Vision
We envision a safe, resilient, and sustainable world with equitable access and fair distribution of abundant, high-quality water to all people on the planet, balancing water needs for both environmental sustainability and socioeconomic development. We aspire to a future where water is not a limiting factor in the creation of healthy, prosperous societies, capable of thriving under all conceivable future climate conditions.
Mission
The mission of the Center for Secure Water (C4SW) is to establish the scientific, technological, and engineering foundation to create novel, smart, and resilient water systems, through active engagement in discovery and innovation. These systems are designed to adapt to changes in water resources availability under uncertain future climate and socioeconomic conditions, and actively respond to changes in future water regimes, water demand and extreme events.
C4SW harnesses the collective expertise of transdisciplinary teams, combining deep domain expertise, science-based actionable knowledge, innovative engineering practices and products, ethical technology, socio-economic equitable principles and policies, and a systems approach to risk management. Through this comprehensive approach, we foster the co-development of solutions inspired by user needs and preferences, ensuring that our efforts yield tangible and sustainable benefits for society.
Dr. Ana Barros
Director, Center for Secure Water
“At the Center for Secure Water, we are dedicated to developing novel solutions that ensure the sustainability and resilience of freshwater availability in coupled human-natural systems, safeguarding the well-being and prosperity of both current and future generations.”
Dr. Ximing Cai
Deputy Director, Center for Secure Water
“We recognize the value of studying and managing water as a full system, and accounting for the interconnectedness of all its components, both natural and man-made. Such an approach requires holistic planning and coordination to ensure sustainable use, equitable distribution of water resources under competing societal needs, and water conservation for the environment.”
The rising demand for water across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and energy production, coupled with a growing global population, is causing severe water stress on the global scale. Climate change further compounds these challenges, altering the water cycle and increasing the frequency and intensity of water-related hazards such as floods, droughts, and degraded water supplies. These hazards pose threats to infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems, particularly impacting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in North America and around the world.
Addressing these water-related challenges requires the development of innovative, smart, and resilient water systems. The approach explores the creation of resilient infrastructure, adopts integrated and adaptive water management policies and practices, and incorporates ecosystem conservation and green infrastructure. Advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and new materials, and converging research across multiple disciplines, offer promising opportunities for engineers to develop groundbreaking solutions to the water crisis.
C4SW is committed to helping society adapt to an uncertain and changing future, by leveraging our strengths in research, education, and innovation, and by building strong partnerships across Academia, Industry, Government, and Civil Society. These collaborations are vital for co-designing and executing the most impactful solutions to tackle the challenges of our dynamic water future.
Join us in shaping a future where water is secure, sustainable, and shared equitably.
| We aim to address present and future water needs while aligning with our core values: Excellence: We uphold the highest standards in research, development, and implementation, ensuring that our solutions meet rigorous criteria for effectiveness and quality. Adaptability: We recognize that the water landscape is constantly evolving due to factors like climate change, population growth, and technological progress. We remain agile and responsive, and continuously refine our strategies to stay at the forefront of innovation. Equity: We believe clean water is a basic human right and are committed to inclusive solutions for all communities, aiming to enhance quality of life and empower thriving environments everywhere. Sustainability: We are dedicated to developing solutions that are environmentally sustainable, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of our ecosystems and communities. Impact creation: We measure success by the positive impact of our technologies on people’s lives and the environment, aiming for lasting change through collaboration and a holistic approach that benefits society. Integrity: We conduct our work with honesty, ethics, and a commitment to doing what is right, ensuring that our actions align with our values and principles. Transparency: We believe in openness, accountability, and clear communication, fostering trust and understanding with our stakeholders and the public. |