Charting New Waters

In the early 2000s, the uncertain future of U.S. freshwater resources started hitting headlines regularly. Aging infrastructure, drinking water contamination, groundwater depletion, and extreme weather events threatened not just isolated communities, but also regional economic security and quality of life. 

In 2008, The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread rallied U.S. leaders in water management and infrastructure to embark on a groundbreaking collaboration known as Charting New Waters (CNW). The Foundation enlisted Meridian as a trusted partner to facilitate and guide CNW. Over six years, we engaged leaders from the water, agriculture, and energy sectors. The collaboration produced innovative consensus solutions and forged unique alliances that continue to transform the future of freshwater management.

The experts we convened recognized that new approaches in freshwater systems and services were key to the stability of the U.S. economy, environment, and public health. Governance of freshwater resources has historically been fragmented across federal and state agencies, municipal levels, and sectors. Practical, integrated solutions require a broader approach, with collaboration across silos. Unlike other freshwater management initiatives, CNW committed to reframing problems as challenges to overcome, devising strategies with multiple benefits, and integrating policy and management approaches.

Our experienced team gathered knowledge and insights from more than 600 individuals, representing approximately 265 organizations, at dozens of meetings. The conversations informed two consensus documents that present guiding principles and recommended actions. We also developed seven reports on specific areas, such as distributed infrastructure, urban water security, and nutrient management. The unlikely partnerships and framework for action developed by CNW established a foundation for subsequent collaborations that continue to tackle pressing freshwater resource and infrastructure challenges.