Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) had a vision: to create infrastructure throughout the Lake Erie watershed that offers not only real-time monitoring, but also harnesses the ability to test and trial cutting-edge technologies in real-world conditions. This asset could allow tech companies to perfect their freshwater solutions and enter the market through Ohio, generating economic impact throughout our region as well as optimizing the management and care for our freshwater resources. Through support from the State of Ohio, Cuyahoga County, and federal funding via programs such as the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), this vision became a reality.
In 2020, Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) received a $600,000 grant from the U.S. EDA through their Build to Scale Program. Out of over 400 applicants, CWA was one of only seven recipients, making this recognition even more significant. This competitive grant was awarded to advance our efforts in accelerating market-driven water technologies and driving innovation in the blue economy. As the only non-coastal recipient, this recognition highlighted the unique potential of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes to foster sustainable economic growth through freshwater innovation.
The funding was instrumental in establishing the Smart Lake Erie Watershed (SLEW), now the largest digitally connected freshwater body in the world. By securing matching funds from local foundations, businesses, and the State of Ohio, the grant’s impact was exponential.
Thanks to advocacy from supporters including State Senator Matt Dolan, Cleveland Water Alliance received funding from the State of Ohio in 2021. This $3 million investment played a key role in building upon the groundwork of the U.S. EDA grant and expanding CWA’s Smart Lake Erie Watershed. This initiative now spans over 6,700 square miles, and is slated to reach 12,000 square miles in the coming years. It currently collects 10 million data points annually, enabling more monitoring, more parameters, and more technology testing opportunities throughout the region.
In November 2022, Cuyahoga County further funded our mission with $1.3 million in ARPA funds, thanks to the support of County Executive Armond Budish. This funding allowed for special attention to exploring opportunities with water-intensive technology. CWA secured an additional $4 million from the State of Ohio in July 2023, expanding our efforts into the Ohio River basin and advancing technology for detecting lead service lines without excavation.
The growth of these testbed opportunities allow innovators to trial and demonstrate emerging water technologies, such as lead service line detection or harmful algal bloom monitoring, in real-world conditions. By refining cutting-edge solutions for water management, public health, and environmental challenges, we’re advancing Ohio's leadership in freshwater innovation and ensuring that our region remains at the forefront of the global water economy.
Building on the success of the 2020 grant, Cleveland Water Alliance was awarded an additional $300,000 in 2022 from the U.S. EDA to establish the Freshwater Innovation Fund. This initiative focuses on identifying promising water technologies, engaging investors, and supporting entrepreneurs through capital and technical assistance. The goal of this fund is to bring next-generation freshwater technologies to market, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive freshwater economy in the Great Lakes region.
This investment expands on CWA’s ongoing efforts to drive water innovation, creating new opportunities for collaboration between innovators, investors, and industry leaders. By strengthening the network of experts and resources in the Lake Erie Basin, we are driving forward the development of groundbreaking technologies that will protect freshwater resources and fuel economic growth.
Cleveland Water Alliance’s journey over the past decade has been defined by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and economic impact. With the continued support of the EDA, the State of Ohio, and other partners, we are well-positioned to tackle the world’s most pressing water issues. We are thrilled to honor Ohio State Senator Matt Dolan at our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration, noting his instrumental role in helping CWA establish our Smart Lake Erie Watershed and advocating for Ohio’s water economy. These monumental moments of support opened the door to a wave of opportunities as we continue to lead, shape, and harness the power of freshwater innovation.
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