Water Stewardship Verification Program
Build Trust. Demonstrate Impact.
Lead in Sustainability.

What is Water Stewardship Verification?
The Water Stewardship Verification Program is a trusted, step-by-step certification framework that recognises and rewards organisations for implementing responsible, sustainable water management. It provides independent verification of an organisation’s commitment to using water in ways that are environmentally sustainable, socially and culturally equitable, and economically beneficial.
Designed to drive continuous improvement, the program helps participants move from commitment to action, and from action to leadership, through structured stages and measurable outcomes. Verified organisations not only strengthen their environmental credentials but also reduce risk, enhance operational resilience, and gain recognition through use of the WSAP Verification Mark—including the opportunity for on-product labelling at advanced levels. The program is practical, credible, and tailored, enabling organisations across sectors to lead in water stewardship and demonstrate real-world impact.

What Makes This Program Unique?

Independent & Credible
Third-party verification ensures your water stewardship efforts meet rigorous, internationally recognised standards—giving confidence to regulators, investors, customers, and communities.

Based on an International Standard
The program is aligned with the International Water Stewardship Standard, ensuring a comprehensive, global framework that balances social, cultural, environmental, and economic water needs.

Structured, Tiered Approach
Organizations are assessed across key criteria and recognised at verified (3 star) or advanced verified (4 and 5 star) levels – creating a clear pathway for continuous improvement.

Stakeholder-Centered
The program encourages inclusive engagement with those who share your water sources including traditional knowledge holders – supporting collective action and transparent communication.

A Tool for Growth
Verification isn’t just a check-box – it’s part of your ongoing sustainability journey. WSAP provides training, tools, and support to help you improve over time.

Recognition & Visibility
Verified sites can proudly display their status, positioning themselves as leaders in water stewardship and sustainability – and aligning with ESG frameworks and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Group Verification
This allows multiple sites under a single organisation – or across a supply chain – to be assessed together under one water stewardship framework. Reducing the documentation required, the cost and improving engagement and capacity across catchment.
The Verification Process (Stage-by-Stage Guide)

As you can see in the infographic above, the verification process follows a clear, step-by-step approach, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability. Let’s walk through each stage of the journey.
Stage 1: Join and Maintain Membership
The first stage in becoming a verified water steward is to join Water Stewardship Asia Pacific (WSAP). Membership provides access to essential resources, tools, and a network of like-minded organisations.
By maintaining membership, participants gain ongoing support and guidance to implement effective water stewardship practices.
Stage 2: Commit to Water Stewardship
Once a member, the next stage is to make a public commitment to water stewardship. This stage also involves:
- Gathering data on current water use and risks.
- Developing a water stewardship strategy and action plan.
This stage sets the foundation for meaningful water management improvements and ensures that an organisation’s commitment is transparent and accountable. At this stage, organisations are able to display this commitment by using the Water Stewards approved logo on electronic media and in publications.
Stage 3: Implement the Water Stewardship Plan
With a strategy in place, organisations move to the implementation stage. This phase focuses on:
- Taking concrete actions to improve water efficiency and sustainability.
- Engaging employees, supply chains, and communities in stewardship efforts.
- Integrating water stewardship into business operations.
Stage 4: Verify Performance
Once implementation is underway, organisations must evaluate their performance and communicate their progress. This involves:
- Internal and external assessments of water stewardship actions.
- Transparent reporting to WSAP and stakeholders.
- Independent verification audits to confirm progress and compliance.
At this stage, organisations that are verified are able to display the Water Stewards Verified (3 star) logo on electronic media, in publications, and also on products.
Stage 5: Achieve Advanced Verification
For organisations that want to go beyond basic (3 star) verification, advanced verification levels are available. These include:
- 4-Star Verification – Requires completing additional advanced actions in water stewardship.
- 5-Star Verification – Demonstrates full leadership in sustainable water management.
To maintain verification status, organisations must submit an annual communication of progress. This ensures continued commitment, ongoing improvements, and accountability in water stewardship efforts.
The Water Stewards Verification Program is a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability credentials, improve operational efficiency, and gain recognition for responsible water management.
By following this structured approach, organisations can move from commitment to action, verification, and leadership in water stewardship.
Verification Program Organisations


Verification Program FAQs
What are the requirements for verification?
The requirements of verification differ depending on the level of achievement you desire. But as a quick guide to achieve WSAP Verification, a site must:
- Develop a Water Stewardship Plan, including risk assessments, actions, and monitoring.
- Engage stakeholders (e.g., communities, regulators, water users) with documented input.
- Monitor and report on key water indicators, like usage, discharge, and catchment outcomes.
- Undergo an independent third-party audit by a WSAP-accredited auditor.
- Share a public summary of water risks, actions, and performance.
- Commit to continuous improvement and periodic re-verification.
How long does the process take?
The full verification process typically can take anything from 3 to 18 months, depending on your site’s readiness. Sites that have already implemented water stewardship practices may move faster, while those newer to the process may need more time for preparation. As this is self-paced an organisation can take as long as they need or want.
What’s the cost of verification?
The cost of verification is dependent on the level of membership of the organisation, if the organisation is a part of a group verification and/or if the organisation will be verifying multiple sites. Please contact us for a quote.
How do I maintain verification status?
To maintain your level of verification, organisations must submit an Annual Communication of Progress and, if at the Verify Stages (stages 4 and 5), complete an independent audit of the verified site every 3 years.
Who should participate in the Verification Program?
Any organisation or site that uses and manages water—such as manufacturers, agricultural producers, utilities, or campuses—should participate. It’s ideal for those seeking to demonstrate sustainability leadership, meet regulatory or ESG requirements, or improve water-related performance and risk management.
Is Group Verification right for me?
Group Verification is ideal for companies with multiple facilities, regional operations, or partner networks seeking consistency, efficiency, and shared learning. Each site must meet the standard, but the process is streamlined through centralised coordination, shared documentation, and representative sampling by a WSAP-approved auditor. Acceptance into the group verification is by application to WSAP.
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Contact us to enquire about verification or our work.