Water Positivity Takes Centre Stage at US Summit
Across the globe, more than two billion individuals do not have access to safe water sources, while 3.4 billion lack access to safe sanitation facilities.
Poor sanitation and contaminated water are connected to numerous diseases, including dysentery and cholera, demonstrating the critical need for safe water, particularly in underserved communities.
To address this challenge, numerous companies have established partnerships and initiatives to promote water stewardship.
Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit brings together sustainability leaders to discuss key issues on The Water Sustainability Summit panel, in association with Ecolab.
The panel details
Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit gathers leading sustainability experts from around the world to address environmental solutions and challenges.
Taking place on 22 April, 2026, The Water Sustainability Summit panel, in association with Ecolab, will examine how businesses can progress beyond efficiency and move towards water positivity.
The discussion aims to address how pollution and water scarcity are urgent global risks, demanding innovative and immediate responses.
Sustainability leaders from the Water Environment Federation, Pentair, GRUNDFOS and Ecolab will feature on the panel.
The speakers will showcase emerging technologies, partnerships and frameworks designed to guarantee water security while generating shared value for ecosystems and communities.
Ecolab launches water initiative
At the World Economic Forum's 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos, Ecolab joined forces with other businesses to introduce Get Blue, a global movement designed to address the worldwide water crisis.
The initiative was launched through a partnership between Ecolab, Starbucks, Amazon, Gap and Water.org, with each business contributing experiences, content and products to support funding for water access.
The movement has been created to mobilise capital, consumers, creators and brands towards delivering clean water.
At Sustainability LIVE, Emilio Tenuta, SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab, will speak on The Water Sustainability Summit panel, in association with Ecolab
Emilio will provide insights into Ecolab's partnerships, including Get Blue, whilst exploring solutions for global sanitation and water access.
Emilio says on LinkedIn: "Get Blue is designed to enable consumer and B2B companies to treat water as a core operating and market issue.
"We know that when we help customers use water smarter, we unlock growth, value and impact.
"By joining forces with global leaders to expand access to safe water, we can tackle global water scarcity and strengthen the communities in which we all operate."
GRUNDFOS achieves water reduction
Courtney Tripp, US Sustainability Director at GRUNDFOS, is set to speak at Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit.
Courtney will discuss lessons from her leadership at the water solutions business, which became the first company of its type to receive target validation from the SBTi.
Through water recovery initiatives that saved both energy and water, GRUNDFOS achieved 93% of its water reduction target in 2024 – aiming to reduce withdrawal by 50% against a 2008 baseline.
The business also focuses on delivering water to communities globally, collaborating closely with humanitarian organisations, NGOs, water service providers and governments to provide essential water access services.
GRUNDFOS's approach demonstrates how industrial water users can implement measurable targets whilst maintaining operational excellence and supporting communities in need.
Pentair sets restoration targets
Pentair has established a target to restore 100% of the water volume that its manufacturing sites withdraw in high water-stressed regions annually.
The company intends to expand its water stewardship strategy to encompass positively impacting these regions through replenishment and restoration of water resources.
Oriana Raabe, Vice President Sustainability at Pentair, is scheduled to speak on The Water Sustainability Summit panel, in association with Ecolab, offering her expertise on water stewardship and approaches to addressing the global water crisis.
Pentair's restoration approach represents a shift from simply reducing water consumption to actively replenishing water supplies in vulnerable regions.
The company's commitment reflects growing recognition that businesses must play an active role in addressing water scarcity beyond their operational boundaries.
Water Environment Federation advances circular economy
The Water Environment Federation will discuss its efforts on the panel, with John Ikeda, Chief Mission Officer at the Water Environment Federation, exploring approaches for creating a circular water economy.
The Water Environment Federation concentrates on supporting workforce development and empowering future water sustainability leaders whilst convening cross-sector partnerships to advance water action.
John says on LinkedIn: "Water systems sit at the intersection of climate resilience, public health, economic development and environmental stewardship.
"My work focuses on helping the water sector navigate that complexity towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
"I'm motivated by practical systems change, bridging together practitioners, policymakers, innovators and communities to strengthen the essential services that underpin everyday life."
Company portals
Executives
Courtney Tripp
Director of Sustainability and Strategy - Industry Americas
Emilio Tenuta
Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab
John Ikeda
Chief Mission Officer
Oriana Raabe
Vice President - Sustainability
