stimulus and innovation mean we are now better placed than ever to address challenges around investment in water, climate resilience, water equity, and more. The Reservoir Center will be an important catalyst for progress – providing a common ground to advance knowledge sharing, cultivate partnerships and foster inclusive participation.”
Kate Jaffee, Assistant Director, Environment & Climate, Aspen Institute said, “We’re pleased to join with the other partners in the establishment of the Reservoir Center. Water sits at the center of so many of our global challenges. With this consortium, we pave the way for deeper, more inclusive dialogue – and bold action – on one of the major issues of our time.”
“Establishing the Reservoir Center is a commitment to strengthening collaboration within the water sector, and to strengthening water’s voice beyond it,” said Patrick Decker, president and CEO of Xylem. “The Center will be a hub for those interested in helping solve the world's water challenges to come together, deepen relationships, break down barriers and fast-track solutions. It’s a place where, together, we can write the next chapter for water and continue our work towards a more sustainable world.”
The Reservoir Center will be formally opened later today, during a ceremony attended by public officials from the U.S. and abroad, as well as a broad array of water affiliates and industry stakeholders. During the event, city officials from Washington, DC and retired National Football League (NFL) player and two-time Super Bowl champion, Chris Long, will deliver welcoming remarks. Established in 2015, the Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys initiative unites elite athletes and passionate fans in support of a single shared cause – providing clean, accessible drinking water to communities in need.
Ahead of its launch, the Center has already hosted a variety of ramp-up events ranging from river clean-ups, networking gatherings, and webinars, including a multi-stakeholder discussion on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Following the launch today, the Center will host a two-day discussion titled “Mobilizing Innovation to Advance Climate Resilience in the Water Sector” on June 21 and 22.
