WaterNow is excited to announce that nominations are now open for our 2026 Emerging Leader Awards! These annual awards honor outstanding mid-career water professionals who come from backgrounds underrepresented in the water utility space and are leading innovative, resilient, and sustainable water management solutions in their communities.
Since 2021, WaterNow has recognized a wide range of exceptional leaders from across the country. Awardees have led initiatives such as developing community-driven green stormwater infrastructure strategies, advocating for low-water-use landscapes, and managing their community’s lead service line replacement programs. Their achievements showcase the creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking that the Emerging Leader Awards are meant to honor and elevate.
For the 2026 cycle, WaterNow invites colleagues, partners, and WaterNow members to nominate themselves or individuals who:
- Work at a utility, municipality, special district, or other public entity with responsibility for drinking water, wastewater, and/or stormwater services
- Have approximately 3-10 years of professional experience
- Lead transformative cultural change in the areas of sustainability, affordability, or community engagement.
Selected Emerging Leader awardees will receive peer recognition at an annual Awards Ceremony, receive a $1,500 stipend to support their leadership training and professional development, and participate in dedicated networking and educational opportunities throughout the year through the Emerging Leader Cohort Program.
George Hawkins, CEO of Moonshot Missions, presenting the keynote address at the 2025 Emerging Leader Awards Ceremony in Denver, CO
WaterNow established the Emerging Leader Awards to champion the inspiring individuals shaping the future of water. By recognizing today's Emerging Leaders, we aim to support their development and celebrate their accomplishments, building a strong foundation to help water utilities tackle tomorrow’s sustainability challenges.
Submit your nomination by Friday, January 16, 2026
To view past awardees, explore frequently asked questions, or submit a nomination, visit WaterNow’s website.
If you have any questions about the nominations process or the Emerging Leader Awards, please reach out to Senior Program Manager Emerson O'Donnell at [email protected].