STATEMENT OF COLLABORATION FOR ONE WATER MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION: Water is valuable, renewable and integrally connected to decisions made on the land, in the watershed, and within communities. The 21st century poses increasing demands on its available quantity and quality. Population growth, urban development, land use and climate change, among other factors, make water management one of the most significant challenges facing societies today. As science and engineering have advanced, so has our understanding of natural systems and management strategies to better conserve, protect and use this precious resource. Quality and quantity efficiencies are being found in more holistic approaches to water, with green infrastructure complementing gray and centralized systems working in concert with decentralized systems. Promising technology and innovations in resource recovery as well as the expansion of water reuse programs have the potential for creating sustainable and thriving communities. The incentives and gateways to use more integrated, holistic watershed approaches are increasing but not without difficulty. Often the challenge isnt one of technology, but one of sociology and understanding by the public and policy makers. Effective and efficient integration is about breaking down the numerous institutional, legal and regulatory silos within the water community and across the broad spectrum of water resource management activities. Integrating efforts and improving understanding of drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, reclaimed and reused water, stormwater and flood water for the health of wetlands, watersheds, and communities are essential to advancing water sustainability at local, regional and national levels. Our goals, policies, and programs, should incorporate integrated water management plans. The nexus between water and land, energy, agriculture, manufacturing and transportation must be taken into account to foster water sustainability. One Water Management will help clarify roles and responsibilities, accountability, reduce conflict, and improve integrated management of resources to provide for future generations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this statement of collaboration is to promote partnerships for and reduce barriers to the implementation of sustainable integrated water management. The agreement formalizes collaboration among Signatory Organizations to better align programs and research, enhance communication and the exchange of information, and to establish opportunities for joint activities that support adaptive, integrative water management planning. It is designed to facilitate Signatory Organization experts working together to leverage resources and streamline the path and strategies toward a more holistic water management approach, or One Water Management (OWM). OBJECTIVES: Strengthening partnerships. Increasing efficiencies and resources by aligning research efforts and policy programs. Improving integrated water management through improved practitioner competency, management practices, research and technology transfer.

Enhancing the value of research by creating a feedback and implementation network. Assisting local decision making through improved public awareness, education programs, and information materials.

COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES: Developing effective mechanisms for information exchange among signatories on activities, regulations, and plans for OWM. Continuing collaborative efforts to develop training, credentialing, and certification programs designed to improve consistency and competency among practitioners. Identifying barriers and strategies for overcoming obstacles in the implementation of OWM.

_____________________________________ Organization Name

_____________________________________ Date

_____________________________________ Signatory (Please Print Clearly)

_____________________________________ Signature