Navigating to New Shores

Without significant changes, existing water systems will soon no longer be able to provide the services that citizens have come to expect. Recent water crises have illustrated that the economic and social consequences of inaction are far too great for this country and its communities. It is time to accelerate the adoption and implementation of the transformative solutions we know are possible.

 

Over the course of six years, The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread's Charting New Waters initiative convened more than 600 of experts representing diverse sectors and perspectives for intensive, solution-oriented work on U.S. freshwater issues. The culmination of that work is Navigating to New Shores: Seizing the Future for Sustainable and Resilient U.S. Freshwater Resources, a report meant to provide a platform for our many partners and other leaders as they continue to address water resource and infrastructure challenges.

 

A Culminating Report

Our full report leads with a vision that illustrates what The Johnson Foundation believes is both possible and necessary to achieve if our nation is to successfully navigate our water challenges. It contains a set of principles to help guide the efforts of leaders in various sectors as they act upon the recommendations we offer. The recommendations fall under the following five key ideas:

1. Optimize the use of available water supplies
2. Transition to next-generation wastewater systems
3. Integrate the management of water, energy and food production
4. Institutionalize the value of water
5. Create integrated utilities

 

Over the course of six years, The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread's Charting New Waters initiative convened more than 600 of experts representing diverse sectors and perspectives for intensive, solution-oriented work on U.S. freshwater issues. The culmination of that work is Navigating to New Shores: Seizing the Future for Sustainable and Resilient U.S. Freshwater Resources, a report meant to provide a platform for our many partners and other leaders as they continue to address water resource and infrastructure challenges.

Executive Summary

Read a brief version of the report, including summaries of all the recommendations and an overview of Charting New Waters.

Executive Summary