Month: February 2026

Comcast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County (BGCSC) have opened a new Lift Zone at the Granite Falls Club to help youth build their digital skills. Powered by Comcast Business, this Lift Zone includes free WiFi access and was made possible by a $60,000 contribution from Comcast to support technology upgrades for the club and provide advanced programming for students. Lift Zones, Comcast’s nationwide initiative to ensure more people in more communities have access to the internet and digital tools needed to thrive, are backed by a $50 million cash and in-kind investment.

“Comcast’s new Lift Zone will make a real difference for youth in Granite Falls,” said Marci Volmer, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. “By providing a welcoming, reliable place to get online, the Lift Zone allows us to expand our impact for youth and teens elevating their experience and ensuring they have the digital access and training they need to succeed. From strengthening reading, writing, math, and science skills to exploring future careers, this investment is part of our broader partnership with Comcast to open doors to learning, connection, and career pathways.”

Building on the legacy of Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zone program, which launched in 2020 and now includes more than 1,250 locations nationwide, this Lift Zone will offer:

• New equipment including 3D printers, interactive lighting, teleconferencing with other clubs, high powered desktop computers, and laptops for each student to use.
• Live-streaming capabilities for Life & Workforce Readiness activities, Esports and more.
• High-performance computing center to host resume-building and job-search workshops and to support Club Programs such as Power Hour & Project Learn (academic support programs).
• Advanced tools, such as virtual reality, next-gen Esports PCs, digital fabrication equipment, 3D printers, robotics kits, and multimedia production equipment to enable students to explore STEAM and increase their access to technology.

“At Comcast, we’re committed to helping to close Washington’s digital skills gap, and that includes right here in Granite Falls,” said Keith Turner, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Pacific Northwest Region. “This Comcast Lift Zone will give students access to advanced technology and digital skills training needed to thrive, whether they’re accessing online homework, exploring new learning tools, or preparing for future careers.”

Comcast Lift Zones are part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and create a future of unlimited possibilities.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County is a non-profit organization providing young people ages 5-18 with a safe and positive place to spend their time before and after school and during the summer. Clubs are strategically located in neighborhoods and are accessible to all kids. Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County has been helping young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. To learn more, please visit our website: https://bgcsc.org/

Comcast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County (BGCSC) have opened a new Lift Zone at the Granite Falls Club to help youth build their digital skills. Powered by Comcast Business, this Lift Zone includes free WiFi access and was made possible by a $60,000 contribution from Comcast to support technology upgrades for the club and provide advanced programming for students. Lift Zones, Comcast’s nationwide initiative to ensure more people in more communities have access to the internet and digital tools needed to thrive, are backed by a $50 million cash and in-kind investment.

“Comcast’s new Lift Zone will make a real difference for youth in Granite Falls,” said Marci Volmer, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. “By providing a welcoming, reliable place to get online, the Lift Zone allows us to expand our impact for youth and teens elevating their experience and ensuring they have the digital access and training they need to succeed. From strengthening reading, writing, math, and science skills to exploring future careers, this investment is part of our broader partnership with Comcast to open doors to learning, connection, and career pathways.”

Building on the legacy of Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zone program, which launched in 2020 and now includes more than 1,250 locations nationwide, this Lift Zone will offer:

• New equipment including 3D printers, interactive lighting, teleconferencing with other clubs, high powered desktop computers, and laptops for each student to use.
• Live-streaming capabilities for Life & Workforce Readiness activities, Esports and more.
• High-performance computing center to host resume-building and job-search workshops and to support Club Programs such as Power Hour & Project Learn (academic support programs).
• Advanced tools, such as virtual reality, next-gen Esports PCs, digital fabrication equipment, 3D printers, robotics kits, and multimedia production equipment to enable students to explore STEAM and increase their access to technology.

“At Comcast, we’re committed to helping to close Washington’s digital skills gap, and that includes right here in Granite Falls,” said Keith Turner, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Pacific Northwest Region. “This Comcast Lift Zone will give students access to advanced technology and digital skills training needed to thrive, whether they’re accessing online homework, exploring new learning tools, or preparing for future careers.”

Comcast Lift Zones are part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and create a future of unlimited possibilities.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County is a non-profit organization providing young people ages 5-18 with a safe and positive place to spend their time before and after school and during the summer. Clubs are strategically located in neighborhoods and are accessible to all kids. Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County has been helping young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. To learn more, please visit our website: https://bgcsc.org/

Comcast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County (BGCSC) have opened a new Lift Zone at the Granite Falls Club to help youth build their digital skills. Powered by Comcast Business, this Lift Zone includes free WiFi access and was made possible by a $60,000 contribution from Comcast to support technology upgrades for the club and provide advanced programming for students. Lift Zones, Comcast’s nationwide initiative to ensure more people in more communities have access to the internet and digital tools needed to thrive, are backed by a $50 million cash and in-kind investment.

“Comcast’s new Lift Zone will make a real difference for youth in Granite Falls,” said Marci Volmer, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. “By providing a welcoming, reliable place to get online, the Lift Zone allows us to expand our impact for youth and teens elevating their experience and ensuring they have the digital access and training they need to succeed. From strengthening reading, writing, math, and science skills to exploring future careers, this investment is part of our broader partnership with Comcast to open doors to learning, connection, and career pathways.”

Building on the legacy of Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zone program, which launched in 2020 and now includes more than 1,250 locations nationwide, this Lift Zone will offer:

• New equipment including 3D printers, interactive lighting, teleconferencing with other clubs, high powered desktop computers, and laptops for each student to use.
• Live-streaming capabilities for Life & Workforce Readiness activities, Esports and more.
• High-performance computing center to host resume-building and job-search workshops and to support Club Programs such as Power Hour & Project Learn (academic support programs).
• Advanced tools, such as virtual reality, next-gen Esports PCs, digital fabrication equipment, 3D printers, robotics kits, and multimedia production equipment to enable students to explore STEAM and increase their access to technology.

“At Comcast, we’re committed to helping to close Washington’s digital skills gap, and that includes right here in Granite Falls,” said Keith Turner, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Pacific Northwest Region. “This Comcast Lift Zone will give students access to advanced technology and digital skills training needed to thrive, whether they’re accessing online homework, exploring new learning tools, or preparing for future careers.”

Comcast Lift Zones are part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and create a future of unlimited possibilities.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County is a non-profit organization providing young people ages 5-18 with a safe and positive place to spend their time before and after school and during the summer. Clubs are strategically located in neighborhoods and are accessible to all kids. Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County has been helping young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. To learn more, please visit our website: https://bgcsc.org/

GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR, February 26, 2026 /3BL/ – DP World closed 2025 with a series of sustainability, social impact, and workforce development milestones in Ecuador, reinforcing its role as a responsible logistics partner and long-term community stakeholder while supporting inclusive growth across the country’s port and logistics ecosystem.

Throughout the year, the company advanced initiatives spanning education, environmental protection, gender equity, and local economic development, delivering measurable benefits for employees, communities, and supply chain partners.

Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, said: “Responsible growth goes beyond infrastructure — it’s about creating long-term value for people, communities, and the environment. These milestones reflect our commitment to building sustainable, inclusive supply chains while investing in education, conservation, and local opportunity across Ecuador.”

Investing in Education and Local Talent Development

DP World continued to expand access to technical education and first-job opportunities through its Comienza con Nosotros program. In 2025, 19 students graduated from the dual Mechatronics career, while 28 new students joined the latest cohort. An additional 16 students completed training in the Port Logistics career, strengthening the pipeline of skilled talent entering Ecuador’s maritime and logistics sector.

The company also advanced its local talent program in El Morro, training community members with no prior industry experience to support operations at the Logistics and Industrial Park – ZEDE Posorja. More than 60% of participants were women, many entering the workforce for the first time.

Strengthening Environmental Stewardship and Conservation

Environmental protection remained a central pillar of DP World’s sustainability strategy in Ecuador. Through its award-winning Sembrando Vida program, the company delivered an Agreement for the Sustainable Use and Stewardship of the Mangrove Ecosystem (AUSCEM) to a local fishing association, granting community stewardship over more than 900 hectares of mangroves. This marked the first time an Ecuadorian port terminal formalized this type of environmental agreement under the Ministry of Environment and Energy framework.

Community-led environmental initiatives also gained momentum through the Comunidad que Transforma program, which engaged more than 1,800 participants in beach cleanups and waste collection efforts. More than 15 tons of waste were recovered and exchanged for essential goods valued at over US$35,000.

Advancing Gender Equity and Inclusive Workplaces

DP World expanded opportunities for women across its operations and surrounding communities. In 2025, 10 participants in the Operadoras del Futuro program earned professional Type G and E licenses, enabling them to operate heavy equipment and internal vehicles within terminal operations.

The company also signed a letter of intent with Red MAMLa, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and female leadership across the maritime and port sector in Latin America. Complementary community training programs supported more than 120 women in El Morro with skills development to launch small businesses.

Recognized Workplace Culture, Community Well-Being, and Circular Economy Initiatives

DP World in Ecuador earned Great Place to Work® certification and ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Work in Ecuador for the first time. The company was also recognized for the fifth consecutive year as the No. 1 Employer Brand in Ecuador’s port sector.

Community well-being initiatives expanded with the launch of the El Aguatero program on Puná Island, providing sustainable access to clean water through atmospheric water generators and chlorine production systems. The program benefits more than 430 community members, including students and educators.

Through its Uniform Reuse Program, DP World gave a second life to more than 600 uniforms, transforming them into over 1,500 functional items produced by trained local textile associations. The initiative generated income for women entrepreneurs while supporting circular economy principles.

As DP World continues to invest in trade-enabling infrastructure across Latin America, sustainability and social impact remain integral to its strategy to strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and shared prosperity.

—END—

 

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

Melina Vissat  

Head of Communications 
melina.vissat@dpworld.com 
(+1) 704-605-6159    

Follow DP World on:

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DP_World
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dp-world 

 

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR, February 26, 2026 /3BL/ – DP World closed 2025 with a series of sustainability, social impact, and workforce development milestones in Ecuador, reinforcing its role as a responsible logistics partner and long-term community stakeholder while supporting inclusive growth across the country’s port and logistics ecosystem.

Throughout the year, the company advanced initiatives spanning education, environmental protection, gender equity, and local economic development, delivering measurable benefits for employees, communities, and supply chain partners.

Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, said: “Responsible growth goes beyond infrastructure — it’s about creating long-term value for people, communities, and the environment. These milestones reflect our commitment to building sustainable, inclusive supply chains while investing in education, conservation, and local opportunity across Ecuador.”

Investing in Education and Local Talent Development

DP World continued to expand access to technical education and first-job opportunities through its Comienza con Nosotros program. In 2025, 19 students graduated from the dual Mechatronics career, while 28 new students joined the latest cohort. An additional 16 students completed training in the Port Logistics career, strengthening the pipeline of skilled talent entering Ecuador’s maritime and logistics sector.

The company also advanced its local talent program in El Morro, training community members with no prior industry experience to support operations at the Logistics and Industrial Park – ZEDE Posorja. More than 60% of participants were women, many entering the workforce for the first time.

Strengthening Environmental Stewardship and Conservation

Environmental protection remained a central pillar of DP World’s sustainability strategy in Ecuador. Through its award-winning Sembrando Vida program, the company delivered an Agreement for the Sustainable Use and Stewardship of the Mangrove Ecosystem (AUSCEM) to a local fishing association, granting community stewardship over more than 900 hectares of mangroves. This marked the first time an Ecuadorian port terminal formalized this type of environmental agreement under the Ministry of Environment and Energy framework.

Community-led environmental initiatives also gained momentum through the Comunidad que Transforma program, which engaged more than 1,800 participants in beach cleanups and waste collection efforts. More than 15 tons of waste were recovered and exchanged for essential goods valued at over US$35,000.

Advancing Gender Equity and Inclusive Workplaces

DP World expanded opportunities for women across its operations and surrounding communities. In 2025, 10 participants in the Operadoras del Futuro program earned professional Type G and E licenses, enabling them to operate heavy equipment and internal vehicles within terminal operations.

The company also signed a letter of intent with Red MAMLa, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and female leadership across the maritime and port sector in Latin America. Complementary community training programs supported more than 120 women in El Morro with skills development to launch small businesses.

Recognized Workplace Culture, Community Well-Being, and Circular Economy Initiatives

DP World in Ecuador earned Great Place to Work® certification and ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Work in Ecuador for the first time. The company was also recognized for the fifth consecutive year as the No. 1 Employer Brand in Ecuador’s port sector.

Community well-being initiatives expanded with the launch of the El Aguatero program on Puná Island, providing sustainable access to clean water through atmospheric water generators and chlorine production systems. The program benefits more than 430 community members, including students and educators.

Through its Uniform Reuse Program, DP World gave a second life to more than 600 uniforms, transforming them into over 1,500 functional items produced by trained local textile associations. The initiative generated income for women entrepreneurs while supporting circular economy principles.

As DP World continues to invest in trade-enabling infrastructure across Latin America, sustainability and social impact remain integral to its strategy to strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and shared prosperity.

—END—

 

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

Melina Vissat  

Head of Communications 
melina.vissat@dpworld.com 
(+1) 704-605-6159    

Follow DP World on:

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DP_World
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dp-world 

 

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR, February 26, 2026 /3BL/ – DP World closed 2025 with a series of sustainability, social impact, and workforce development milestones in Ecuador, reinforcing its role as a responsible logistics partner and long-term community stakeholder while supporting inclusive growth across the country’s port and logistics ecosystem.

Throughout the year, the company advanced initiatives spanning education, environmental protection, gender equity, and local economic development, delivering measurable benefits for employees, communities, and supply chain partners.

Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, said: “Responsible growth goes beyond infrastructure — it’s about creating long-term value for people, communities, and the environment. These milestones reflect our commitment to building sustainable, inclusive supply chains while investing in education, conservation, and local opportunity across Ecuador.”

Investing in Education and Local Talent Development

DP World continued to expand access to technical education and first-job opportunities through its Comienza con Nosotros program. In 2025, 19 students graduated from the dual Mechatronics career, while 28 new students joined the latest cohort. An additional 16 students completed training in the Port Logistics career, strengthening the pipeline of skilled talent entering Ecuador’s maritime and logistics sector.

The company also advanced its local talent program in El Morro, training community members with no prior industry experience to support operations at the Logistics and Industrial Park – ZEDE Posorja. More than 60% of participants were women, many entering the workforce for the first time.

Strengthening Environmental Stewardship and Conservation

Environmental protection remained a central pillar of DP World’s sustainability strategy in Ecuador. Through its award-winning Sembrando Vida program, the company delivered an Agreement for the Sustainable Use and Stewardship of the Mangrove Ecosystem (AUSCEM) to a local fishing association, granting community stewardship over more than 900 hectares of mangroves. This marked the first time an Ecuadorian port terminal formalized this type of environmental agreement under the Ministry of Environment and Energy framework.

Community-led environmental initiatives also gained momentum through the Comunidad que Transforma program, which engaged more than 1,800 participants in beach cleanups and waste collection efforts. More than 15 tons of waste were recovered and exchanged for essential goods valued at over US$35,000.

Advancing Gender Equity and Inclusive Workplaces

DP World expanded opportunities for women across its operations and surrounding communities. In 2025, 10 participants in the Operadoras del Futuro program earned professional Type G and E licenses, enabling them to operate heavy equipment and internal vehicles within terminal operations.

The company also signed a letter of intent with Red MAMLa, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and female leadership across the maritime and port sector in Latin America. Complementary community training programs supported more than 120 women in El Morro with skills development to launch small businesses.

Recognized Workplace Culture, Community Well-Being, and Circular Economy Initiatives

DP World in Ecuador earned Great Place to Work® certification and ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Work in Ecuador for the first time. The company was also recognized for the fifth consecutive year as the No. 1 Employer Brand in Ecuador’s port sector.

Community well-being initiatives expanded with the launch of the El Aguatero program on Puná Island, providing sustainable access to clean water through atmospheric water generators and chlorine production systems. The program benefits more than 430 community members, including students and educators.

Through its Uniform Reuse Program, DP World gave a second life to more than 600 uniforms, transforming them into over 1,500 functional items produced by trained local textile associations. The initiative generated income for women entrepreneurs while supporting circular economy principles.

As DP World continues to invest in trade-enabling infrastructure across Latin America, sustainability and social impact remain integral to its strategy to strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and shared prosperity.

—END—

 

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

Melina Vissat  

Head of Communications 
melina.vissat@dpworld.com 
(+1) 704-605-6159    

Follow DP World on:

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DP_World
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dp-world 

 

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

Around the world, businesses face increasing uncertainty due to a variety of water-related pressures. “Water risk” is often the shorthand used to encompass those pressures, which range from climate-driven floods and droughts, to tightening regulations, to pollution, aging infrastructure, and rising expectations from investors and communities. While many organizations once viewed water as an abundant and inexpensive resource, it is now recognized as a major strategic risk that can disrupt operations and supply chains, hinder growth strategies, and threaten brand reputation.

In today’s business landscape, understanding water risk isn’t optional. It is foundational to operational resilience and responsible growth. Whether operating in tech, industrial manufacturing, food and beverage, energy, retail, or agriculture, companies are now being asked, and in some cases required, to understand and manage their water risks. As a result, forward-thinking organizations across the globe are shifting from reactive compliance to proactive water stewardship that protects business value while supporting resilient water systems for the communities where they operate.

What Is Water Risk?

Water risk refers to the wide range of physical, regulatory, reputational, social, and financial impacts that arise when water availability, quality, or access cannot be reliably ensured for business operations.

Water risk encompasses multiple interconnected threats, including:

• Physical risks – droughts, floods, declining water quality, infrastructure failures, and climate-driven weather variability that disrupt access to clean, reliable water.
• Regulatory and compliance risks – evolving discharge limits, permitting requirements, water use restrictions, and enforcement actions with direct financial impacts.
• Reputational and social license risks – community concerns about competition for water, operational impacts on culturally or economically important water resources, and pressure from customers and investors to demonstrate responsible water use.
• Financial and supply chain risks – increased costs for sourcing water or treatment, lost productivity due to operational interruptions, and vulnerabilities tied to suppliers operating in water-stressed or high-risk regions.

Water risk recognizes that the challenge is not just how much water is available — but whether businesses can reliably access and responsibly use water in a way that is sustainable, socially acceptable, legally compliant, and economically viable over

Water Risk and Business Practices 

Understanding water risk has become essential for business continuity, resilience, and long-term growth. Water-related disruptions can affect nearly every aspect of operations — from production schedules and facility performance to supply chain stability and stakeholder confidence.

Depending on the industry and location, risks can manifest differently. For example:

• Agricultural businesses facing decreased yields due to extreme weather or declining irrigation water quality.
• Manufacturing companies with water-intensive processes experiencing downtime from water restrictions or new treatment requirements.
• Beverage and consumer goods companies experiencing reputational backlash if water use affects local communities or ecosystems.
• Industrial and technology facilities facing permitting delays or legal scrutiny regarding wastewater discharges and water withdrawals.

Ineffective water management heightens exposure to operational losses, regulatory penalties, supply chain instability, and negative investor attention as markets increasingly evaluate water performance within ESG assessments. Conversely, organizations that identify and mitigate water risks early gain a competitive advantage through resilience, efficiency, innovation, and improved stakeholder trust.

Water Risk Assessment 

At its core, a water risk assessment evaluates the water-related hazards that a business may face. It provides a comprehensive picture of the potential challenges and vulnerabilities that result from degraded water quantity and quality, regulatory changes, and community concerns, such as water access, competition with local users, and impacts to culturally or economically important water resources. Conducting an assessment helps businesses identify potential geographic hotspots and prioritize areas for action. 

Our  Water Risk Assessment Methodology has three primary goals: 

• To identify potential risks to operations in the short to medium term. 
• To help inform business objectives and decisions in the medium to long term, such as acquisitions or expansions. 
• To begin water stewardship strategy development. 

How Water Risk Assessments Work 

Before conducting a water risk assessment, it is important to determine the boundaries of the client’s portfolio being assessed, such as local water facilities, regional infrastructure, or global operations. Clearly defining the scope up front ensures that resources are directed toward the areas of highest risk and strategic importance and that the results align with decision-making needs around investments, compliance, and long-term planning.  Once the boundaries are confirmed, the targeted location is assessed for specific characteristics, like water availability and quality, regulatory and legal requirements, the socio-economic impact of water scarcity, and impacted stakeholders. Additionally, businesses may also analyze their water use and efficiency, supply chain dependencies, regulatory risk, and potential financial implications associated with water-related risks.

Assessing water risk doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few good places to start:

• Gather internal data: Even simple metrics like how much water is used at each site, whether water efficiency measures exist, and where your water is sourced can reveal meaningful insights.
• Prioritize your “hotspots”: If your business operates in multiple locations, focus on sites with the highest water usage or those located in regions with known water stress.
• Engage people on the ground: Local facility managers can provide practical observations about water supply reliability.
• Document what you find: Create a basic summary that tracks risks, potential impacts, and mitigation actions.

By taking these steps, businesses gain a comprehensive understanding of their water risks and can develop effective strategies to address them. 

Business Benefits of Conducting a Water Risk Assessment 

A water risk assessment supports organizations by:

• Identifying and mitigating risks: Taking a proactive approach to risk mitigation means businesses can minimize disruptions to their operations and safeguard their long-term viability. 
• Enhancing resilience and adaptability: Understanding how to maintain effective operations in the face of water scarcity, regulatory changes, or other water-related challenges, not only protects your business, but also provides a competitive advantage in a water-stressed world. 
• Demonstrating sustainability and responsibility: Stakeholders, including customers, investors, and communities, increasingly expect businesses to take proactive steps to address environmental challenges. Conducting a water risk assessment is a proactive way to show your commitment to sustainability and responsible water management.
• Identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency: By evaluating water usage patterns, supply chain dependencies, and potential financial implications, businesses can identify areas where they can improve efficiency and reduce water consumption.  
• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements: Water risk assessments help businesses stay compliant with legal and regulatory water management requirements. Failure to follow these requirements can result in legal consequences and operational disruptions. 

Practical Solutions for Reducing Water Risk 

There are several practical solutions that businesses can employ to ensure water security and reduce water risk: 

• Using water efficiently: Efforts to use water efficiently are crucial to reducing water risk. By conducting water audits, businesses can identify areas of water waste and implement measures to optimize water use in their operations. 
• Recycling and reusing water: Treating and reusing wastewater helps businesses get the most out of their water resources. This approach not only conserves water but also helps protect water quality and reduces the strain on freshwater sources. 
• Collaborating with supply chain partners: Collaboration is crucial for ensuring water security. Businesses can work with their suppliers to encourage sustainable water practices.  
• Engaging community and partners: Working with local communities to support water infrastructure improvement, conservation projects, and education initiatives.  
• Advocating for sustainable policies: Businesses can advocate for sound water management policies and engage with policymakers to drive positive change. By actively participating in policy discussions, businesses can help shape regulations that support sustainable water practices, encourage investment in water infrastructure, and promote water stewardship across industries. 

Water Risk Demands Action 

With growing water risk challenges around the world, it is more important than ever for businesses to ensure water security and reduce water risk. Conducting a water risk assessment is a crucial way to identify and assess water-related vulnerabilities and develop effective strategies for responsible water management.

These efforts not only protect your business but also contribute to a more water-secure future. By taking action now, you can lead the way in responsible water stewardship.

 

Access the Water Risk Assessment eBook

Around the world, businesses face increasing uncertainty due to a variety of water-related pressures. “Water risk” is often the shorthand used to encompass those pressures, which range from climate-driven floods and droughts, to tightening regulations, to pollution, aging infrastructure, and rising expectations from investors and communities. While many organizations once viewed water as an abundant and inexpensive resource, it is now recognized as a major strategic risk that can disrupt operations and supply chains, hinder growth strategies, and threaten brand reputation.

In today’s business landscape, understanding water risk isn’t optional. It is foundational to operational resilience and responsible growth. Whether operating in tech, industrial manufacturing, food and beverage, energy, retail, or agriculture, companies are now being asked, and in some cases required, to understand and manage their water risks. As a result, forward-thinking organizations across the globe are shifting from reactive compliance to proactive water stewardship that protects business value while supporting resilient water systems for the communities where they operate.

What Is Water Risk?

Water risk refers to the wide range of physical, regulatory, reputational, social, and financial impacts that arise when water availability, quality, or access cannot be reliably ensured for business operations.

Water risk encompasses multiple interconnected threats, including:

• Physical risks – droughts, floods, declining water quality, infrastructure failures, and climate-driven weather variability that disrupt access to clean, reliable water.
• Regulatory and compliance risks – evolving discharge limits, permitting requirements, water use restrictions, and enforcement actions with direct financial impacts.
• Reputational and social license risks – community concerns about competition for water, operational impacts on culturally or economically important water resources, and pressure from customers and investors to demonstrate responsible water use.
• Financial and supply chain risks – increased costs for sourcing water or treatment, lost productivity due to operational interruptions, and vulnerabilities tied to suppliers operating in water-stressed or high-risk regions.

Water risk recognizes that the challenge is not just how much water is available — but whether businesses can reliably access and responsibly use water in a way that is sustainable, socially acceptable, legally compliant, and economically viable over

Water Risk and Business Practices 

Understanding water risk has become essential for business continuity, resilience, and long-term growth. Water-related disruptions can affect nearly every aspect of operations — from production schedules and facility performance to supply chain stability and stakeholder confidence.

Depending on the industry and location, risks can manifest differently. For example:

• Agricultural businesses facing decreased yields due to extreme weather or declining irrigation water quality.
• Manufacturing companies with water-intensive processes experiencing downtime from water restrictions or new treatment requirements.
• Beverage and consumer goods companies experiencing reputational backlash if water use affects local communities or ecosystems.
• Industrial and technology facilities facing permitting delays or legal scrutiny regarding wastewater discharges and water withdrawals.

Ineffective water management heightens exposure to operational losses, regulatory penalties, supply chain instability, and negative investor attention as markets increasingly evaluate water performance within ESG assessments. Conversely, organizations that identify and mitigate water risks early gain a competitive advantage through resilience, efficiency, innovation, and improved stakeholder trust.

Water Risk Assessment 

At its core, a water risk assessment evaluates the water-related hazards that a business may face. It provides a comprehensive picture of the potential challenges and vulnerabilities that result from degraded water quantity and quality, regulatory changes, and community concerns, such as water access, competition with local users, and impacts to culturally or economically important water resources. Conducting an assessment helps businesses identify potential geographic hotspots and prioritize areas for action. 

Our  Water Risk Assessment Methodology has three primary goals: 

• To identify potential risks to operations in the short to medium term. 
• To help inform business objectives and decisions in the medium to long term, such as acquisitions or expansions. 
• To begin water stewardship strategy development. 

How Water Risk Assessments Work 

Before conducting a water risk assessment, it is important to determine the boundaries of the client’s portfolio being assessed, such as local water facilities, regional infrastructure, or global operations. Clearly defining the scope up front ensures that resources are directed toward the areas of highest risk and strategic importance and that the results align with decision-making needs around investments, compliance, and long-term planning.  Once the boundaries are confirmed, the targeted location is assessed for specific characteristics, like water availability and quality, regulatory and legal requirements, the socio-economic impact of water scarcity, and impacted stakeholders. Additionally, businesses may also analyze their water use and efficiency, supply chain dependencies, regulatory risk, and potential financial implications associated with water-related risks.

Assessing water risk doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few good places to start:

• Gather internal data: Even simple metrics like how much water is used at each site, whether water efficiency measures exist, and where your water is sourced can reveal meaningful insights.
• Prioritize your “hotspots”: If your business operates in multiple locations, focus on sites with the highest water usage or those located in regions with known water stress.
• Engage people on the ground: Local facility managers can provide practical observations about water supply reliability.
• Document what you find: Create a basic summary that tracks risks, potential impacts, and mitigation actions.

By taking these steps, businesses gain a comprehensive understanding of their water risks and can develop effective strategies to address them. 

Business Benefits of Conducting a Water Risk Assessment 

A water risk assessment supports organizations by:

• Identifying and mitigating risks: Taking a proactive approach to risk mitigation means businesses can minimize disruptions to their operations and safeguard their long-term viability. 
• Enhancing resilience and adaptability: Understanding how to maintain effective operations in the face of water scarcity, regulatory changes, or other water-related challenges, not only protects your business, but also provides a competitive advantage in a water-stressed world. 
• Demonstrating sustainability and responsibility: Stakeholders, including customers, investors, and communities, increasingly expect businesses to take proactive steps to address environmental challenges. Conducting a water risk assessment is a proactive way to show your commitment to sustainability and responsible water management.
• Identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency: By evaluating water usage patterns, supply chain dependencies, and potential financial implications, businesses can identify areas where they can improve efficiency and reduce water consumption.  
• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements: Water risk assessments help businesses stay compliant with legal and regulatory water management requirements. Failure to follow these requirements can result in legal consequences and operational disruptions. 

Practical Solutions for Reducing Water Risk 

There are several practical solutions that businesses can employ to ensure water security and reduce water risk: 

• Using water efficiently: Efforts to use water efficiently are crucial to reducing water risk. By conducting water audits, businesses can identify areas of water waste and implement measures to optimize water use in their operations. 
• Recycling and reusing water: Treating and reusing wastewater helps businesses get the most out of their water resources. This approach not only conserves water but also helps protect water quality and reduces the strain on freshwater sources. 
• Collaborating with supply chain partners: Collaboration is crucial for ensuring water security. Businesses can work with their suppliers to encourage sustainable water practices.  
• Engaging community and partners: Working with local communities to support water infrastructure improvement, conservation projects, and education initiatives.  
• Advocating for sustainable policies: Businesses can advocate for sound water management policies and engage with policymakers to drive positive change. By actively participating in policy discussions, businesses can help shape regulations that support sustainable water practices, encourage investment in water infrastructure, and promote water stewardship across industries. 

Water Risk Demands Action 

With growing water risk challenges around the world, it is more important than ever for businesses to ensure water security and reduce water risk. Conducting a water risk assessment is a crucial way to identify and assess water-related vulnerabilities and develop effective strategies for responsible water management.

These efforts not only protect your business but also contribute to a more water-secure future. By taking action now, you can lead the way in responsible water stewardship.

 

Access the Water Risk Assessment eBook

Around the world, businesses face increasing uncertainty due to a variety of water-related pressures. “Water risk” is often the shorthand used to encompass those pressures, which range from climate-driven floods and droughts, to tightening regulations, to pollution, aging infrastructure, and rising expectations from investors and communities. While many organizations once viewed water as an abundant and inexpensive resource, it is now recognized as a major strategic risk that can disrupt operations and supply chains, hinder growth strategies, and threaten brand reputation.

In today’s business landscape, understanding water risk isn’t optional. It is foundational to operational resilience and responsible growth. Whether operating in tech, industrial manufacturing, food and beverage, energy, retail, or agriculture, companies are now being asked, and in some cases required, to understand and manage their water risks. As a result, forward-thinking organizations across the globe are shifting from reactive compliance to proactive water stewardship that protects business value while supporting resilient water systems for the communities where they operate.

What Is Water Risk?

Water risk refers to the wide range of physical, regulatory, reputational, social, and financial impacts that arise when water availability, quality, or access cannot be reliably ensured for business operations.

Water risk encompasses multiple interconnected threats, including:

• Physical risks – droughts, floods, declining water quality, infrastructure failures, and climate-driven weather variability that disrupt access to clean, reliable water.
• Regulatory and compliance risks – evolving discharge limits, permitting requirements, water use restrictions, and enforcement actions with direct financial impacts.
• Reputational and social license risks – community concerns about competition for water, operational impacts on culturally or economically important water resources, and pressure from customers and investors to demonstrate responsible water use.
• Financial and supply chain risks – increased costs for sourcing water or treatment, lost productivity due to operational interruptions, and vulnerabilities tied to suppliers operating in water-stressed or high-risk regions.

Water risk recognizes that the challenge is not just how much water is available — but whether businesses can reliably access and responsibly use water in a way that is sustainable, socially acceptable, legally compliant, and economically viable over

Water Risk and Business Practices 

Understanding water risk has become essential for business continuity, resilience, and long-term growth. Water-related disruptions can affect nearly every aspect of operations — from production schedules and facility performance to supply chain stability and stakeholder confidence.

Depending on the industry and location, risks can manifest differently. For example:

• Agricultural businesses facing decreased yields due to extreme weather or declining irrigation water quality.
• Manufacturing companies with water-intensive processes experiencing downtime from water restrictions or new treatment requirements.
• Beverage and consumer goods companies experiencing reputational backlash if water use affects local communities or ecosystems.
• Industrial and technology facilities facing permitting delays or legal scrutiny regarding wastewater discharges and water withdrawals.

Ineffective water management heightens exposure to operational losses, regulatory penalties, supply chain instability, and negative investor attention as markets increasingly evaluate water performance within ESG assessments. Conversely, organizations that identify and mitigate water risks early gain a competitive advantage through resilience, efficiency, innovation, and improved stakeholder trust.

Water Risk Assessment 

At its core, a water risk assessment evaluates the water-related hazards that a business may face. It provides a comprehensive picture of the potential challenges and vulnerabilities that result from degraded water quantity and quality, regulatory changes, and community concerns, such as water access, competition with local users, and impacts to culturally or economically important water resources. Conducting an assessment helps businesses identify potential geographic hotspots and prioritize areas for action. 

Our  Water Risk Assessment Methodology has three primary goals: 

• To identify potential risks to operations in the short to medium term. 
• To help inform business objectives and decisions in the medium to long term, such as acquisitions or expansions. 
• To begin water stewardship strategy development. 

How Water Risk Assessments Work 

Before conducting a water risk assessment, it is important to determine the boundaries of the client’s portfolio being assessed, such as local water facilities, regional infrastructure, or global operations. Clearly defining the scope up front ensures that resources are directed toward the areas of highest risk and strategic importance and that the results align with decision-making needs around investments, compliance, and long-term planning.  Once the boundaries are confirmed, the targeted location is assessed for specific characteristics, like water availability and quality, regulatory and legal requirements, the socio-economic impact of water scarcity, and impacted stakeholders. Additionally, businesses may also analyze their water use and efficiency, supply chain dependencies, regulatory risk, and potential financial implications associated with water-related risks.

Assessing water risk doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few good places to start:

• Gather internal data: Even simple metrics like how much water is used at each site, whether water efficiency measures exist, and where your water is sourced can reveal meaningful insights.
• Prioritize your “hotspots”: If your business operates in multiple locations, focus on sites with the highest water usage or those located in regions with known water stress.
• Engage people on the ground: Local facility managers can provide practical observations about water supply reliability.
• Document what you find: Create a basic summary that tracks risks, potential impacts, and mitigation actions.

By taking these steps, businesses gain a comprehensive understanding of their water risks and can develop effective strategies to address them. 

Business Benefits of Conducting a Water Risk Assessment 

A water risk assessment supports organizations by:

• Identifying and mitigating risks: Taking a proactive approach to risk mitigation means businesses can minimize disruptions to their operations and safeguard their long-term viability. 
• Enhancing resilience and adaptability: Understanding how to maintain effective operations in the face of water scarcity, regulatory changes, or other water-related challenges, not only protects your business, but also provides a competitive advantage in a water-stressed world. 
• Demonstrating sustainability and responsibility: Stakeholders, including customers, investors, and communities, increasingly expect businesses to take proactive steps to address environmental challenges. Conducting a water risk assessment is a proactive way to show your commitment to sustainability and responsible water management.
• Identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency: By evaluating water usage patterns, supply chain dependencies, and potential financial implications, businesses can identify areas where they can improve efficiency and reduce water consumption.  
• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements: Water risk assessments help businesses stay compliant with legal and regulatory water management requirements. Failure to follow these requirements can result in legal consequences and operational disruptions. 

Practical Solutions for Reducing Water Risk 

There are several practical solutions that businesses can employ to ensure water security and reduce water risk: 

• Using water efficiently: Efforts to use water efficiently are crucial to reducing water risk. By conducting water audits, businesses can identify areas of water waste and implement measures to optimize water use in their operations. 
• Recycling and reusing water: Treating and reusing wastewater helps businesses get the most out of their water resources. This approach not only conserves water but also helps protect water quality and reduces the strain on freshwater sources. 
• Collaborating with supply chain partners: Collaboration is crucial for ensuring water security. Businesses can work with their suppliers to encourage sustainable water practices.  
• Engaging community and partners: Working with local communities to support water infrastructure improvement, conservation projects, and education initiatives.  
• Advocating for sustainable policies: Businesses can advocate for sound water management policies and engage with policymakers to drive positive change. By actively participating in policy discussions, businesses can help shape regulations that support sustainable water practices, encourage investment in water infrastructure, and promote water stewardship across industries. 

Water Risk Demands Action 

With growing water risk challenges around the world, it is more important than ever for businesses to ensure water security and reduce water risk. Conducting a water risk assessment is a crucial way to identify and assess water-related vulnerabilities and develop effective strategies for responsible water management.

These efforts not only protect your business but also contribute to a more water-secure future. By taking action now, you can lead the way in responsible water stewardship.

 

Access the Water Risk Assessment eBook

DaVita, a leading provider of comprehensive kidney care, has been named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for the 20^th time, marking two decades of sustained recognition for its commitment to culture, innovation, teammate (employee) well‑being and social responsibility. The milestone reflects DaVita’s enduring mission—to be the provider, partner and employer of choice—and highlights how a values‑driven culture can power long‑term impact in healthcare.

“This recognition reflects a shared purpose that has defined DaVita for more than 25 years: to give life,” said Javier Rodriguez, CEO of DaVita. “We are driven by an unwavering pursuit of a healthier tomorrow, one where innovation, community and our culture of belonging come together to transform the kidney care experience and advance healthcare for people everywhere.”

Defining ‘Most Admired’

In 2026, DaVita ranked third in the Health Care: Medical Facilities category, reinforcing its reputation for clinical excellence and being a top destination for healthcare talent. Fortune’s annual rankings are based on evaluations from industry leaders who assess companies across nine criteria, including social impact and the ability to attract great talent. Only companies scoring in the top half of their respective industries earn recognition.

Workplace culture as a competitive advantage

DaVita’s employer strategy is anchored on fostering connection, belonging and purpose. By investing in teammate well‑being and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported, the organization has built a resilient workforce aligned around a shared mission.

“Creating an environment where people thrive and feel a true sense of belonging is central to our differentiated workplace,” said Stephanie Hendrickson, Chief People Officer for DaVita. “This is the difference that empowers teammates to bring their best selves to work and deliver innovative, patient-centered care that gives life.”

This people‑first approach has helped DaVita continuously evolve—supporting innovation in kidney care while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility and community impact.

A milestone powered by teammates

At its core, this recognition belongs to DaVita teammates, whose dedication to high-quality kidney care shapes how the organization serves patients, collaborates with partners, and supports communities around the world.

As DaVita celebrates 20 years of recognition as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, its mission—established more than 25 years ago—remains a powerful force driving progress toward a healthier future.

* From Fortune, ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune® is a registered trademark and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and is used under license. Fortune Magazine and Fortune Media (USA) Corporation are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, DaVita.