July 21 – 22, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas
Cities, towns and municipalities across the United States are dealing with growing levels of water insecurity. In some places, extreme water shortages have led to drastic use restrictions, fees for violation and/or overconsumption, shutoffs for non-compliant users, and the looming threat of depleted reservoirs and citywide emergencies. In other places, extreme flooding and changing weather conditions have led to loss of life, service outages, and significant infrastructure damage that can require millions if not billions of dollars to recover from. Yet there are communities facing similar challenges who have far more secure water futures.
From infrastructure investment and innovation, desalination and reuse to aquifer recharge, storage and recovery – there are many creative solutions to water resource planning. And in some instances, communities are able to help with planning and financial support.
Co-hosted in partnership with San Antonio Water System (SAWS), this One Water Leadership Institute provided strategies, insights, and best practices for developing forward-looking water plans in collaboration with the community. Participants had the opportunity to learn from SAWS’ nearly three decades of experience incorporating meaningful public participation into their operations and planning processes, including forming and collaborating with advisory groups and community panels. Attendees visited SAWS’ H2Oaks Center to see firsthand how crises can become catalytic moments to lead from.
This event took place in July 2026.
One Water Leadership Institutes are free of charge for US Water Alliance members. If your organization is a US Water Alliance member and you did not receive an email with a registration link, please reach out to jbailey@uswateralliance.org.
