STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
One Water Approach
One Water is a collaborative planning and implementation approach that fosters integrated and equitable management of water resources for long-term resilience and reliability, meeting both community and ecosystem needs.
A “One Water Community” holistically manages all water systems to meet the needs of all people and the environment, today and in the future.
Communities throughout the world are transitioning toward the One Water approach to improve efficiency and reduce costs while addressing climate change adaptation, resilience to extreme events, and social equity and environmental justice. The One Water paradigm addresses both integration of physical systems across traditional disciplines and integration of agencies across traditional sectors. It promotes coordination among various departments or functions of cities and auxiliary agencies in charge of planning, water
supply, wastewater management, storm and flood waters, water quality, and watersheds.
Urban
We use the One Water approach to foster integrated management of urban water systems to meet the diverse needs of residents and the environment.
Agriculture
We develop data management and analysis tools for improved efficiency of agricultural water, conservation strategies, and best management practices.
Ecosystem
We tackle environmental challenges in aquatic ecosystems through a holistic approach that reduces human impacts on the natural environment
Access
We help communities implement thoughtful water management strategies that help to ensure social, environmental, and economic equity.
One Water Communities
Throughout the world, cities are transitioning toward the One Water approach to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and address climate change, social equity, and environmental justice
We aim to help utilities and municipalities identify effective strategies and viable technological, policy, institutional, and financial pathways toward One Water.
We have developed a One Water Communities (OWC) Self Assessment Framework and Rating System with key metrics and benchmarks to assess the progression toward One Water by considering benefits, co-benefits, and competing trade-offs.
The framework includes commensurate indicators and a 1-to-5 rating system to measure progress toward implementation of One Water goals, strategies, and implementation actions
Urban Water Systems
As pressures on urban water systems, such as aging infrastructure, population growth and climate change, are ever increasing, communities are seeking new approaches to ensure safe and reliable water supply. The One Water approach is rapidly garnering the interest of utilities and water managers across the U.S. One Water is a collaborative planning and implementation approach that fosters integrated and equitable management of water resources for long-term resilience and reliability, meeting both community and ecosystem needs.
OWSI promotes the One Water approach to address integrated management of urban water systems through research and outreach activities.
Expertise
- Use of alternate water sources (e.g. stormwater, graywater and treated effluent)
- Assessing benefits and efficacy of green infrastructure, urban stormwater control measures and Low Impact Development (LID)
- Assessing impacts of water management strategies on urban livability
- Decentralized strategies for water treatment and supply
Agricultural Systems
Our team develops data management and analysis tools for improved management of agricultural water. These tools address both quantity and quality of agricultural water. We also develop integrative analysis capacities to assess how changes in land use, population and climate influence allocation of water for agricultural production.
Our hydro-economic tools enable robust analysis of the effects of water and land policy regulations on the viability of the agricultural sector. OWSI tools are commonly used to assess the water quality effects and ecosystem benefits of agricultural conservation and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Ecosystem Services
Aquatic ecosystems provide a myriad of functions including water quality improvement, stormwater abatement, homes for biota, protection from flooding, and recreational opportunities. Despite these benefits, streams, lakes, and wetlands are polluted and even destroyed because of expanding human development. To solve environmental challenges in these systems a holistic watershed-based approach is needed.
We bring together transdisciplinary teams of engineers, ecologists, social scientists, and local stakeholders to provide solutions which work in harmony with the existing ecosystem processes.
Accessible Water Systems
Impartiality in water management means providing equal and affordable access to drinking water and sanitation services while maintaining healthy watersheds throughout the community. Water equity can only be achieved when everyone has a fair chance to participate in water management decision-making processes, all members of the society benefit from various aspects of water systems, and all communities have access to safe and affordable drinking water and wastewater services (Denver One Water Plan).
We have developed a One Water Communities framework to help cities implement equitable, just, safe and affordable water services while also improving community livablity and quality of life.