GWINNETT COUNTY, GA -- The Water Tower (TWT), the new water innovation hub in Buford, Ga., releases 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 fueled by imagination, informed by research, and powered by pioneers.
“It’s truly awesome how much The Water Tower has accomplished in its first 16 months,” said Nick Masino, founding TWT Board Member and Chairman. “The work completed so far and what’s planned will bring incredible technologies, water-related businesses, innovative researchers, and next-gen employees to Gwinnett.”
Accomplishments in TWT’s four key pillars of applied research, technology innovation, workforce development, and community engagement are featured throughout the report, as well as strategic partnerships that enhanced and supported the success in these areas. TWT’s powerhouse 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 partner Georgia Water & Wastewater Institute (GWWI), who recently announced their northern Georgia training campus will be housed at TWT. The Lake Lanier Watershed 5-Year Research Plan, developed with stakeholders and technical experts over the past year, was published and 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 The Water Tower. “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 U.S.”
Construction of TWT’s Phase I Campus, funded through a key partnership with Gwinnett County and the Gwinnett Water & Sewerage Authority, is ahead of schedule. Beginning in early 2022, TWT will open its doors to innovators from across Georgia, the Southeast, the United States, and the world to contribute to its ecosystem of water innovation.
