Cleveland Water Alliance

Cleveland Water Alliance recently facilitated the deployment of a CSU-developed electrochemical sensor at Cleveland Metroparks' Garfield Park Pond.

Developed by Cleveland State University professor Dr. Chelsea Monty-Bromer, this technology is a multi-parameter sensor that monitors the electrochemical signatures (or small electrical patterns) of microbiological activity right in the subsurface soil and mud.

By reading these patterns, the device is designed to act as a real-time proxy indicator for the presence of E. coli and other harmful bacteria. As a part of the trial process, researchers are currently validating the sensor manually under these new field conditions before launching the next phase: trialing the wireless, real-time data relay. By automating this process, it keeps water managers safer while saving them significant time and labor.

Read more about this deployment: https://www.clevelandwateralliance.org/blog/cleveland-water-alliance-facilitates-deployment-of-csu-developed-e-coli-monitoring-tech-at-cleveland-metroparks

🎙️ Cleveland Water Alliance was on Ideastream News "Sound of Ideas" today to discuss how our region is collaborating to advance exciting tech aimed at keeping our water safe and clean.

CWA's Samantha Martin explained the major need for real-world trialing opportunities, and how CWA is making this happen alongside regional partners like Cleveland Metroparks. This discussion highlighted our recent technology deployment, which brought a real-time E. coli monitoring system developed by Cleveland State University Professor Dr. Chelsea Monty-Bromer to Garfield Park Pond.

Jennifer Grieser, Director of Natural Resources at Cleveland Metroparks, shared how this vital data will help protect regional park systems and water resources from the impacts of runoff and sewer overflows.

🎥 Catch the full conversation here: https://www.clevelandwateralliance.org/blog/cleveland-water-alliance-featured-on-ideastream-public-medias-sound-of-ideas

CWA’s Max Herzog recently attended and presented at the International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) & SCAS-SCSA 2026 Joint Conference!

Max participated in two key sessions during the event:

💡 Great Lakes Participatory Science Resource Hub Network: In this session co-chaired by Water Rangers and the St. Lawrence River Institute, local groups and hubs shared insights from their critical monitoring work. Max also discussed the framework CWA has been building in partnership with the International Joint Commission (IJC) to scale this impactful participatory science work across the entire Great Lakes basin.

⚙️ Great Lakes Technology Showcase: Max also co-chaired this showcase alongside our partners at Northwestern Michigan College, which spotlighted the cutting-edge tools and rapid innovations that are transforming advanced water monitoring and management.

We’re excited to announce that Sally Gutierrez will join us as moderator for the 2026 State of the Great Lakes at The City Club of Cleveland!

Sally will lead a conversation with CWA’s President & CEO Bryan Stubbs on how we can leverage the Great Lakes to drive economic growth and position our region as a global leader in water innovation. With nearly 24 years of experience at the U.S. EPA, including leadership roles in water research, risk management, and technology innovation, Sally brings an incredible depth of expertise to this year's discussion.

Don't miss out on this important conversation! Tickets and sponsored tables are available now- secure yours here: https://www.clevelandwateralliance.org/event/2026-state-of-the-great-lakes

Happy World Oceans Day! 🌍

From the Great Lakes to the coast, all water is connected. The work we do right here in our region to protect, innovate, and preserve our freshwater resources plays a vital role in the health of our global oceans.

On this World Environment Day, we’re highlighting the power of collaboration and technology in environmental stewardship. 🌊🌱

Through our various programming, like the Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network (LEVSN), we empower communities with vital data to safeguard our water. Together, we are building a more resilient future for the Great Lakes ecosystem!

CWA's Ebie Holst recently spoke on the "From Water to Air to Orbit: The Future of Connectivity Is Here" panel at the “On The Edge” Annual Meeting! 💡

It was a great opportunity to connect with manufacturers, tech leaders, researchers, and innovators. It’s exciting to see the momentum and cross-sector innovation happening across Ohio. 🚀

The 2026 Testbed Season is officially underway!

From AI-powered HABs toxicity detection to non-invasive Lead Service Line locating, Cleveland Water Alliance is advancing the next generation of water technology to meet critical market needs.

CWA helps bridge the gap between initial development and market entry. By utilizing a robust network of diverse environments, including lakes, streams, utilities, and lab settings, we provide the real-world validation and business support necessary to advance innovation.

Learn more about some of the innovative tech we’re trialing this year: https://www.clevelandwateralliance.org/blog/a-first-look-at-the-2026-testbed-technologies

CWA’s Emily Hamilton will be speaking at American Water Works Association ACE26 in Washington, D.C.!

🎤 Session: Water Accelerator Testbeds - Driving Innovation in the Great Lakes

🗓️ Wednesday, June 24th | 2:15 PM EDT

In this session, Emily will explore how Cleveland Water Alliance is tackling the industry's inherent risk aversion by turning Lake Erie into the world's largest digitally connected freshwater body. She’ll share how our $5M+ investment in technical and entrepreneurial infrastructure provides a powerful testbed for trialing, commercializing, and promoting water innovations.

If you’re attending and would like to connect with CWA, please reach out to our team!