The Future Water Association Honors The Language of Water with Future Water Award
In a powerful acknowledgment of work that bridges science, storytelling, and community-based restoration, the Future Water Association has awarded its prestigious Future Water Award to Minni Jain and Philip Franses for their groundbreaking work presented in The Language of Water.
Held annually, the Future Water Awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and vision in the water sector—recognizing those who are reshaping how we understand and engage with the world’s most precious resource. This year, The Language of Water stood out as an exemplary publication that transcends traditional boundaries of the water industry by weaving together cultural narratives, indigenous wisdom, and tangible community-led solutions for water restoration.
“Water has its own language, a rhythm and intelligence that flows through all life. This book teaches us to listen.” — Future Water Association, 2025
Published by Synergetic Press, The Language of Water is more than a book—it is a movement. Authored by Minni Jain, Director of The Flow Partnership, and Philip Franses, systems thinker and teacher, the work draws from real-life stories across India, Africa, Europe, and beyond. It shares how communities are reviving traditional water-harvesting techniques to bring life back to rivers, soils, and people—healing not only ecosystems, but also the social and spiritual fabric of their environments.
In awarding the book, the Future Water Association commended Jain and Franses for their “courageous and creative approach to communication and cultural storytelling,” underscoring the importance of narrative and education in driving meaningful change in the water sector.
Based in the UK, the Future Water Association is a modern, innovative, not-for-profit organization that represents professionals and suppliers across the water and wastewater industry. For over 30 years, it has acted as the voice of the sector—engaging with government, regulators, and utility providers to influence policy, promote education, and drive innovation. Its annual awards align with World Water Day and aim to shine a light on transformative projects shaping the future of water management.
This year’s award adds another accolade to The Language of Water’s growing recognition as a vital contribution to the global water dialogue. Its pages are filled with deeply moving reflections and hopeful solutions—reminding us that water is not only a technical issue, but also a cultural, emotional, and spiritual one.
“We are honored to receive the Future Water Award. This book is the voice of the waters that still flow inside us all—waiting to be heard, waiting to be healed.”
— Minni Jain & Philip Franses
As the global water crisis intensifies, The Language of Water offers a compelling path forward—inviting readers from all walks of life to reconnect with the element that unites us all. The recognition by the Future Water Association confirms what many already feel: this book is a timely and vital offering, inspiring a new generation of water stewards across the world.
The Language of Water is available from your favorite bookstore or directly from the publisher, Synergetic Press.
