ADS Foundation and Brightstorm partner to advance smart watershed management
The ADS Foundation has announced a new collaboration with Brightstorm, a program of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), aimed at protecting freshwater systems and accelerating development of Smart Watershed Network Management (SWNM) solutions across the United States.
Funded primarily by Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., the ADS Foundation will combine ADS’ stormwater products and infrastructure expertise with Brightstorm’s data-driven, technology-based approach to watershed management. Together, the organizations aim to help communities better manage runoff, improve water quality, and strengthen resilience to flooding.
“We believe that every drop of water we capture, convey, store, treat, and reuse makes communities stronger,” said Brian King, executive vice president of marketing and product management at ADS, in a press release. “By combining our expertise in water management with Brightstorm’s groundbreaking research, we’re taking a decisive step toward a more resilient and sustainable approach to managing the world’s most precious resource, water.”
Brightstorm collaborates with public agencies, researchers, and private stakeholders to advance smart infrastructure through modeling, machine learning, and active control technologies. The partnership builds on years of cooperation between ADS and The Nature Conservancy on freshwater protection and conservation initiatives.
“We share a belief that innovation and collaboration can unlock lasting change,” said Craig Holland, senior director of investments at The Nature Conservancy and managing director of Brightstorm, in a press release. “Through this joint effort, we can bridge technology, science, and real-world implementation to safeguard freshwater systems for generations to come.”
A key focus of the collaboration will be expanding Brightstorm’s Smart Watershed Network Management system, which uses artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and real-time weather forecasting to dynamically manage stormwater across entire watersheds.
The partnership reflects a growing industry trend toward integrating technology and nature-based solutions to address climate-driven water challenges and redefine how stormwater is managed, protected, and valued.
