2023 US Water Prize Winners
Outstanding Public Sector Organization
Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District
Demonstrating a deep commitment to the One Water practice, this public sector partnership created the Groundwater Replenishment System. The recently completed project expansion, which recycles 100% of reclaimable wastewater, produces 130 million gallons of water per day; enough to serve a customer base of more than one million people.
Outstanding Private Sector Organization
Rainplan
This online platform empowers each of us to adopt and implement affordable green stormwater solutions tailored to our environments.
Outstanding Nonprofit Organization
DigDeep’s Colonias Water Project
DigDeep created and enacted a plan rooted in integration and partnership to provide water access to Cochran in the Texas Colonias by working collaboratively with residents, other local nonprofits, and county officials to create a new model for public-private partnerships. The nonprofit raised money from non-government sources, and once infrastructure was installed, Cochran residents became eligible to apply for state and federal funding to complete additional infrastructure, including streetlights and electricity.
Outstanding Cross-Sector Partnership
Corvias Infrastructure Solutions and Prince George’s County, MD: The Clean Water Partnership
The Clean Water Partnership sets the standard for cross-sector collaboration by bringing together 26 entities in the name of improving community water access and sustainability, with a focus on community engagement and workforce support.
Outstanding Public Official
Pittsburgh City Councilperson Erika Strassburger
Councilperson Strassburger has been a water champion for the city of Pittsburgh during her tenure, supporting the installation of stormwater solutions in public parks and advocating for policy changes to help prevent water pollution.
Outstanding Rising One Water Leader
Rob Woodman
As Ferguson’s National Green Stormwater Solutions Manager, Rob has been an impactful leader and changemaker, focusing on educating and engaging communities and pushing the envelope on stormwater solutions across the country.
Outstanding Artist
Maritza Alvarez
Through her filmmaking as part of the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples, Maritza has created accessible stories that elevate the water knowledge and experience of Indigenous and other historically silenced communities.
Outstanding One Water Communication
waterloop
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet dedicated to exploring solutions for the nation’s pressing water challenges through its podcasts, videos, and online news content. Founder Travis Loop places a strong emphasis on stories involving advancements in sustainability and equity in water.