Water reuse champion wins global water prize

The Colorado-based global service and engineering company, CH2M, has been named the winner of the 2015 Stockholm Industry Water Award, for advancing methods in cleaning water and increasing public acceptance of recycled water.

“CH2M has long recognised that our global community cannot afford to use water once and dispose of it–fresh water sources are too precious and growing more scarce,” said Greg McIntyre, Global Water Business Group President, CH2M. “We are proud to receive the 2015 Stockholm Industry Award for our leadership in the evolution and acceptance of purifying wastewater effluent to create drinking water.”

CH2M has invented, implemented and refined methods for cleaning used water back to drinking water quality. The award committee also made special mention of the company’s research–combined with demonstrations, education and transparency–to dispel myths around the use of treated wastewater that has helped increase interest and acceptance of potable reuse.

“In working for public acceptance of drinking treated wastewater, they have taken a step beyond engineering, and shown an impressive commitment to wise water management,” said Torgny Holmgren, Executive Director, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).

“CH2M was founded out of a deep belief that engineering technology could make the world a better place,” explained Brock McEwen, Global Water Technology Director, CH2M. “While technological innovation is an important part of our contribution to water reuse, many of the pivotal water reuse milestones would not have been built if the public had not accepted them. Through technology and innovative public education tools, we will continue to contribute to a more sustainable water future.”

CH2M has continued to evolve water reuse practices. In the early 2000s it worked with Singapore’s national water agency, to not only prove the safety of potable reuse, but to win public acceptance with the country’s NEWater project. By combining state-of-the-art technology and public education tools, unprecedented public acceptance of water reuse was achieved.

“In a rapidly urbanising world where the vast majority of sewage spills untreated out into the environment, the transformative technologies and strategic communication of this year’s SIWA winner has provided a significant step towards future water security of cities.” the Award Committee concludes.