OTTAWA, ON | February 19, 2026 — The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) and Water Canada are proud to announce a new strategic partnership to unify the recognition of excellence within the Canadian water sector. In a move designed to streamline industry accolades and foster greater collaboration, the CWWA has chosen to partner with the established Water Canada Awards program.
Through this partnership, the 2026 Water Canada Awards will expand its scope with the introduction of two brand-new categories specifically designed to honour the achievements of Canadian municipalities. These additions reflect a shared commitment to highlighting the vital role local governments play in managing Canada's most precious resource.
"By joining forces with Water Canada, we are ensuring that the incredible work being done at the municipal level receives the national spotlight it deserves," said Robert Haller, Executive Director at the CWWA. "These two new awards celebrate the courage to innovate and the transparency required to build public trust."
New Municipal Award Categories
The 2026 lineup will now include:
- Municipal Early Adopter Award: This award recognizes a forward-thinking municipality or municipal utility that has demonstrated exceptional leadership by being among the first to implement a new technology, pilot a cutting-edge process, or adopt a transformative management framework. It celebrates the courage to embrace "first-of-its-kind" solutions that provide a roadmap for utilities across the country.
- Municipal Community Outreach & Engagement Award: Recognizing that public trust is the foundation of successful infrastructure, this award honours a municipality that has developed outstanding public education programs. This recipient has demonstrated excellence in engaging residents on topics such as conservation, infrastructure upgrades, or environmental protection through impactful, creative campaigns.
Celebrating the 2026 Water Canada Awards
The Water Canada Awards celebrate the people, projects, and teams dedicated to protecting and treating Canada's water. In 2025, the categories were refreshed to better reflect the evolving challenges and triumphs of the sector.
The 2026 awards ceremony will be held at Henderson Brewing Co. in Toronto on October 22nd.
"We are thrilled to welcome the CWWA as a partner," said Corinne Lynds, Chief Content Officer at Site Media and past editor of Water Canada. "Their expertise and deep connection to municipal leaders across Canada will ensure these awards continue to be the premier recognition for water professionals from coast to coast."
For more information on the awards, nomination process, and upcoming event details, please visit Water Canada Awards.
About CWWA
The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) is the national advocate for Canada's municipal water and wastewater sector, promoting responsible health and environmental policies and representing the interests of municipal utilities.
About Water Canada
Water Canada is the only national magazine dedicated to the entire water industry, providing essential coverage on policy, technology, and infrastructure. As the leading voice for Canada's water professionals, it delivers in-depth analysis and news through its print publication, digital platforms, and the annual Water Canada Awards. Water Canada is a subsidiary of SiteMedia.
Media Contacts:
Robert Haller, CWWA, rhaller@cwwa.ca
Corinne Lynds, Water Canada, corinne@sitemediagroup.com