One Water Networking

The Clean Water America Alliance is mobilizing a network of leaders representing an array of research foundations, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to unite for Sustainable Integrated Water Management (SIWM).  The goal is to reach points of consensus, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and begin to develop an action plan that will lead to the advancement and implementation of “One Water Management.”  In addition, this action-oriented network will work hand-in-hand with research institutions to analyze best practices, support demonstrations, and test decision-making tools for utilities.  The Alliance will organize the first meeting of leaders, potential MOU signatories, by invitation only, on February 10, 2012, in Washington D.C., at the Dupont Hotel.  This meeting will be supported by the Water Environment Research Foundation.  The strength of this network may act as the basis for research funding decisions over the next 2-5 years in SIWM.

Background

The MOU to form a network is the next step in the evolution of a body of work that began with the creation of the Alliance and its mission to “unite people and policies for water sustainability” in 2008.  With roots in three national dialogues – The Need for an Integrated National Water Policy, What’s Water Worth, and Managing One Water, the conversation culminated in 2011 by engaging water sector leaders in the development of a draft Water Sustainability Principles for a National Policy Framework.  Now in 2012, these draft principles are a starting point to begin a more substantive conversation toward action plans that can lead to implementation.  Breaking down barriers, entrenched “silos,” within the water sector and without, will be a long process with political, policy, institutional, and technical aspects.  A network willing to lead and determined to stay on the path will be essential to its success.  The Alliance is uniquely qualified through its mission, and diversity in membership, to mobilize this force and guide it in the steps ahead.

Contact

Lorraine Loken
Senior Vice President
202.533.1819
lloken@cwaa.us