Submit Proposals for Global Water Award 2026

The Global Water Awards recognize outstanding companies, projects, and technologies in the water, wastewater, and desalination sectors for innovation, performance, and sustainability. Open to global nominations, the Awards provide international visibility through a transparent, expert-led evaluation and industry voting process.

The Global Water Awards offer a prestigious international platform for recognising excellence across the water, wastewater, and desalination sectors. The Awards celebrate organisations, utilities, technology providers, and projects that demonstrate innovation, operational excellence, sustainability, and measurable impact in water management worldwide.

Purpose of the Global Water Awards

The Global Water Awards aim to highlight best practices and breakthrough achievements that are shaping the future of the global water industry. By recognising leaders and innovators, the Awards promote knowledge sharing, sector-wide learning, and higher performance standards.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Any individual or organisation may submit a nomination. Eligible nominees include:

• Water and wastewater utilities

• Desalination plants and projects

• Technology and solution providers

• Engineering, operations, and service companies

• Public, private, or non-profit organisations
  Nominations may be submitted for:

• Yourself or your organisation

• A specific project or plant

• A technology, product, or initiative

Who Can Submit a Nomination?

• Any individual or organisation worldwide

• Self-nominations and third-party nominations are both accepted

• There are no geographic restrictions
  All nominations must be submitted in English via the official online nomination form.

Award Categories

The Global Water Awards cover a wide range of categories across the water sector, reflecting:

• Innovation and technological advancement

• Operational efficiency and performance

• Sustainability and environmental impact

• Financial models and service delivery

• Social impact and community benefits
  Organisations may submit different projects in different categories, but duplicate entries for the same project in the same category are discouraged.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, a nominee must demonstrate a significant contribution to the water sector. This may include:

• Improvements in operational efficiency or service delivery

• Technological breakthroughs or innovation

• Sustainable financial or business models

• Measurable environmental benefits

• Positive social or community impact
  For most categories, achievements should have been reported or demonstrated in the preceding year.

What Makes a Strong Nomination?

Successful nominations clearly explain:

• What the organisation, project, or technology does

• Why it stands out compared to others

• The specific problem it addresses

• Evidence of impact, innovation, or excellence

• Quantitative or qualitative results where available
  Submissions should be clear, concise, and supported by credible data or examples.

How the Global Water Awards Work

Step 1: Online Nomination

• Complete the official online nomination form

• Submit the nomination in English

• Provide all required descriptions and supporting details

Step 2: Expert Review and Shortlisting

• An independent panel of water-sector experts reviews all entries

• A shortlist is created based on merit and impact

• The shortlist is publicly announced

Step 3: Supporting Materials

• Shortlisted nominees are invited to submit visual assets

• Examples include photos, diagrams, or project logos

• Materials are used for event presentations and promotion

Step 4: Industry Voting and Final Decision

• Voting opens to eligible industry stakeholders and water-sector subscribers

• The jury process is independent of sponsors and nominees

• Winners are announced at the global awards event

Why the Awards Matter

The Global Water Awards:

• Provide international recognition and credibility

• Showcase best practices in sustainable water management

• Highlight innovation driving sector transformation

• Support networking with global water leaders

• Influence future trends and priorities in the water industry

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting vague descriptions without evidence of impact

• Failing to explain why the nominee is unique or innovative

• Entering the same project multiple times in the same category

• Overlooking measurable results or outcomes

• Missing required information in the nomination form

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Global Water Awards?

They are international awards recognising excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the water, wastewater, and desalination sectors.

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone can submit a nomination, including self-nominations and third-party nominations.

Are nominations limited to companies?

No. Projects, technologies, plants, initiatives, utilities, and organisations are all eligible.

What language must nominations be submitted in?

All nominations must be submitted in English.

How are winners selected?

An independent expert jury shortlists nominees, followed by industry voting, leading to final awards announced at a global event.

Can one organisation submit multiple nominations?

Yes, provided they are for different projects or categories.

What is the main benefit of winning or being shortlisted?

Global visibility, industry recognition, and credibility within the international water sector.

Conclusion

The Global Water Awards offer a powerful opportunity for water-sector organisations and innovators to gain global recognition for impactful work. By showcasing innovation, sustainability, and performance through a transparent and respected process, the Awards help elevate best practices and shape the future direction of the global water industry.