We work to influence government policies and promote water-efficient technologies and practices. WE²C meets 4-6 times throughout the year and hosts a seminar, workshop or webinar each year.
Resources
The Committee (WE²C) has produced three publications to assist Ontario municipalities in the preparation of water efficiency plans, reducing peak seasonal water demands and developing water efficiency programs. These documents are available for free download:
Communication Strategies for Water Conservation
OWWA Water and Energy Efficiency Award
We want to hear about your recent water and energy efficiency projects and share the amazing work you are doing with the water community!
All submissions that meet the award criteria will be promoted on our website and social media channels. You will also have an opportunity to share about your project in a webinar event dedicated to recognizing the submissions we receive. Stand-out submission(s) (see below evaluation criteria) will receive our 2026 Water and Energy Efficiency award! Winner(s) will receive a plaque, special recognition, and bragging rights!
We are accepting submissions from all groups/organizations located in Ontario that have undertaken an innovative water efficiency project in the last 3 years. Submissions on behalf of another organization will also be accepted. Proposals which are intended to solicit business or sell services will not be considered.
Submissions for the 2026 Award of Excellence is now closed.
Here are just some of the projects we recognize:
- Water efficiency strategies
- Integrated Water Management or One Water projects
- Leak reduction
- Research
- Water use bylaws
- Rebate and incentive programs
- Technology and retrofit programs
- Process/operational optimization
- Water reuse and rainwater harvesting projects
- Community and outreach engagement
- Employee education
- Tap water promotion efforts
- Behaviour change initiatives
- Public and youth education programs
- Rate structure projects
Submissions Criteria
Judges will determine the most appropriate award category for each application.
Submissions are evaluated using the following criteria:
- Innovation/creativity
- Clearly defined goals and objectives
- Quantified savings and/or qualitative results, community impacts
- Project design, implementation, and evaluation process.
- Transferability to other Ontario communities or organizations
How to Apply:
We require a maximum 2-page pdf project summary that can take any format (e.g., written formal report, poster, infographic) as long as the submission answers the following questions:
- How does your project relate to water and energy efficiency?
- What were the goal(s), objective(s) and outcome(s) of this project?
- Name an obstacle that you faced during the project. How did you overcome it?
- What were the key takeaways from this project?
Award Presentation
A plaque and award certificate will be presented by the OWWA to the winner(s) in person. This may take place at an in-person event if possible (e.g., conference) or at the winner’s respective offices. Details about 2026 award presentations are to be confirmed.
All submissions will have the option to be featured:
- As project profiles through the OWWA Water and Energy Efficiency Committee’s LinkedIn account.
- Pipeline magazine (quarterly OWWA publication distributed to water and wastewater professionals across Ontario).
- Submission posting on the OWWA Water and Energy Efficiency Committee’s website.
- In a virtual webinar event to showcase the various submissions to the water community.
If you have any questions, please contact waterinfo@owwa.ca
2025 Winners:
| City of Hamilton | City of Hamilton’s Revolutionizing Water Quality, Reducing Non-Revenue Water, and Enhancing Infrastructure Sustainability |
2024 Winners:
- Credit Valley Conservation Authority
- City of Hamilton
2023 Winners:
- Town of Lincoln
- AECOM
2022 Winners:
- The City of Hamilton
- The City of Guelph
For complete Awards list please click here.
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Committee Members
| Members | Company |
|---|---|
| Fariha Ahmed | Region of Peel |
| Ray Cheung | Neptune Technology Group |
| Tara Clayton | |
| Ian Duncan | Centre Wellington |
| Steve Gombos | |
| Gillian Harris | Diameter Services |
| Nicole Haynes | Region of Waterloo |
| Lloyd Hipel | Enviro-Stewards |
| Audrey Kester | City of London |
| Chris LeConte | Smart Watering Systems |
| Vladimir Marenich | City of Hamilton |
| Mackenzie Schultz | Oxford County |
| Laureena Ssali | York Region |
| Stephanie Shouldice | City of Guelph |
| Adrian Sabau | OCWA |
| Seoyeong Lee |