The U.S. Water Alliance has announced the recipients of its 2023 US Water Prize.
The US Water Prize recognizes outstanding achievements in the advancement of solutions to the water sector’s challenges. This year, eight award categories recognized organizations and individuals for their contributions to the sector. The awards ceremony took place at One Water Summit 2023.
“At a time when communities are feeling the brunt of water-related stresses, it is critical to shine a light on the One Water champions who have dedicated themselves to innovation and to developing scalable approaches to One Water solutions,” said Mami Hara, CEO of the US Water Alliance, in an online announcement. “We were deeply impressed with the caliber of nominations this year, and it’s exciting to witness the One Water vision come to life in so many different areas of this work.”
This year’s US Water Prize winners are as follows:
- Outstanding Public Sector Organization: Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District
A public sector partnership between the two districts helped to create the Groundwater Replenishment System, an expansion that recycles 100% of reclaimable wastewater. The completed project is capable of producing 130 million gallons of water per day.
- Outstanding Private Sector Organization: Rainplan
Rainplan is an online platform that provides a wealth of information about affordable stormwater management solutions nationwide.
- Outstanding Nonprofit Organization: DigDeep’s Colonias Water Project
The nonprofit DigDeep raised money to provide water access to Cochran in the Texas Colonias.
- Outstanding Cross-Sector Partnership: Corvias Infrastructure Solutions and Prince George’s County, MD: The Clean Water Partnership
The Clean Water Partnership is a community-based public-private partnership between Corvias Infrastructure Solutions and Prince George’s County, which works to improve stormwater management and community water access. The partnership places special emphasis on community engagement and workforce support.
- Outstanding Public Official: Pittsburgh City Councilperson Erika Strassburger
According the U.S. Water Alliance, Erika Strassburger has been a champion for water environment for the city of Pittsburgh throughout her tenure, supporting clean water initiatives.
- Outstanding Rising One Water Leader: Rob Woodman
Rob Woodman is Ferguson’s national green stormwater solutions manager, who has invested his time in educating communities on stormwater solutions nationwide.
- Outstanding Artist: Maritza Alvarez
Maritza Alvarez has helped produced films as part of the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples. The films Alvarez helped create provide accessible stories about the value of water and Indigenous experiences.
- Outstanding One Water Communication: waterloop
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet founded by Travis Loop. It explores the stories behind water challenges across the U.S. through podcasts, videos, and written news, placing an emphasis on advancements in sustainability and equity in water.
