“The One Water approach is gaining prominence for its ability to move communities toward reliable and resilient water systems, but many utilities have expressed the need for tactical steps or guidance to develop a One Water framework,” said Rob Renner, chief executive officer of the Water Research Foundation. “Our goal with this blueprint is to give agencies the tools they need to get started, which we hope will lead to more widespread adoption and implementation.”

 

The blueprint features lessons learned from early One Water adopters, plus spotlights on how visionary leaders are successfully applying the concept, along with recommendations for integrating a multi-stakeholder process. 

 

The blueprint includes:

• Critical steps and important actions toward the development of a One Water framework
• Methods for overcoming potential barriers and obstacles
• Key outcomes and milestones for each critical step
• Over a dozen case studies of One Water early adopters

Brown and Caldwell developed the blueprint, which was sponsored by Water Research Foundation (WRF) project #4660, with input from over 800 water professionals who participated in an international survey, more than 10 one-on-one interviews, and a two-day international workshop with 35 water professionals.

 

 “With increasing uncertainties and challenges influencing the quantity and quality of this critical resource, utilities must commit to new ways of thinking to maintain reliable and resilient water systems,” said Wendy Broley, Brown and Caldwell water reuse leader and a co-principal investigator on the blueprint. “Many utilities implement One Water projects by starting small and building on successes, having discovered that as they innovate, others follow their lead. The Blueprint for One Water guidance document is a valuable starting point for this work to begin.”

 

The Blueprint For One Water can be accessed digitally here: http://www.waterrf.org/Pages/Projects.aspx?PID=4660