The International Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard) is a globally applicable framework for major water users to understand their water use and impacts, and to work collaboratively and transparently for sustainable water management within a catchment context.
It is a site and catchment-based Standard that can be used by any company, in any industry around the world. The objective of the AWS Standard is to drive water stewardship, which we define as: the use of water that is socially and culturally equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial, achieved through a stakeholder-inclusive process that involves site- and catchment-based actions.
The AWS Standard is intended to drive social, environmental and economic benefits at the catchment scale. It supports sites to:
The AWS Standard can also be used by companies, investors and public sector agencies who want to mitigate water risks by evaluating and planning water stewardship practices.
The AWS Standard guides sites through a five-step process:
This five-step process allows businesses to assess the water risks and opportunities they share with those in their wider catchment area, encouraging collaboration with other businesses, governments, civil society and local communities. The focus of the AWS Standard is on the operational site and its catchment but it also aims to include indirect water use across the supply chain.
Implementation of the AWS Standard is intended to achieve five key outcomes:
Good water governance
Responsible sharing of water resources in the interests of users and the natural environment in line with the principles of water stewardship.
Sustainable water balance
Ongoing water use within the catchment does not result in long-term negative impacts on the natural environment or other water users.
Good water quality status
Good water quality status is where the water quality is high enough to sustain native flora and fauna, and the needs of other water users where applicable.
Important Water-Related Areas (IWRAs)
Areas or features of high environmental, community or cultural value to humans and nature are protected.
Safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all (WASH)
People have access to safe and sufficient water for drinking, food preparation and washing, as well as toilet facilities and hygiene education, to combat the spread of water-related illnesses and disease.
The AWS Standard is approved by AWS Members and informed by the AWS Technical Committee.
The AWS Standard is supported by an assurance system that also supports claims and use of the AWS logo. The AWS Standard was developed in compliance with the codes of best practice of the ISEAL Alliance, the global umbrella organisation for credible standard systems.
The official language of the AWS Standard is English. Please contact us if you would like a hard copy of the AWS Standard or would like to submit a comment.
AWS Members can access online, user-friendly versions of the AWS Standard V2.0 and Guidance through the AWS Tools Hub. This along with other resources in the Tools Hub will help you implement the AWS Standard at your site.
Certification to the AWS Standard demonstrates that a site has met the criteria for good water stewardship. It enables businesses to make credible claims about their commitment to water sustainability and can increase investor confidence, improve brand perception and strengthen customer relationships.
There are now more than 300 AWS certified sites around the world. Browse our interactive map to learn more.
Following a review survey conducted in 2023, AWS is undertaking a revision of the AWS Standard. This process aims to increase the practicality, utility and value of the AWS Standard V3.0.
We strongly encourage and value the continued engagement of AWS Members and other stakeholders in this process to help us strengthen the AWS Standard and System.
Download the AWS Standard and start your water stewardship journey.
The AWS Standard Version 2.0 is currently available in: Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Turkish, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Language variation notice: If there are differences between the English and other language versions, the English language version should be used for correct reference.
Learn more about the steps you need to take to pursue certification.
Find out about the AWS Standard review and revision process.
Learn more about the steps you need to take to pursue certification.
Find out about the AWS Standard review and revision process.
Download our standard and start your water stewardship journey.
Learn more about the steps you need to take to pursue certification.
Find out about the AWS Standard review and revision process.