Water Equity Network

History of the Water Equity Network

In 2017, the Alliance released An Equitable Water Future, a definitive report on the water challenges facing historically marginalized communities and opportunities to leverage water investments to create social, economic, and environmental benefits for all people. Today, the Water Equity Network builds on over seven years of efforts to center equity in water management across the US. This effort started with the Water Equity Taskforce, which brought together seven cities working to implement equitable water management practices. Learn more about the Taskforce cities and read their roadmaps here.

The Water Equity Network Today

The Water Equity Network now includes over 40 cities nationwide committed to forging cross-sector partnerships and advancing equitable water management practices, policies, and programs. Explore the network cities below:

Hear about the Water Equity Network from members:

Together, members of the Water Equity Network…

Learn and Exchange
Members have opportunities to learn from water equity leaders across the country and share information on best practices and the latest innovations. Members also have opportunities to participate in both virtual and in-person networking and leadership exchanges where participants can learn and share about cutting-edge programs, policies, and partnerships that advance water equity.

Explore and Implement
In partnership with philanthropy, the US Water Alliance provides support for cross-sector community teams to turn their learnings into action. Through topic-based task forces, members participate in focused exploration and practice on a specific water equity topic of importance to their community such as workforce development, water affordability, climate action, and building capacity for equitable outcomes and partnerships.

Operationalize Water Equity and Create National Impact
Members of the Water Equity Network are making equitable water management the new normal in the United States. At the US Water Alliance, we understand water can be a force for equity and opportunity. Historically marginalized communities face an array of equity challenges: affordability, water quality concerns, flooding, and more. At the same time, water can be an essential part of building thriving, healthy communities for all. Water utilities are leading the way: they are anchor institutions that safeguard public health, protect the environment, and create economic opportunity. By collaborating with cross-sector partners, utilities within the Water Equity Network actively build more equitable water systems.