Fourth Water 2050 Think Tank report envisions future water governance

The latest report from the Water 2050 initiative led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) summarizes recommendations from a think tank focused on future governance.

The Water 2050 Governance Think Tank Report recommends actions in four broad categories:

• Implement a “One Water” governance approach
• Optimize utility governance and business models
• Develop governance that promotes innovation and sustainability
• Advance collaboration to drive governance innovation

The 27 participants in the Water 2050 Governance Think Tank met Feb. 27-Mar. 1 in Washington, D.C. The group included respected experts from the water and wastewater utility community, regulatory and international development agencies, manufacturing and consulting firms, advocates, academics, and CEOs. Participants engaged in facilitated discussions and developed nine recommended actions, which can be found in the full report.

Water 2050 is a collaborative effort to envision the future of water and chart a course for sustainability. The fifth and final Water 2050 think tank addressing social and demographic factors will be April 26-28 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Information from the five think tank reports will be consolidated into a final Water 2050 summary, with highlights presented at AWWA’s 2023 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE23) in Toronto.

To learn more or engage in AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative, visit the Water 2050 webpage.