Facilitated by the US Water Alliance, the Water Equity Network includes anchor water and wastewater utilities, community-based organizations, resident leaders, environmental justice advocates, philanthropic partners, and more. Organizations committed to advancing water equity join the Water Equity Network to build community, learn from peers, and drive solutions locally.
Water Equity Network
Defining Water Equity
Equity refers to just and fair inclusion—a condition in which everyone has an opportunity to participate and prosper. Water equity occurs when all communities have access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water and wastewater services; are resilient in the face of floods, drought, and other climate risks; have a role in decision-making processes related to water management in their communities; and share in the economic, social, and environmental benefits of water systems. The Water Equity Network is making strides towards ensuring an equitable water future. Collectively, they are advancing the three pillars of water equity.
Pillars of Water Equity
Pillar 1
Ensure all people have access to clean, safe, affordable water service.
Pillar 2
Maximize the community and economic benefits of water infrastructure investment.
Pillar 3
Foster community resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Water Equity Network Background
In 2017, the Alliance released An Equitable Water Future, a definitive report on the water challenges facing historically underserved communities and opportunities to leverage water investments to create social, economic, and environmental benefits for all people. Following the release of this report, seven cities across the US joined together to create the first Water Equity Taskforce in an effort to implement these equitable water management practices in their respective communities. Between 2019 and 2021, each city published its own water equity roadmap.
Today, the Water Equity Network includes over 50 communities nationwide committed to forging cross-sector partnerships and advancing equitable water management practices, policies, and programs.
Learn more from Water Equity Network members:
Water Equity Network Action Taskforces
Action Taskforces
Water Equity Network members can turn learning into action through one of the Action Taskforces. Through guided programming and networking, Taskforces bring together local cross-sector teams to explore local water equity challenges and implement pilot programs that address community needs.
Water Affordability (2024 - 2026)
This Taskforce convenes community teams who are creating, implementing, and evaluating approaches to improve the affordability and resilience of their water services.
Water Workforce Development (2024 - 2026)
Utilizing the strategies and initiatives outlined in the Workforce Report, community teams in this Taskforce are piloting projects that advance a strong and equitable water workforce.
Racial Equity and Community Partnerships (2025 - 2027)
Through strategies outlined within the Racial Equity Toolkit, this Taskforce supports utilities with improving their racial equity practices and outcomes and in deepening community partnerships.
Community-Centered Planning (2026 - 2028)
Through this Taskforce, teams of utilities and community organizations will co-create or update a local or regional plan – such as a water conservation, water supply, capital improvement, or outreach plan.
Advancing Nature-Based Solutions
This Taskforce supports utilities, community organizations, and other key partners through collaboratively implementing nature-based, sustainable solutions, whether a policy, expanded program, strategic partnership, or on-the-ground project.
