5 ORGS · 102 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Collective Action for Water Resilience

By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and unified advocacy among water utilities, agencies, and stakeholders, organizations build regional water security and policy influence, because coordinated, multi-jurisdictional efforts are more effective than isolated actions in addressing systemic water challenges in arid regions. This strategy centers on strengthening water management through collective governance, peer learning, and cross-sector partnerships. It distinguishes itself by focusing not on direct service delivery or technological implementation alone, but on aligning stakeholders—utilities, agricultural interests, policymakers, and professionals—around shared goals, leveraging their combined expertise and influence to achieve sustainable water outcomes. Unlike operational tactics such as conservation outreach or infrastructure investment, this approach targets the enabling environment for effective water governance.

5
orgs running it
102
activities of those orgs
12
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 5

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Professional Training for Water and Wastewater Personnel RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
    capacity building
    Offers training programs designed to enhance efficiency and foster professional growth among personnel working in rural water and wastewater systems.
  • Technical Assistance for Rural Utilities RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
    direct service
    Provides free technical support to rural water and wastewater utilities, delivered by licensed operators with expertise in water and wastewater systems, to assist with compliance, operations, and funding applications.
  • Technical Assistance for Rural Water and Wastewater Utilities RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
    direct service
    Provides free technical support and assistance to rural water and wastewater utilities to help them comply with state and federal regulations, manage day-to-day operations, and navigate funding applications. This support is delivered by licensed operators with expertise in water and wastewater systems.
  • Training and Professional Development RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
    capacity building
    Offers training programs to enhance efficiency and support professional growth for personnel working in rural water and wastewater systems.
  • Advocacy for Key Water Issues AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    advocacy
    Engages in advocacy efforts to promote awareness and action on critical water sector challenges.
  • Advocate for Water Issues AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    advocacy
    Promotes awareness and engagement on key water issues through advocacy efforts.
  • Advocate for Water Issues AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    advocacy
    Promotes awareness and engagement on key water issues through advocacy.
  • Annual Conference and Events Management AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    direct service
    Organizes the Annual Conference, including the 95th edition in 2022 and future events in 2025 and 2026, featuring committee meetings, seminars, training sessions, social events, and Operator Competitions. Implemented updated in-person meeting policies to facilitate event resumption post-pandemic.
  • Conduct Research and Publish Reports AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    research
    Conducts research and publishes reports on critical water issues, such as infrastructure costs, cyber threats to water systems, and the future of water, to inform the water community and public.
  • Conduct Research and Publish Reports on Water Issues AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    research
    Reports on legislative efforts to safeguard water from cyber threats, local water infrastructure developments, and publishes reports on the costs of sustaining essential infrastructure, and creates a long-term vision for the future of water through the Water 2050 initiative.
  • Conduct Research and Publish Reports on Water Issues AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    research
    Reports on legislative efforts to safeguard water from cyber threats, local water infrastructure developments, and evaluates public health data to inform event policies. The organization also publishes reports on infrastructure and affordability, and standards for the water community, and commemorates significant water legislation.
  • Develop Long-Term Water Vision AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    research
    Established the Water 2050 initiative to create a long-term vision for the future of water through collaborative and inclusive discourse, fostering partnerships and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Develop and Publish Water Standards AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    research
    Publishes over 200 standards to help the water community evolve, ensure credibility, quality assurance, and industry-wide consensus since 1908.
  • Host Annual Conferences and Events AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    direct service
    Organizes an annual conference, including operator competitions, and other events like the Stormwater Committee Meeting, Utility Forum Meeting, and the Stormwater Workshop, to provide programming and networking opportunities for members.
  • Host Annual Conferences and Events AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    direct service
    Organizes and hosts an Annual Conference, including the 95th Annual Conference, and accepts presentation abstract submissions for future events, featuring operator competitions.
  • Host Stormwater Workshops AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    capacity building
    Holds an annual Stormwater Workshop in Phoenix, featuring industry speakers and experts, and providing professional development hours for members.
  • Leadership and Workforce Development Programs AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    capacity building
    Offers leadership development through a structured Leadership Series covering emotional intelligence and other professional skills, and operates AZ Water WELL, a workforce development program providing classes and professional growth opportunities for members.
  • Member Engagement and Local Programming AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
    direct service
    Supports member-driven programming through volunteer committees, including the Tucson Luncheon Committee which has expanded beyond monthly events, and provides platforms like "The OC Forum" podcast to engage operations professionals.