CONTACT: Lorraine Loken
202-533-1819, cell 703-201-8811
Andy Larsen (for Milwaukee Water Council)
414-271-0101, cell 414/840-0891
(Washington, D.C., February 22) The Clean Water America Alliance announced winners today of the 2011 U.S. Water Prize for watershed-based approaches toward water sustainability. “These five water champions reflect the diversity of America and set a shiny example for innovating, integrating, and collaborating from coast to coast to sustain America’s most precious liquid asset,” explained Alliance President Ben Grumbles. U.S. Water Prize winners by alphabetical order are the City of Los Angeles, Milwaukee Water Council, National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and the Pacific Institute.
The City of Los Angeles, particularly the Bureau of Sanitation, and New York City Department of Environmental Protection are planning, integrating, and incorporating innovative green infrastructure approaches and increasing resource recovery through water reuse and other cutting edge technologies. Both cities are maximizing their resources through community partnerships and involvement. The Milwaukee Water Council (Wis.) is establishing public-private collaborations that advance water technology and promote economic development. As a result, the Milwaukee area is becoming known as a “World Water Hub.” A state-of-the-art facility, the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center (Alton, Ill.) is mobilizing volunteer communities around the confluence of two rivers and creating a national and international center for science, education and public outreach. The Pacific Institute is consistently in the vanguard of water issues from water use efficiency to climate change, informing political debate and elevating public awareness.
U.S. Water Prize winners will be honored in a special ceremony on May 9, 2011, at 5:30 p.m., in the Hotel Monaco of Washington, D.C. National water and environmental leaders will attend the celebration. Each recipient will receive a handcrafted ceramic art work commissioned from internationally acclaimed potter Miranda Thomas.
Background: Milwaukee Water Council
The Milwaukee Water Council was formed in 2007. Since then, the Council has worked to make it clear that water is a valuable resource, raising awareness that water is an essential asset for the community and its economic development. Thanks in large part to the Council’s work, the Milwaukee region is now being mentioned as one of the world’s leaders in water technology.
By harnessing the power of an existing industry cluster (more than 130 companies), linking a rapidly expanding academic research community and convening some of the nation’s brightest and most energetic professionals, the Milwaukee Water Council is turning the Milwaukee region’s focus toward the critical role of assuring clean water on a global level. This is accomplished by consistently bringing together all parties to leverage collaboration around advancing water technology. This includes the development of a hub built around education and the establishment of a freshwater school, research and development, and water-related industry.
The accomplishments of the Council are many in its short three years. For example: Milwaukee has been named a member of the UN Global Compact Cities Programme—the first and only city reaching this status for its action towards freshwater; Milwaukee has become the North American regional headquarters of the Alliance for Water Stewardship global initiative; And Milwaukee has become the first community to evaluate its impact on the water cycle through the water impact index.
Background: Clean Water Alliance
The Clean Water America Alliance created and administers the U.S. Water Prize to recognize achievement and inspire action for water sustainability. Black & Veatch, CDM, CH2M Hill, Malcolm Pirnie, Veolia, and Brown & Caldwell are proud sponsors of the inaugural 2011 award. For more information, visit http://www.CWAA.us.
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Formed in 2008, the Clean Water America Alliance is a nonprofit 501c3 educational organization whose goal is to unite people and policies for water sustainability. A broad cross-section of interests is coming together through the Alliance to advance holistic, watershed-based approaches to water quality and quantity challenges.
