One Water is an integrated water management approach that recognizes that all water has value and that we can manage water in a manner that provides for an essential service, while also building strong economies, vibrant communities, and healthy environments. To put it another way, One Water envisions managing all water in an integrated, inclusive, and sustainable manner to secure a bright, prosperous future for our children, our communities, and our country.

The One Water Approach:

A One Water approach can take many different forms, but all share some unifying characteristics:

• The mindset that all water has value—from the water resources in our ecosystems to our drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater.

• A focus on achieving multiple benefits, meaning that our water-related investments should provide economic, environmental, and societal returns.

• Approaching decisions with a systems mindset that encompasses the full water cycle and larger infrastructure systems.

• Utilizing watershed-scale thinking and action that respects and responds to the natural ecosystem, geology, and hydrology of an area.

• Relying on partnerships and inclusion, recognizing that real progress will only be made when all stakeholders have a seat at the table.