Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters (OSAW)

OSAW Awards

Hydropower's proven track record of providing a domestic source of clean, renewable, and reliable electricity for more than 125 years is no accident. It has taken hard work, perseverance, creativity, innovation and a collaborative spirit.

Today, these same values are driving a new generation of hydropower projects that harness the power of oceans, tides, manmade conduits and other waterways, in addition to rivers. Hydropower, defined as deriving power from any source of moving water, is an integral part of America's energy future.

Each year, NHA recognizes the OSAW award winners at the NHA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Awards are presented to organizations whose have undertaken projects that fall into one of three categories: operational excellence, public education, or environmental, recreational, or historical enhancement.

To apply for the 2009 OSAW Awards click here.

History of the Awards

In 1994, the National Hydropower Association created the Hydro Achievement Awards to recognize organizations and projects committed to excellence in the development and operation of hydropower. In 1999, NHA added the Outstanding Stewardship of America's Rivers Report to profile the best examples of hydropower's ability to generate clean, renewable, reliable and affordable electricity while protecting the riverine ecosystem.

Beginning in 2007, these two recognition programs have been merged to more effectively provide recognition to deserving organizations and to reflect the changing nature of the hydropower industry, particularly the fact that hydropower can used in various waterways. The new award program is called the Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters.

OSAW Award winners