Advancing IoT & Rapid Detection Tech: CWA Innovation Summit

The 2025 CWA Innovation Summit featured key discussions from industry experts and innovators on the future of IoT and rapid detection technologies.

2024 Marks Record-Breaking Year for CWA's Testbed Network

Spring marks the start of deployment season, and Cleveland Water Alliance is preparing for 15 technology deployments this year as our Testbed Network continues to grow, driving global water innovation.

Aquatech 2025 Recap

Cleveland Water Alliance attended Aquatech Amsterdam 2025. This year was an exciting opportunity to see the latest innovations shaping the global water industry while strengthening our international partnerships.

Great Lakes Day 2025 Recap

Cleveland Water Alliance attended the Great Lakes Commission Semiannual Meeting and Great Lakes Day in Washington, D.C. Samantha Martin and Bryan Stubbs joined partners and policymakers to discuss the future of the Great Lakes.

CWA Testbed Program Welcomes Danish IoT Innovator: SenArch

Discover how Danish startup SenArch is advancing IoT connectivity through CWA's Testbed Program. Learn about their solar-powered LoRaWAN gateway, the benefits of real-world testing, and how international collaborations are driving water technology forward.

CWA Seeks Proposals for H2Ohio TAP Project on Reducing Nutrient Pollution

Cleveland Water Alliance is seeking an additional partner to provide data analysis and interpretation support for an H2Ohio Technology Assessment Program project focused on reducing nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff.

CES 2025 Recap

Cleveland Water Alliance attended CES 2025 to explore the latest innovative technologies from around the world, strengthen key partnerships, and celebrate one of our innovators.

CWA Announces Inaugural Tech Showcase, Attracting Innovators and Industry Leaders

Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) is thrilled to announce its inaugural Tech Showcase, an event designed to convene hundreds of innovators, industry leaders, stakeholders, researchers, and investors to explore the latest advancements in water technology. The showcase will take place on March 25-26, 2025, at Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and is set to be a dynamic event for highlighting transformative technologies and fostering new collaborations.

ROADMAP Summit 2024 Recap

Cleveland Water Alliance attended the inaugural ROADMAP Summit, showcasing our testbed and demonstrating how we’re driving economic growth through innovative water technologies.

Addressing Critical Infrastructure Needs With Our Data as a Service Model

Cleveland Water Alliance’s Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) model provides real-time water data to support utilities and stakeholders. Discover how this initiative drives accessible, data-driven solutions to help water managers protect drinking water systems amid changing conditions.

10 Years of Progress: Bryan Stubbs’ Journey with Cleveland Water Alliance

Bryan Stubbs reflects on ten years of impactful leadership at Cleveland Water Alliance, highlighting the importance of collaboration and his vision to position Cleveland as a hub for water technology innovation.

A Collaborative Approach to Water Quality Monitoring: Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network

Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network unites local communities in water quality monitoring, providing the tools and training needed to build a sustainable future for Lake Erie.

WEFTEC 2024 Recap

At WEFTEC 2024, Cleveland Water Alliance participated in several impactful sessions and continued to build key partnerships to advance water technology. Bryan Stubbs highlights the event’s valuable insights and the promising connections that will enhance our efforts to drive progress in the water sector.

Making Waves: The Impact of State and Federal Funding on CWA’s Success

Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) envisioned creating infrastructure throughout the Lake Erie watershed that enables real-time monitoring and testing of cutting-edge water technologies. With the support from the State of Ohio, Cuyahoga County, and federal funding through programs like the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), this vision has become a reality.

Cleveland Water Alliance Showcases Advancements in Lead Pipe Detection Technology

Cleveland Water Alliance hosted an event to address the urgent need for lead service line detection and removal. Experts and innovators gathered to present cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on the importance of collaboration and real-world testing.

European Water Tech Week 2024 Recap

European Water Tech Week highlighted the importance of international partnerships in advancing global water solutions. Bryan Stubbs reflects on his trip, where engaging discussions and cutting-edge technologies revealed exciting opportunities to address water challenges.

Erie Hack: Paving the Way for Water Technology Innovation

Erie Hack was a competition launched by Cleveland Water Alliance to help tackle Lake Erie's water challenges through innovation and collaboration. Erie Hack's legacy has laid the foundation for our current initiatives, including the Smart Lake Erie Watershed and Open Innovation Challenge, which continue to drive progress in water technology.

New Video: "CWA Facilitates U.S. Market Entry for International Innovators"

NEW VIDEO: Leonard Kieseler, Bryan Stubbs, Ebie Holst, and Dorothy Baunach discuss how CWA helps international water technology innovators break into the U.S. market.

10 Years of Making Waves in the Water Economy

Cleveland Water Alliance has spent the past decade transforming the Great Lakes region into a global hub for freshwater innovation. Under the leadership of Executive Director Bryan Stubbs, CWA has established Lake Erie as the world's largest digitally connected freshwater body, invested over $10 million in cutting-edge infrastructure, and collaborated with industry leaders from across the globe.

Expanding Innovation: CWA Launches New Testbed Buoy

Our newest testbed buoy is now live in Lake Erie’s western basin near Toledo, creating even more opportunities for innovators to test water tech in real-world conditions. Dive into our blog to learn more about this game-changing addition!

Data Deep Dive: How Significant Rainfall Impacts Watershed Management with Cleveland Metroparks

Rainfall is necessary to water plants and crops, keep ecosystems balanced, and replenish our water sources. While significant rainfall can be a good thing for the region, it has a variety of consequences for our environment. For example, abundant rain causes runoff, pushing contaminates into water streams. In this Data Deep Dive, we take a look at how CWA’s water sensor data provides intelligent insights that empower our partner, Cleveland Metroparks, with the ability to monitor watershed water quality and park conditions and take action to manage the parks when stormwater overflow events occur during heavy rainfall.

CWA Innovator Spotlight: India Johnson of UA Vistas

India Johnson is testing her cutting-edge drone technology solutions in Cleveland Water Alliance’s Water Accelerator Testbeds. Her work is advancing environmental monitoring for Lake Erie and demonstrating the impact of our innovator ecosystem.

New Video: Growing the Water Economy through Powerful Partnerships

CWA is growing the water economy workforce through active collaboration with our partners. From corporate expansion and manufacturing to high school maritime and tech education programs, our partners are creating new jobs and utilizing a workforce trained in water technology fields.

Data Deep Dive: Unraveling the August Tornadoes’ Impact on Lake Erie

The data collected by smart buoys during August's multi-tornado weather event demonstrates CWA's ability to gain real-time insights into ever-changing environmental dynamics.

Empowering Communities through Participatory Science: The Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network in Action

In the heart of the Maumee Watershed, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Through LEVSN, residents from all walks of life come together, united by a shared passion for protecting and understanding their local waterways.

New Video: Smart Lake Erie Watershed: The World's Largest Digitally Connected Freshwater Body

WATCH NOW: Smart Lake Erie Watershed: The World's Largest Digitally Connected Freshwater Body

Responding To Urgent PFAS Contamination Crisis with Market-Driven Solutions

Cleveland Water Alliance is at the forefront of identifying and accelerating technology to detect and remediate emerging contaminants.

Singapore International Water Week Recap

Singapore International Water Week demonstrated the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing global water challenges. Bryan Stubbs shares insights and highlights of his trip to this worthwhile international convention.

CWA Announces Debut of Korean Water Tech in $6M Pilot Project at Avon Lake Regional Water

Reflections on ACE24: Cross-Sector Collaboration in Water Innovation

CWA's Max Herzog shared insights from his experience at the ACE24 conference in Anaheim. He highlighted the growth of AI and remote sensing applications, PFAS removal solutions, and the importance of collaboration in addressing water quality and climate resilience issues.

Cleveland Water Alliance Continues to Accelerate Solutions to the Lead Service Line Crisis

CWA remains dedicated to accelerating solutions to the lead service line crisis by staying up to date on the issue, hosting the Open Innovation Challenge, identifying and hosting detection technologies, and expanding into other materials.

Bryan Stubbs Heads to Singapore International Water Week

Join me as I head to Singapore International Water Week this June. Discover how CWA extends its reach into Asia, fosters partnerships, and scouts innovative water technologies.

IAGLR 2024: Recap and Highlights

Our CWA team had a productive week at IAGLR 2024, featuring multiple sessions, presentations, networking opportunities, and work sessions with critical partners from across the region.

CWA at IFAT 2024: A Powerful Global Presence

Ebie Holst and Bryan Stubbs from CWA reported that IFAT 2024 remains the most successful conference for generating innovation and testbed leads. They connected with various innovators, ranging from large investment venture capital firms to young companies from Finland to Brazil, all eager to collaborate and explore new opportunities.

Data Deep Dive: Understanding Hypoxia in Lake Erie

In this Data Deep Dive, we talk with partners at Aqua Ohio to understand the impacts of real-time data in monitoring Hypoxia in Lake Erie.

Launch Season: The Buoys Are Back

CWA launches a fleet of Smart Buoys, expands our telecommunications network coverage, partners with local CMSD students through Argonaut, grows the Innovation Team, and more! An impressive kickoff to the 2024 Smart Lake Erie Watershed season!

CWA at IAGLR 2024: Showcasing Innovations in Water Research

Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) team will actively participate in the upcoming 67th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research (IAGLR 2024), which will be held in Windsor, Ontario, from May 20 to 24, 2024.

CWA at IFAT 2024: Connecting Globally to Accelerate Water Solutions

As we continue to expand our global presence and foster international partnerships, IFAT provides the perfect setting to connect with innovators, scout cutting-edge technologies, and highlight our collaborative efforts in water tech innovation.

How to Access Real-Time Data on Lake Erie Conditions

Want to access real-time data from our Smart Lake Erie Watershed? Here's how!

Data Deep Dive: Total Solar Eclipse Edition

The data collected during this unique astronomical event demonstrates the Smart Lake Erie Watershed’s ability to gain real-time insights into ever-changing environmental dynamics. 

Bridging the Gap: The Freshwater Innovation Fund by Cleveland Water Alliance

We're bridging the crucial gap between groundbreaking innovation and essential funding. With the launch of the Freshwater Innovation Fund, we're inviting accredited investors to be a part of the journey in addressing global water challenges with cutting-edge solutions.

Unveiling the 2023 Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network (LEVSN) Field Season Report

As we step into April 2024, marking the commencement of our most ambitious season yet, the Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network (LEVSN) proudly releases its comprehensive 2023 field season report.

Reflecting on Great Lakes Day in DC: A Focused Dialogue on Collaborative Water Initiatives

An interview with CWA's Samantha Martin about her time in D.C. for Great Lakes Day 2024.

Testbeds Front and Center on Global Stage at World Water Tech London

Bryan Stubbs shares a recap of his trip to the World Water-Tech Innovation Summit in London, highlighting trends in the water industry as well as insights from the dozens of 1:1 meetings he hosted.

2023 Marks Successful Year in Innovator Support and Programming for CWA

When it comes to innovator support and programming, in 2023 we took huge strides. From the success of the Smart Lake Erie Watershed Testbed to the redefined Open Innovation Challenge focused on lead pipe detection, our educational events, and the introduction of the Tech Lending Library, CWA's continues to showcase our commitment to advancing water management solutions and fostering global collaboration.

Data Deep Dive: Severe Weather on Lake Erie Brings Sudden 4ft Waves!

The blog post introduces "Data Deep Dive," a new data analysis series, by examining its first data set: a detailed analysis of the severe storm that struck Lake Erie from August 29th to 30th, 2022, emphasizing the storm's impact and the significant insights gained from sensor data for applications in weather modeling, wildlife research, and community safety.

CWRU's Public Interest Technology Fellowship

Helio Dong, a student at Case Western Reserve University, recently completed his Public Interest Technology (PIT) Fellowship at Cleveland Water Alliance. During his time, we witnessed the transformation of a Computer Science student into a user-focused technologist.

CWA Innovator Secures $1.3M in Funding for PFAS Remediation

CoreWater Technologies, Inc., an innovator in the Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) network, has successfully secured $1.3 million in funding for PFAS remediation.

Cleveland Water Alliance at CES: Innovations and Insights

Cleveland Water Alliance's participation at #CES2024 in Las Vegas showcases our commitment to exploring emerging water technologies and fostering global partnerships, highlighting trends in digital water tech and innovative solutions like biological monitoring and even smart toilets.

A Trip to Catalonia and the South of France: A Testament to Global Innovation in Water Technology

Bryan Stubbs reflects on his trip to Barcelona, Spain, where he met with the Catalan Water Partnership, and Montpellier, France, where he attended the Aqua Business Days conference.

2023 Highlights: Empowering Communities for Lake Erie's Protection - The Year in Review with LEVSN

LEVSN has grown significantly, developing standardized protocols for data collection and achieving notable milestones in 2023, such as expanding its volunteer base and enhancing data tools and training. The network emphasizes community empowerment and collaborative efforts to sustain Lake Erie's ecosystem, inviting further support and participation from various stakeholders.

New Sensors at Great Lakes Science Center Expand CWA's Smart Lake Erie Watershed

The installation of new sensor stations near the Great Lakes Science Center, as part of the Smart Lake Erie Watershed, represents a significant advancement in monitoring water quality and environmental parameters, contributing to Cleveland's growing water technology ecosystem and informing policies for regional economic and environmental sustainability.

The Smart Lake Erie Watershed: 2023 Highlights in the Worlds Largest Digitally Connected Freshwater Body

The 2023 highlights of the Smart Lake Erie Watershed Initiative include significant advancements in deploying sensors and smart buoys, innovative partnerships, and key initiatives to maintain freshwater health, thereby marking a pivotal year in bolstering Cleveland's water economy.

Aquatech Amsterdam 2023: Contributing to Global Conversations in Water Innovation

Insights from our recent participation in the Aquatech Amsterdam conference, held November 6-9. This event, attended by Max Herzog and Emily Hamilton, was not just an opportunity to witness the forefront of water technology but also a platform to reinforce CWA’s position as global leaders in accelerating water innovation.

Cleveland Water Alliance Welcomes Two Distinguished Board Members

The Cleveland Water Alliance is pleased to welcome Abhishek Sharda, Head of the National Automation Group at Brown & Caldwell, and Maria Bocanegra, Chief Legal Officer for the Port of Cleveland, as esteemed board members for 2023-2024.

CWA at WEFTEC 2023: Collaboration, Innovation, and Global Impact

Cleveland Water Alliance highlights its global partnerships, Smart Lake Erie Watershed, and the Water Data Forum series at WEFTEC 2023.

“Making Water an Irresistible Value Proposition;" Bryan Stubbs to speak at World Water Tech Conference in Los Angeles

We're excited to share that Bryan Stubbs, our Executive Director, will be a panelist at the World Water Tech Conference in Los Angeles on October 25-26. This year, Bryan is excited to contribute to the Investor Debate on the topic “Making Water an Irresistible Value Proposition."

2023 Open Innovation Challenge Winners Announced!

Cleveland Water Alliance is excited to share a significant milestone in water innovation. On Thursday, September 14th, from 12:00 to 12:45 pm ET, we'll virtually reveal the winners of our 2023 Open Innovation Challenge. This challenge has drawn widespread attention for addressing a pressing issue: the detection of lead service pipes without disruptive excavation methods.

Celebrating a Milestone in Water Stewardship: Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network

Discover how the Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network (LEVSN) has evolved from disparate volunteer groups to a powerful regional force, driven by Cleveland Water Alliance, shaping the health and stewardship of Lake Erie through data, collaboration, and community engagement.

Samantha Martin of CWA to Speak at Future Water World Congress 2023

The Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) is proud to announce that their Communications Director, Samantha Martin, will be speaking at the Future Water World Congress 2023 at the Anaheim Convention Center on 27th and 28th September. With free entry for CWA supporters, the event promises a robust platform for professionals seeking innovative, sustainable water solutions, and a chance to hear from industry experts, including a lineup of esteemed keynote speakers.

State of Ohio Invests in Cleveland Water Alliance: Powering the Future of Water Innovation

The State of Ohio has awarded CWA a remarkable $4 million in this year's budget, further fueling the growth of Ohio's water economy.

2023 Water Finance Conference Coming to Cleveland in August

Cleveland Water Alliance members save $300 on registration before July 14

Advancing the Frontier in Lead Detection: A Call for Innovation

Last week’s Open Innovation Webinar set the stage for a potential breakthrough in Public Health: Non-Invasive Lead Service Line detection. Our very own Ebie Holst, Director of Clusters and Innovation, spoke with industry expert Brenda Culler, Cleveland Water’s Lead Program Manager, and together they unveiled CWA’s 2023 Open Innovation Challenge: a global call to action.

Revolutionizing Lead Detection: Solving the Hidden Threat for Public and Environmental Health with our 2023 Open Innovation Challenge

There is an urgent need for a non-invasive and accurate method to detect lead service lines in order to address public health and environmental safety concerns. We're calling for innovative solutions through our 2023 Open Innovator Challenge to revolutionize lead detection and create a safer future.

BlueTech Forum 2023: Key Insights and Future Directions for Water Innovation

The BlueTech Forum 2023 held in Edinburgh, Scotland was an exceptional experience, highlighting both the current state of water innovation and its future potential. This event demonstrated the power of global collaboration and the importance of fresh perspectives in fostering sustainability and economic growth.‍

2023 CWA Water Accelerator Testbeds: Igniting Innovation in Water Technology and IoT Solutions

Embark on a journey of innovation with the launch of the 2023 CWA Water Accelerator Testbeds program. Cleveland Water Alliance invites water technology and IoT pioneers to push boundaries and solve pressing water challenges.

Positioning Ohio as a Global Water Innovation Hub: Launching the 2023 Smart Lake Erie Watershed Season

Cleveland Water Alliance is establishing Ohio as a global water innovation hub through the launch of the 2023 Testbed Season for Smart Lake Erie Watershed. With state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure and an expansive network of IoT sensors covering thousands of square miles of water bodies, wetlands, and streams, this initiative revolutionizes water quality monitoring.

CWA Spring Highlights

Check out the vibrant world of water innovation with the Cleveland Water Alliance's captivating April update blog. Dive into a trove of captivating stories and groundbreaking initiatives as this dynamic platform highlights the latest advancements in water technology, sustainable practices, and community engagement. From thought-provoking discussions to inspiring success stories, this blog will leave you inspired and informed, driving you to join the movement towards a brighter, more resilient water future.

CWA hosts Sensor Calibration Event at Cleveland State University

We recently organized a Sonde Calibration Event that highlighted the latest advances in water technology, specifically smart buoy/sensor technology, to help ensure clean and sustainable water resources in Northeast Ohio.

Funding Water Innovation: Cleveland Water Alliance's Executive Director Takes the Stage at E-Capital Summit

Discover the exciting journey of water innovation as Cleveland Water Alliance's Executive Director takes the spotlight at the E-Capital Summit. This captivating blog showcases the significance of funding in driving water innovation and sustainability. Join the visionary discussions and groundbreaking insights shared on the stage, as the Cleveland Water Alliance solidifies its position as a leader in freshwater innovation. Explore the blog to uncover how this influential event paves the way for a future where clean, safe water is accessible to all.

CWA's Smart Lake Erie Watershed Technology Roadshow

Cleveland Water Alliance and partners LimnoTech and Freeboard Technologies hosted a series of Technology Roadshow events in January 2023 to showcase the technology used in developing the Smart Lake Erie Watershed Initiative. Attendees across the Lake Erie Region expressed excitement about the uses of LoRaWAN technology in various applications.

Raising the Bar: New, High-Tech Buoys Fill Critical Gaps in Ohio Shoreline with Data about Lake Erie

As Cleveland Water Alliance establishes its Smart Lake Erie Watershed Initiative, they pull their buoys from Lake Erie and reflect on the successes of this season and bright future opportunities.

CWA Advances Partnerships with South Korean Water Tech

We were so thankful for the opportunity to attend Korea International Water Week in November 2022. As part of the event, Bryan Stubbs participated in the World Water Clusters Forum, and gave several presentations about our recent testbed work.

Freeboard Technology wins Best of Tech Cleveland Award

Our partner Ed Verhamme at Freeboard (and LimnoTech!) won The "Best Support of the Tech Community" award with Greater Cleveland Partnership.

Celebrating 50 Years of Clean Water Impacts with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

Lake Erie Watershed Testbed Open for 2022 Field Season!

CWA Launches Innovator Showcase Series to Highlight Breakthrough Water Technologies

Key Takeaways From the 2022 Lake Erie Citizen Science Summit

Earlier this month, we hosted the inaugural Lake Erie Citizen Science Summit which convened regional lakefront and watershed volunteer groups, researchers, and stakeholders, and culminated with the output of the Lake Erie Baseline Assessment Framework (LEBAF), a cohesive set of standards for operating procedures, data gathering, and necessary technology which elevates the credibility and capacity of volunteer science.

Coming Soon: Water Data Forum 2022

Water Data Forum, the virtual series presented by Cleveland Water Alliance, the Water Environment Federation, and the Midwest Big Data Innovation Hub, is returning for a second season in 2022!

Getting Started with Affordable Environmental Monitoring and Sensor Solutions

Guest Blog: In-Situ Talks with Andrew Luessenhop about the Company’s Relationship with Cleveland Water Alliance

Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) and In-Situ are leveraging innovative technology to monitor, analyze, and protect our most valuable resource.To learn more about In-Situ’s work with CWA, we sat down with Andrew Luessenhop, our sales manager for the Central U.S. and CWA liaison.

CWA Appoints New Board and Vice Chairs, Welcomes Directors from Kinetico Inc. and Kent State University

Cleveland Water Alliance is honored to appoint a new Board Chair: Michael Schum of Moen Incorporated, a Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group company, as well as a new Vice Chair and Head of Governance Committee: Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, and to welcome two new Directors to its Board: Beth Allison of Kinetico Incorporated and Christopher Blackwood of Kent State University. The annual Board meeting elections were held on November 9, 2021.

Erie Hack 2021: Meet Our Finalists!

Erie Hack 2021: Meet Our Semifinalists!

Erie Hack 2021: Improving Lake Erie Surface Water Quality - For Now and Next

Erie Hack 2021: Tackling Water Infrastructure Challenges around Lake Erie

Erie Hack is Back to Take on Water Equity, Quality, and Infrastructure

Erie Hack Spotlight: Max Herzog of Cleveland Water Alliance

Spotlight on Erie Hack Partners: Samuel Chang of Toledo

CWA Holds In-Depth Q&A Session Webinars for Open Innovation Challenge

Spotlight on Erie Hack Partners: Paul Riser Jr. of Detroit