Statement of Solidarity and Support

The Ontario Water Works Association condemns the systemic racism and inequality that continues to exist in our society. As a Section of the American Water Works Association, OWWA is committed to public health, safety and welfare, and these core principles extend beyond just drinking water and to the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. We stand in solidarity with all those who experience racism and other forms of racialization and discrimination around the world.

The OWWA Board recently endorsed a new Strategic Plan founded on the vision of achieving A Better Ontario Through Better Water. One of the objectives of the new plan is to “build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices of our members to fuel innovation and collaboration”. The Board recognizes that we need to do more and do better as an organization to identify, challenge, and change systems of inequity that perpetuate racism and bias as we advance our mission.

We welcome your thoughts on what we can do together to help heal division and work toward a more just society, in the water profession and in our communities.