SANTA FE, N.M.--()--The Water, Access, Treatment and Reuse (WATR) Alliance, a newly formed nonprofit organization, today announced its official launch. Headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, WATR Alliance is dedicated to advocating for innovative and sustainable water management practices at the city, state and federal levels throughout the Southwest and in Texas. With a focus on fostering economic growth, social equity, and ecological sustainability, the alliance aims to unite diverse stakeholders in reshaping water reuse and policy.

“The Southwest’s unique water challenges demand collaborative solutions—ones that integrate technology, policy and community engagement,” said Jennifer Bradfute, Executive Director of WATR Alliance. WATR will immediately focus on some initiatives in New Mexico during the upcoming 2025 legislative session. “We may not be the loudest voice this session, but we are committed to building the most robust and inclusive membership. What truly matters to us is that our advocacy resonates across many sectors—bringing together diverse perspectives to align on a shared path forward.

The establishment of the WATR Alliance is meant to fill a crucial gap by approaching water management from a comprehensive H2O molecule standpoint—considering all aspects of water's journey and impact. This perspective brings together sectors that range from agricultural, local municipalities and acequias to the energy industry, environmental groups and indigenous communities. The shared goal is the preservation of water resources and the maximization of reuse opportunities to support water reuse throughout the Southwest and the communities that have come to rely on water for their economic and social well-being.

“The launch of this alliance embodies our shared vision for a sustainable water future,” said Kelly Bennett, Chair of the WATR Alliance Board of Directors and CEO of B3 Insights. “There is an incredible opportunity to augment water supply in this arid region. By harnessing the collective expertise and commitment of a diverse group of stakeholders, we can create a unified framework and amplify our voice to drive improved water access, treatment, and reuse that benefits the Southwestern region of the United States and Texas.”

Key initiatives of WATR Alliance include:

  • Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers to support and advocate for a variety of water recycling and reuse initiatives.
  • Collaboration: Building partnerships among businesses, municipalities, and other nonprofit and trade associations to drive collective water management solutions.
  • Education: Offering resources and workshops to promote water sustainability practices and raise awareness about responsible water reuse opportunities and challenges.

“The WATR Alliance is about uniting people through the shared resource of water,” said Michael Dyson, Treasurer of the WATR Alliance Board of Directors and CEO at Infinity Water Solutions. “For too long, we have passed judgment based on the origin of water, rather than its fitness for an intended use. All water, regardless of its source, holds immense value for industry and has even greater potential for the broader community, particularly in water-stressed areas. Our region’s water supply, much like its natural resources, is abundant and represents a vital opportunity for economic diversification if we’re willing to embrace water in a circular framework.”

The WATR Alliance invites community members, policymakers, and organizations interested in sustainable water practices to join this transformative movement. Through proactive collaboration, the Alliance seeks to drive meaningful change that ensures economic resilience, environmental health, and social progress throughout the Southwest and beyond.

About WATR Alliance

The Water, Access, Treatment, and Reuse (WATR) Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reshaping water management through advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. With a commitment to sustainable practices, WATR Alliance promotes access, advanced treatment solutions, and the reuse of water resources, aligning with principles of economic development and ecological stewardship. For more information, visit www.watrnm.com