The Water Tower Annual Report ShowcasesYear of Firsts Report highlights significant progress made through impactful programming and campus construction The Water Tower (TWT), the new water innovation hub in Buford, Ga., has released its first annual report titled, “The Year of Firsts.” The report highlights significant progress made through impactful programming and campus construction at TWT during its first full year of operation. Established in late 2019, TWT’s mission is to be a thriving ecosystem of water innovation that’s fueled by imagination, informed by research, and powered by pioneers. It’s especially invested in helping utilities devise strategies to benefit from digital advancements in water supply and quality. “It’s truly awesome how much we’ve accomplished in the first 16 months,” said Nick Masino, founding TWT board member and chair. “The work completed so far— and what’s planned—will bring incredible technologies, water-related businesses, innovative researchers, and next-generation employees to Gwinnett County.” Accomplishments in TWT’s four key pillars of applied research, technology innovation, workforce development, and
A rendering of The Water Tower headquarters in Gwinnett County, Ga.
52 August 2021 • Florida Water Resources Journal
community engagement are featured throughout the report, as well as strategic partnerships that enhanced and supported the success in these areas. The TWT’s founding partners, including Mueller Water Technologies, Siemens, JEA, Gwinnett County, and Gresham Smith, as well as TWT’s innovation partners, are highlighted. The past year saw the first workforce development classes with TWT partner Georgia Water and Wastewater Institute (GWWI), which recently announced that its northern Georgia training campus will be housed at TWT. The Lake Lanier Watershed Five-Year Research Plan, developed with stakeholders and technical experts over the past year, was published and the applied research projects to protect the lake will begin this year. A technology developed by Olea Edge Technologies, demonstrated at TWT, provides an advanced asset management tool for water utility revenue. Engagement with the community included the first “Watering Hole” golf tournament fundraiser, and virtual events, such as networking, panels, and book clubs. “Through hard work, dedication, and a little bit of elbow grease, what started as an idea is coming to fruition before our eyes,” said Melissa Meeker, chief executive officer of TWT. “We are energized as we continue to build on the momentum from our first year to serve water and wastewater utilities in our community and across the United States.” Construction of TWT’s phase-one campus, funded through a key partnership with Gwinnett County and the Gwinnett Water and Sewerage Authority, is ahead of schedule. Beginning in early 2022, TWT will open its doors to innovators from across Georgia, the Southeast, the U.S., and the world to contribute to its ecosystem of water innovation. For more information visit www.theh2otower.org. S
