2025 US Water Prize Winners
Outstanding Public Sector Organization
Washington State Department of Ecology
The Washington State Department of Ecology’s Floodplains by Design program is a leading example of One Water in action. By bringing together communities, tribes, farmers, conservationists, and state agencies, the program delivers integrated solutions that reduce flood risk, restore critical salmon habitat, support agriculture, improve water quality, and strengthen local economies. It is a model for how collaborative, multi-benefit water management can protect people, ecosystems, and livelihoods.
Outstanding Private Sector Organization
Seven Seas Water Group
The Seven Seas Water Group partnered with the City of Alice to deliver Texas’ first brackish water desalination plant through a public-private partnership. This innovative One Water project uses a drought-resistant, local water source, the brackish Jasper Aquifer, to reduce dependence on surface water and improve long-term resilience. This partnership model is proof that collaboration drives change, creating a replicable model for sustainable, integrated water management across the American Southwest.
Outstanding Nonprofit Organization
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
This groundbreaking coalition of 260 municipal and Indigenous governments across multiple countries is a great example of One Water at a regional scale. The diverse coalition is working together to protect and restore one of the largest freshwater systems in the world. From helping cities replace lead service lines and improve water equity to advancing coastal resilience through nature-based solutions, the Cities Initiative encourages sharing knowledge, solving problems, and breaking down traditional silos to allow water to be treated as a shared resource that connects environment, health, and economic vitality.
Outstanding One Water Communication
Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department
Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department’s Water is Life campaign is a compelling example of how storytelling and engagement can bring One Water to life. Water is Life is more than a slogan: it’s a call to recognize the essential role water plays in every part of our lives. But what truly sets this campaign apart is how it harnesses the power of local partnerships. By teaming up with local schools, sports teams, artists, and community organizations, the campaign turns water education into something personal and accessible, encouraging all residents to view water as a shared responsibility and building a culture of stewardship and resilience.
Outstanding Rising One Water Leader
Ryan Barton
Ryan is a hydrologist for the Navajo Nation’s Department of Water Resources. While primarily a scientific role, Ryan also relies heavily on project management skills, deftness in building community, and an ability to inspire Tribal and non-Tribal leaders into action, bringing water to distant communities within the Navajo Nation. With his deep-rooted commitment to the Diné people and the Navajo Nation, mastery of hydrology, and an unyielding drive to innovate, Ryan is the embodiment of stewardship, resilience, and collaboration in the water field.
Outstanding Rising One Water Leader
Jocelyn Lu Morinishi
Jocelyn currently serves as a Senior Associate Engineer at Brown and Caldwell, where she advances One Water innovation and leads cutting-edge water reuse projects. Jocelyn leads the Communications Committee for the California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA), bringing together leaders from the state’s largest water utilities to align messaging and strategy around One Water, affordability, workforce development, and advocacy. She was deeply involved in Pure Water San Diego and has held leadership positions with WateReuse San Diego, where her vision and commitment have helped shape regional progress.
Outstanding Artist
Bobby Zokaites
Bobby is a public artist whose work transforms urban landscapes into thought-provoking installations that highlight the connection between water, land use, and cultural evolution. “A Time Machine Called Tinaja,” one of Bobby’s public art installations, serves as a striking visual representation of Phoenix’s evolving relationship with water and land use. The location and accessibility of the piece have allowed it to reach thousands of residents and visitors and help evolve community engagement around water decision-making.
Outstanding Public Official
The Hon. Kate Gallego
Mayor Gallego serves as Chair of the Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of 350 mayors demonstrating climate leadership through action. During her tenure, she spearheaded a Western Water Security cohort to address water shortage issues across the lower and upper Colorado River Basin states. She also serves as Vice Chair of C40 Cities, bringing water and climate issues to the global stage. In Phoenix, she has been a visionary leader on sustainability issues and procured significant funding to help protect the city’s water access for decades to come.
Outstanding Water Workforce Member
Jeremi Watkins
Jeremi is the Drainage and Wastewater Crew Chief for Seattle Public Utilities, a role that he has earned over the course of eight years at SPU through intentional professional development, a commitment to building a strong team and culture, and dedication to serving his community. His journey, preceded by eight years of service in the US Army National Guard and Reserves, including a tour in Afghanistan, has shaped him into a leader who expertly navigates complex technical challenges and customer interactions with both skill and genuine care. He is a devoted culture-builder, mentor, and essential member of SPU’s water workforce.
People’s Choice Award for Social and Innovative Media
Walnut Valley Water District
Walnut Valley Water District knows how to turn everyday water service into something memorable. Through eye-catching reels, interactive campaigns, and fun, approachable content, they are reimagining how communities connect with water. They break down complex issues into clear, engaging moments that inspire curiosity and build lasting awareness. Every post brings people closer to the essential work behind the tap—and why it matters more than ever. With creative leadership from Stephanie Fu and Katrina Lumague, their team proves that communication can be a game-changer for sustainability.