The “International Decade of Fresh Water” (2005 to 2015) was proclaimed by the United Nations to raise awareness about global water issues. To underscore the importance of water quality and conservation issues, Metropolitan has partnered with several local and national organizations by hosting a grant competition for local colleges and universities.

Creating new water conservation technologies, policies or communications programs will result in generating student interest in engineering, environmental science and related careers in the water industry, while promoting economic and workforce development in Southern California. It will help establish much-needed cost-effective projects in low-income or developing countries.

In accordance with the 2002 UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, "...proposals should improve efficient use of water resources...while preserving or restoring ecological integrity, with human domestic or industrial and agricultural needs."

College teams must do all of the following:

• Design a report, rendering or prototype of:
  a. An applied research concept (i.e., local watersheds) or
  b. An efficient water-use technology or process
  c. Communications Strategy
  
  
• Develop a business plan for implementation that includes:
  a. A budget
  b. Timeline
  c. An environmental, financial, societal and public policy implementation of the proposed concept, technology or process