The Water Council

Background

The Water Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, dedicated to addressing global water challenges through freshwater innovation and water stewardship. Established in 2009, the organization leverages Milwaukee's rich history in water-intensive industries to foster a concentrated water technology cluster. Its mission is to drive economic development and promote sustainable water solutions by connecting public and private sectors, nurturing emerging technologies, and advancing best practices in water stewardship.

Key Strategic Focus

The Water Council's strategic objectives encompass:

Innovation Programs: Supporting water technology startups through initiatives like the BREW 2.0 Post-Accelerator, which aids late-stage companies in scaling their solutions.

Water Stewardship: Implementing programs such as WAVE: Water Stewardship Verified, guiding organizations in assessing and improving their water use and impact.

Global Collaboration: Engaging in international partnerships to promote water innovation and stewardship, including collaborations with the United Nations and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Economic Development: Fostering a robust water technology cluster in Milwaukee to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Financials and Funding

As a nonprofit entity, The Water Council's financial resources are derived from contributions, program services, and grants. In 2023, the organization reported revenues of $1,428,929 and expenses totaling $1,588,740, resulting in a net loss of $159,811. Notably, in 2023, The Water Council secured a $1 million Development Award from the National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines program to develop a regional engine focused on water and energy resiliency for manufacturers and utilities.

Pipeline Development

The Water Council's key initiatives include:

BREW 2.0 Post-Accelerator: A program designed to assist late-stage water technology startups in scaling their solutions. The 2023 cohort featured companies from the U.S., France, Norway, Spain, and Slovakia, culminating in a Demo Day and investor event.

WAVE: Water Stewardship Verified: Launched in 2022, this program guides organizations through a six-step methodology to assess and improve their water stewardship practices, with independent verification provided by SCS Global Services.

NSF Resiliency Engine: A $1 million Development Award from the National Science Foundation in 2023 supports the creation of a regional engine focused on water and energy resiliency for manufacturers and utilities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Water Council distinguishes itself through:

BREW 2.0 Post-Accelerator: Supporting late-stage water technology startups in scaling their solutions.

WAVE: Water Stewardship Verified: A six-step methodology for organizations to assess and improve water stewardship practices, with independent verification.

NSF Resiliency Engine: Developing a regional engine focused on water and energy resiliency for manufacturers and utilities.

Leadership Team

The Water Council's leadership comprises experienced professionals from various sectors:

Scott C. Beightol: Chairman; Partner at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, providing legal counsel to businesses and boards.

Ken Bockhorst: Vice Chairman; Chairman, President & CEO of Badger Meter, with over 20 years in global operations management.

Mark Mone: Treasurer; Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, leading strategic initiatives in education and research.

Dean Amhaus: President & CEO; overseeing the organization's strategic direction and operations.

Additional board members include leaders from Marquette University, Greater Milwaukee Committee, Culligan International, City of Milwaukee, Ramboll, Baird Global Investment Banking, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, The Nature Conservancy, and others.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, Scott C. Beightol succeeded Jim Stern as Chairman of The Water Council's Board of Directors. Beightol, a partner at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, brings extensive legal expertise to the role.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global water technology sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable water management solutions. Key trends include the adoption of advanced water treatment technologies, emphasis on water reuse and recycling, and integration of digital solutions for water monitoring and management.

Competitor Analysis

The Water Council operates within a landscape that includes organizations such as the International Water Association (IWA), which hosts numerous conferences and workshops on water management topics. While IWA focuses on global knowledge sharing and policy development, The Water Council emphasizes fostering innovation and economic development within the water technology sector.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Water Council has established significant collaborations to enhance its impact:

U.S. Army Reserve: A memorandum of understanding to recruit water industry professionals as Public Water and Sanitation Civil Affairs Officers, providing technical expertise on water and sanitation systems.

Rockwell Automation: A partnership to promote water stewardship services and technological solutions, including joint presentations on water stewardship.

International Partnerships: Engagements with entities like the United Nations and the U.S. Water Partnership to address global water challenges.

Operational Insights

The Water Council's strategic positioning in Milwaukee, a city with a rich history in water-intensive industries, provides a unique advantage. By fostering a concentrated water technology cluster, the organization effectively connects startups, established companies, and research institutions, driving innovation and economic development. Its dual focus on technology innovation and water stewardship allows it to address both the supply and demand sides of water management solutions.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, The Water Council aims to:

Expand the NSF Resiliency Engine: Leverage the $1 million Development Award to build a regional engine focused on water and energy resiliency, with potential for further funding and impact.

Grow the WAVE Program: Increase participation in the WAVE: Water Stewardship Verified program, helping more organizations assess and improve their water stewardship practices.

Enhance Global Collaborations: Strengthen international partnerships to address global water challenges and promote sustainable water management practices.