AWS is preparing to launch Version 3.0 of the International Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard) – a major revision designed to enhance:
The AWS Standard Review and Revision process follows the AWS Standards Development and Revision Procedure and ISEAL’s Code of Good Practice. It is overseen by the AWS Technical Committee and facilitated by the AWS Secretariat.
The second Global Public Consultation on the draft AWS Standard V3.0 closed on 25 July 2025. AWS is currently reviewing feedback received from over 80 respondents and developing the final draft of V3.0. Once approved by the AWS Technical Committee, the final draft will be presented to AWS Members for a vote.
The timeline below outlines the key milestones leading up to and following the launch of the AWS Standard V3.0. Please note: dates are provisional and subject to change based on the Member vote and other factors.
Final draft of the AWS Standard V3.0 developed by the AWS Secretariat and Technical Committee
Summary of second public consultation feedback published
Final draft of the AWS Standard V3.0 presented at the AWS Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Formal approval of the AWS Standard V3.0 by the AWS Technical Committee
AWS Member vote to adopt the AWS Standard V3.0
Advance copy of the AWS Standard V3.0 made available following adoption
Design and translation of the AWS Standard V3.0
Development of V3.0 Guidance
AWS Standard V3.0 launched on World Water Day
Guidance V3.0 published
One-year Transition Period begins, see below for details
Translations of the Standard available in: Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Bangla, Standard Arabic and French
Information sessions for AWS Members, certificate holders and recent AWS Standard System Trainees begin to explain changes and support the transition
Translated Guidance V3.0 released in priority languages
Audits against the AWS Standard V3.0 commence
After publication of the AWS Standard V3.0, there will be a one-year transition period, following which all initial and recertification audits will be conducted against V3.0.
For sites that are already certified against the AWS Standard V2.0 or that choose to use V2.0 for their initial or recertification audit during the transition period, surveillance audits will be conducted against V2.0.
Sites may choose to receive a new certification audit against the AWS Standard V3.0 before their existing V2.0 certificate expires.
This revision is the result of a comprehensive review process that began in 2023, including stakeholder surveys and consultations. For more information:
For any enquiries, please contact Tyler Farrow, Standards Manager, using the form below.
Contact us with any questions regarding the AWS Standard Review and Revision.
Between 14 October and 20 December 2024, AWS held the first global public consultation on the draft text of the AWS Standard V3.0. The consultation included a survey, and a variety of online and offline activities targeted at our diverse stakeholder groups.
Feedback from the public consultation will be used to assess the extent to which we have met the aims of the revision process and will inform further revisions and improvements to the AWS Standard V3.0. A summary of the comments received will be made publicly available in the first quarter of 2025, ahead of a second round of public consultation on the revised second draft of the AWS Standard V3.0
Please review the following documents before providing your feedback:
To support the consultation, and provide more information about how to participate, AWS hosted a webinar on Tuesday, 22 October 2024. The link to the recording can be found below, along with the passcode: