Selection of the Water Prize Recipient
Every other year, five to seven jurors, experts in the area of hydrology and water security as it relates to water supply, sanitation and/or water resource planning, particularly for emerging regions, convene during the fall WaTER Symposium. They meet on the University of Oklahoma's Norman campus where they deliberate more than a day and a half to select the most worthy recipient of the next Water Prize.
Jurors arrive the first day, each bringing with them their nomination for the Water Prize, together with supporting documentation and letters of recommendation. During the next day and a half, they each will make their case for their particular candidate.
On the second day, the jurors are sequestered, with the charge of selecting a winner by late afternoon.
Announcement of the Water Prize Winner during the WaTER Symposium
The WaTER Symposium, held on the evening of the second day, focuses on global water issues, with the jurors participating in a panel discussion. The evening Symposium includes a dinner and is primarily oriented toward students and local professionals working in this area. Activities culminate at the Symposium with the juror who prepared the nomination package for the Prize winner announcing the recipient, summarizing his/her accomplishments.
It is expected that the selected awardee will accept the formal presentation of the Prize, which is typically held in conjunction with the biennial International WaTER Conference held in Norman in mid- to late Fall. At this Conference, the Prize winner will also deliver a plenary address.
Criteria for the Water Prize
Any living individual from any country is eligible; the Prize is conferred solely on the basis of merit, either for a lifetime of achievement, or for a new contribution that has already made a significant impact.
