Charting New Waters

Our mission is to be a catalyst for positive and lasting change leading to healthier environments and communities.

Charting New Waters

A Call to Action to Address U.S. Freshwater Challenges

Is the U.S. facing a looming freshwater crisis that could affect the nation's economy, the livability of our communities and the health of our ecosystems? In 2010 a diverse coalition of leaders in industry, agriculture, environmental not-for-profits and government unanimously agreed we are, and in response, issued a landmark call to action to ensure the quality and abundance of U.S. freshwater. Their intensive two-year collaboration gave birth to what has become an expanding network of organizations dedicated to catalyzing new solutions to U.S. freshwater challenges.

Together, we are "Charting New Waters."

Colorado Regional Freshwater
Forum

On October 18, 2011, nearly 100 participants representing diverse interests gathered for the Charting New Waters Colorado Regional Freshwater Forum at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The Forum brought together water experts and stakeholders from Colorado and other regions to explore Colorado’s experience developing solutions to a selected set of complex freshwater challenges.

The discussions centered on how solution-oriented efforts in the state can inform freshwater problem-solving in Colorado as well as other regions of the United States. The Colorado Regional Freshwater Forum was the first of three forums seeking to highlight innovative freshwater solutions and share them among leaders in different regions of the country and with federal decision makers.

Water in the West – What Does
the Future Hold? Watch Video The Johnson Foundation's Lynn Broaddus and other experts discuss critical freshwater issues on Rocky Mountain PBS’ Colorado State of Mind.

Financing Sustainable Water
Infrastructure

Innovative financing and pricing flexibility are key to preparing the nation’s aging freshwater systems to handle growing demand and environmental challenges, according to a Charting New Waters report released by The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, American Rivers and Ceres .

Largely built on systems developed during the 19th and early 20th centuries, U.S. water infrastructure faces problems of aging components, outdated technology and governance systems ill-equipped to handle current consumption, environmental and economic problems. In order to achieve more sustainable, resilient and cost-effective freshwater systems, the report recommends a different approach to financing structures that incorporates new perspectives and input.

Report Release Webinar

Watch our webinar for highlights of the key issues contained in this report.

Press Release--New Report Taps into Innovative Financing to Secure Future for Sustainable Water Infrastructure

Commitments

The issuers of "Charting New Waters: A Call to Action to Address U.S. Freshwater Challenges," were compelled to demonstrate their commitment to advancing their vision and recommendations. Each has committed their respective organization to specific action to lead the nation toward a future of sustainable and resilient freshwater resources. These leaders encourage others across the United States to join them in taking the steps necessary to protect our nation’s freshwater resources. For more information about the commitments or the Freshwater Call to Action, contact Wendy Butler, wbutler@johnsonfdn.org.

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Charting New Waters