On March 13, the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) released a draft International Water Stewardship Standard. The draft standard covers four main water principles: governance, balance, quality, and important water areas. The document also delves into more-detailed actions, metrics, and targets that can be used to achieve three levels of certification.

AWS is dedicated to developing the standard, as well as a corresponding program to help water users meet the standard targets. AWS is made up of 10 board organizations, including the Water Environment Federation. The standard was created by a 15-member group representing diverse water stakeholders from across eight international regions. Comments will be accepted on the first draft until June 15. Another draft will be released in late 2012, with a final standard expected in mid-2013.