An Equitable Water Future in the Great Lakes

About this grant

The U.S. Water Alliance is a coalition of water utilities, consultants, environmental and community organizations that work together to advance a holistic approach to water management. With the Mott Foundation’s support, the grantee has become one of the leading organizations advancing water equity in the United States today. The term “water equity” refers to a condition in which all communities have access to safe and affordable water regardless of race or economic status, share in the benefits of water systems and are resilient in the face of climate change and other stressors. The Water Equity Task Force, the first ever cross-sector, multi-city endeavor to make water management equitable, demonstrates how water utilities and front-line community organizations can improve outcomes for low-income people and communities of color through collaboration. Renewed support from the Mott Foundation will enable the grantee to scale up its water equity leadership and support to 75 cities nationwide, including at least ten in the Great Lakes region. Mott Foundation support will enable the One Water Summit, the nation’s premier convening of water leaders, to be held in the Great Lakes region in 2022. The U.S. Water Alliance will also provide expertise and leadership to a national convening around water affordability at the Aspen Institute and to a team working in Michigan with utilities and non-government groups on water equity.