Achievements in
Water Power Awards Have Closed!
The Achievements in Water Power Awards (AWPA) celebrates impactful achievements across the U.S. water power industry — recognizing projects and programs that advance innovation, enhance environmental and recreational outcomes, and strengthen public understanding of water power.
Applications are Closed
A Note on OSAW: The Achievements in Water Power Awards builds on the legacy of NHA's Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters (OSAW) program, which recognized hydropower excellence from 1994 through 2025. Past OSAW recipients and their achievements remain part of our community's record. View OSAW's history and past recipients →
2024 OSAW Award Winners on stage in Portland, Oregon.
Eligibility & Award Categories
The awards are open to organizations, companies, utilities, and partners across the U.S. water power sector — including projects completed or substantially realized in 2025.
Open to any U.S. water power organization — operators, utilities, contractors, nonprofits, and industry partners.
Eligible entries must be completed or substantially realized in 2025.
Submissions must demonstrate clear outcomes, measurable progress, or meaningful impact on operations, the environment, or public understanding of water power.
Operational & Technical Achievements
Equipment upgrades, dam safety improvements, advancements in marine or hydrokinetic systems, efficiency gains, conduit deployments, or innovative operational practices that measurably advance water power performance.
Environmental, Recreational & Historical Enhancements
Habitat restoration, water quality improvements, fish passage solutions, recreational access enhancements (trails, boating flows), or preservation and recognition of historic water power infrastructure.
Public Education & Outreach Efforts
Community engagement campaigns, workforce development programs, educational materials, digital outreach initiatives, or visitor center projects that strengthen public understanding of water power's role and value.
How to Build Your Submission
Tell your story in a clear, straightforward way. Avoid industry jargon — the strongest applications make the merit of an achievement obvious to any reader. Each submission includes six components.
Contact & Project Information
Provide the basic details that help reviewers contextualize your entry: organization or company name, project name, location, and primary contact information.
Project Snapshot 1–2 paragraphs
A concise overview of the accomplishment — what was done, where it occurred, and why it matters. This section should clearly summarize the achievement and its significance to the water power industry.
The Challenge 100–150 words
Describe the problem, opportunity, or need that prompted the work. Include context such as operational constraints, environmental considerations, regulatory drivers, or community needs that shaped the project.
Innovation 100–150 words
Explain the approaches, technologies, or strategies used. This may include:
- Deployment of new or emerging technologies
- Creative application of existing tools or methods
- Novel engineering, operational, or management practices
- Unique partnerships or stakeholder collaboration
The Impact 150–350 words
Highlight measurable results and outcomes. Where possible, include:
- Quantifiable performance improvements (efficiency, reliability, safety)
- Environmental or recreational benefits
- Community or stakeholder impacts
- Cost-effectiveness or scalability of the solution
Supporting Proof Optional
Strengthen your submission with materials that help tell the story and demonstrate impact — press release links, social media posts, photos, videos, or third-party documentation.
Award Benefits
Recognition at the highest level of the U.S. water power community — and a platform to share your story with the industry.
Formal Award Presentation
Recipients are presented with their award live at NHA's Clean Currents conference — the premier event of the U.S. water power industry. A representative must be present to accept.
Feature Video
A short highlight video spotlighting your achievement is produced and screened before the awards ceremony at Clean Currents — putting your work in front of the full conference audience.
POWERHOUSE Feature Article
Your accomplishment is featured in NHA's POWERHOUSE media platform — reaching members, policymakers, and water power stakeholders across the country.
NHA Social Media Amplification
NHA's social media channels — reaching thousands of industry followers — will uplift and amplify your recognition, celebrating your achievement with the broader water power community.
Building on a 30-Year Legacy
Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters (OSAW) — 1994–2025
The Achievements in Water Power Awards carries forward the tradition established by NHA's Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters program, which for over three decades recognized hydropower operators, innovators, and stewards for excellence in environmental care, public education, and operational achievement. This new program expands that spirit — broadening the scope of recognized achievement to reflect how water power continues to evolve across the full range of U.S. energy and water resource contexts.
View OSAW history & past recipients →
