The Water Tower: Innovation Starts Here
The Water Tower, officially launched in 2019, is comprised of two nonprofit organizations: The Water Tower at Gwinnett, a 501(c)4, which is responsible for the development and operations of the campus, and The Water Tower Institute, a 501c3, which is responsible for our solutions, instruction, and engagement programming.
Together, these entities are committed to building a thriving ecosystem of innovation driven by water challenges, informed by research, and powered by people. This is being accomplished by bringing together the public and private sectors of the water industry, side by side with academia and nonprofits, to tackle the industry’s greatest challenges.
Fueled by world-class campus resources, vibrant ecosystem of partners, and programs that drive real impact, innovation starts here at The Water Tower.
Our Vision
Build a thriving ecosystem of innovation driven by water challenges, informed by research, and powered by people.
Our Promise
We create diverse and enriching experiences with passionate people, state-of-the-art facilities, and dynamic partnerships.
Our Mission
The Water Tower Institute
TWTI (501c3) is a hub for water industry solutions that fosters a thriving community and environment.
The Water Tower at Gwinnett
TWTG (501c4) provides world-class resources and infrastructure to support the Institute and the community.
Our Strategic Plan
Our 5-Year Strategic Plan, launched in early 2025, reflects our steadfast commitment to serving the water sector. Over the next five years, four key goals will guide TWT's growth and impact:
Empower the Water Workforce
Innovate Tomorrow's Water Solutions
Tailor Opportunities for Collaboration
Become an Underserved Utility Center of Excellence
We look forward to working alongside our esteemed partners and collaborators to provide meaningful solutions for the water industry. Thank you for your continued support as we build a stronger water future together.
Our History
Gwinnett County has a long-standing reputation for proactive leadership, especially when it comes to water. The F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Facility, built in the early 2000s, remains one of the most advanced water reclamation facilities on the Eastern Seaboard. To build on that momentum in water innovation, the County Commission and Department of Water Resources leaders saw the need for an innovation center in Gwinnett to provide resources for the County and beyond. Thus, The Water Tower was born.
What started as an idea has come to fruition in less than a decade! After its grand opening in 2022, TWT's innovation campus is fully operational with active demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, workforce development and training initiatives, applied research projects, and professional development programming underway.