NEW Water News

2025 NEW Watershed Champion Award

In honor of World Water Day, we are proud to announce the recipient of the 2025 NEW Watershed Champion Award is Linda Gustke, Director of Education at Green Bay Botanical Garden.

2024 NEW Watershed Champion Award

The 2024 NEW Watershed Champion Award has been given to Lynn Terrien of the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay (UWGB) Lower Fox River Monitoring Program.

“The waters of Wisconsin are critical to public health, our economy, and our way of life. We commend and celebrate Lynn’s continued efforts to encourage area youth to protect our most valuable resource, water,” said Tom Sigmund, Executive Director of NEW Water, the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District.

Congratulations, Dr. Day!The Green Bay Water Utility and NEW Water are proud to present the 2022 Water Champion Award to: Dr. Harold "Jack" Day! 

(Green Bay – March 22) Longtime advocate and educator Dr. Harold ‘Jack’ Day is named this year’s Water Champion by the Green Bay Water Utility and NEW Water.

NEW Water "breaks tradition" and honors Nancy Quirk of Green Bay Water with NEW Watershed Champion Award

Green Bay Water Utility was first in the nation to remove lead service lines

(GREEN BAY – March 22) The 8th annual NEW Watershed Champion ceremony has broken tradition.

Nancy Quirk, P.E., General Manager of the Green Bay Water Utility, was honored in a surprise virtual call by Tom Sigmund, Executive Director of NEW Water, and Kathryn Hasselblad, President of the NEW Water Commission, and Commissioner for Green Bay Water Utility. For the past seven years, the two utilities have jointly given this award to a community member for their efforts to improve area waters.

Dr. Kevin Fermanich of University of Wisconsin-Green Bay honored as NEW Watershed Champion 2020

In honor of World Water Day, today Dr. Kevin Fermanich of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay was lauded for his efforts to improve area waters.

Wisconsin DNR Named 2019 NEW Watershed Champion

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and those working on the Fox River Cleanup Project, today were honored as the 2019 NEW Watershed Champion. Heading into its 16th season of operations on the Lower Fox River, the goal of the project is to reduce the risk to human health and the environment by reducing the impact of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Kelly Ellis named 2018 NEW Watershed Champion

STEM leader celebrated for her contributions to a sustainable community

Ms. Kelly Ellis was named 2018 “NEW Watershed Champion” for founding the Greater Green Bay STEM Network as well as other contributions in the realm of science, technology, engineering and mathematics essential to effectively care for, and manage, our precious water resources.

Brickstead Dairy - Family-owned dairy farm lauded for conservation efforts 

Brickstead Dairy today was named  2017 “NEW Watershed Champion”  for demonstrating innovation and leadership in their sustainable farming practices.

Rep. Reid Ribble Named "NEW Watershed Champion 2016"

U.S. Congressman Lauded for “Save the Bay” Initiative to Improve Waters

U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble (WI-08) was named 2016 “NEW Watershed Champion” in a ceremony on March 18 to celebrate water on Friday, for his efforts to “Save the Bay.”

Mike Reed Named "NEW Watershed Champion 2015"

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Director Lauded for Innovative Nature-Based 4K Program

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Director Mike Reed was named “NEW Watershed Champion 2015” Friday for ushering in a new generation of water stewards.