The Global Water Awards 2026, organized by Global Water Intelligence (GWI), has officially opened nominations with significant changes designed to broaden participation and recognition within the international water industry. Nominations are now being accepted until February 27, 2026, at 23:59 GMT, and can be submitted via a secure portal on the Global Water Awards website.
This year marks the first edition following a rebrand, introducing a new category focused on artificial intelligence, reflecting the growing role of AI in water management and technology. The expanded shortlist means more nominees will be promoted to GWI's audience of over 40,000 readers, increasing the visibility of achievements across the sector.
The awards recognize excellence across 15 categories spanning water, wastewater, technology, and desalination. They are considered the international water industry's most prestigious honor, with past winners including transnational water management companies, investors, EPC firms, utilities, industrial water users, and not-for-profit water providers. A full list of previous winners is available here.
Many organizations shortlisted for the awards have subsequently closed major business deals, underscoring the strategic importance of the recognition. The winners will be announced live at the Global Water Awards ceremony, held during the Global Water Summit in Madrid.
Nominations are open to all industry participants, and the expanded shortlist provides more opportunities for companies and organizations to gain international exposure. The deadline for submissions is February 27, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.
For general enquiries, contact awards@globalwaterintel.com. Global Water Intelligence, the organizer, is a leading market intelligence and events company serving the international water industry for over 25 years, covering municipal markets, industrial verticals, technology, finance, and economics.
