How It Works?
Community-Driven Problem Identification
At CWAC, everything starts with listening. We believe the most effective solutions to water issues come from the people most affected by them. We begin our work by engaging with local communities, attending town halls, responding to inquiries, and conducting outreach in schools, neighborhoods, and community centers. Through these conversations and assessments, we learn about the specific water-related challenges a community is facing — whether it’s contamination, infrastructure neglect, or lack of access to reliable data. This localized, community-driven approach ensures our efforts are both relevant and respectful to the lived experiences of the people we serve.
Data Collection and Water Quality Testing
Once issues are identified, we move into data collection. Accurate, actionable information is at the heart of everything we do. Our team facilitates water testing initiatives to measure pollutants like lead, PFAS, nitrates, and bacteria. We use certified labs and field teams to ensure results are trustworthy and defensible. In many cases, we partner with residents themselves to perform water sampling — training them in best practices so they become active participants in monitoring their own water. This empowers people not only with data but with the ability to advocate for change based on facts.
Education and Public Awareness Campaigns
Knowledge is power — and education is the bridge to action. After we’ve gathered data, we develop educational materials and conduct awareness campaigns tailored to each community. These range from workshops in public libraries to interactive presentations in high schools, to digital campaigns on social media. We break down complex environmental science into plain language that resonates with everyday people. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left in the dark about what’s in their water, what it means for their health, and how they can take part in protecting it.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement
After understanding the issue and raising awareness, we take the fight to the decision-makers. Our advocacy team engages with local, state, and federal officials to push for policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and enforcement of environmental regulations. Whether it’s submitting testimony at a legislative hearing, organizing petition drives, or working with journalists to bring attention to a crisis, we make sure the voices of impacted communities are heard where it matters most. We also help residents draft letters to elected officials, prepare for public comment sessions, and learn how to track government actions affecting their water.
Partnership and Coalition Building
We don’t work alone — and we don’t believe anyone should have to. CWAC collaborates with a wide range of partners, including universities, environmental law centers, local nonprofits, faith organizations, and scientists. We form coalitions that bring together diverse strengths and perspectives to solve water challenges holistically. These partnerships allow us to scale our impact, access resources, and bring technical or legal support to communities that might otherwise go unheard. We also co-lead regional water justice networks to create a unified voice for systemic change.
Sustainable Solutions and Long-Term Impact
Our final step — and one of the most critical — is ensuring sustainability. We don’t believe in quick fixes or one-time campaigns. We aim for long-term change by helping communities build local water stewardship programs, monitor ongoing risks, and institutionalize clean water practices. This might include developing school curricula on water conservation, supporting municipal green infrastructure planning, or establishing resident-led monitoring groups. Our work doesn’t end until clean water is not just restored — but protected for generations to come.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where every individual enjoys the right to clean, accessible, and protected water resources — a world where ecosystems thrive, communities are resilient, and future generations are empowered by sustainable choices.
About Us
We envision rivers running clear, wetlands restored, infrastructure modernized, and communities equipped with the tools and education they need to protect water for the long term. Our vision is not limited by borders; it reaches globally, grounded in local actions that ripple outward.
We see a future where environmental justice prevails, where the burdens of pollution no longer fall disproportionately on marginalized communities, and where the stewardship of water is shared by all sectors of society. Through advocacy, collaboration, and integrity, CWAC is forging that future — one drop at a time.
About Us
The Clean Water Advocacy Center (CWAC) is a nonprofit organization founded to protect and defend access to clean, safe water as a basic human right. Headquartered in Montclair, New Jersey, we serve communities throughout the region through education, advocacy, direct testing services, and coalition building.
From inner-city neighborhoods facing lead contamination to rural communities dealing with infrastructure neglect, CWAC stands with people facing water insecurity. We believe clean water is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. And we work every day to make that belief a reality.
We are scientists, educators, organizers, and policy experts. But more than that, we are people who care deeply about our environment and the communities we serve. CWAC has grown from a local campaign into a powerful voice for water justice across the state, influencing policy and mobilizing change.
Our Team
Our team is made up of passionate advocates, scientists, educators, and organizers who are united by a common purpose: water justice for all. Each member brings a unique blend of experience, knowledge, and heart to our work.
Sarah Jensen – Executive Director
A veteran in environmental advocacy, Sarah has led water policy campaigns nationwide and brings over 15 years of nonprofit leadership to CWAC.
David Alston – Policy & Research Lead
A former EPA analyst and public health researcher, David coordinates our legislative efforts and data-driven reports.
Monica Reyes – Community Outreach Coordinator
Monica bridges the gap between policy and people, engaging underserved communities and building trusted partnerships on the ground.
Jared Liu – Youth Programs Director
Jared’s mission is to empower young voices through hands-on science programs, mentorship, and advocacy opportunities.
Leah Brooks – Environmental Justice Specialist
Leah works closely with frontline communities to elevate their stories and amplify their fight for environmental justice.
Tariq Washington – Digital Media & Campaigns Manager
Tariq drives our storytelling and outreach strategy, using powerful visuals and narratives to bring attention to water issues.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a student, a policymaker, or a nonprofit leader — there’s a place for you in our movement. We believe that sustainable water management begins with community action. By volunteering with CWAC, donating to our cause, or spreading awareness through your networks, you become part of a powerful collective striving to protect clean water.
Clean Water Advocacy Center
108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042-2601
contact@wordpress-1386593-5501828.cloudwaysapps.com