If you love the environment, you know the planet’s water issues. From pollution to shortages, your community may need help with some aspects. How are businesses positively impacting this resource? Corporate water stewardship has been integral to developing innovative strategies and implementing meaningful change. Here are eight companies leading the way.
1. Keurig Dr Pepper
Keurig Dr Pepper produces fan-favorite sodas and coffee, so it understands the value of quality water. The Texas-based business is dedicated to the Lone Star State’s watersheds it needs to bottle beverages and satisfy consumers. Ryan Spicer — the director of sustainability — said the brand works with local partners in conservation projects to protect habitats.
Conserving this resource helps maintain healthy ecosystems and make the community more resilient to climate change. According to Spicer, Keurig Dr Pepper replenished about 85% of the water necessary for beverage production in six high-risk operating areas. In addition to Texas, its corporate water stewardship is also in Florida, California and Mexico.
2. Anheuser-Busch InBev
Anheuser-Busch InBev is another beverage entity that positively affects the world’s water supply. The maker of Bud Light and Stella Artois has received national recognition through its collaboration with Cambrian. This project developed an advanced membrane bioreactor system and optimized wastewater treatment, winning Industrial Project of the Year at the 2025 Global Water Awards.
The futuristic system can treat over 400,000 gallons daily and reuse on-site water so Anheuser-Busch can reduce its freshwater consumption at its Houston brewery. They have a 20-year contract, from which experts anticipate 3.45 billion gallons of wastewater treatment and a 20% cost reduction. CO2 emissions should decrease by over 23,000 tons and further help the environment.
3. Levi Strauss
While a cotton shirt seems simple, it requires 700 gallons of water to produce. Consumption is a significant issue in the fashion industry, so corporate water stewardship is essential. Levi Strauss is leading the way by addressing water scarcity worldwide and being more conscious of H2O in its factories.
The California enterprise has set local water targets to understand its impact in specific areas. Every two years, it will review suppliers in each region based on expert risk analyses and decide which facilities are most vulnerable and need more innovative technologies. Levi Strauss has implemented water-saving techniques from mills to solve resource issues creatively.
4. Danaher
Life science companies can have water-intensive processes, especially if they’re in biotechnology or pharmaceutical manufacturing. Danaher uses its position in the industry to improve H2O quality and protect the global supply. Since 2023, the Washington, D.C.-based brand has used a water stewardship tool to promote freshwater sustainability worldwide.
The Danaher Business System (DBS) is designed to reduce water consumption and waste generation worldwide. Since its implementation, the program has helped partners like Cytiva lower H2O usage by 9% and receive credits from local agencies. DBS has also successfully identified 120,000 cubic meters of water reduction opportunities across its operating entities, demonstrating excellent corporate stewardship.
5. Cargill
Organizations may say they’re helping the environment through initiatives, but not all can support their claims. According to a Ceres report, Cargill tops the list of sustainability targets among the world’s leading corporations. The nonprofit analyzed corporate water stewardship among 72 businesses and said Cargill was among only 11 to progress substantially.
Cargill made the shortlist because it hit 68.9% of its sustainability targets, outpacing brands like General Mills and Mars. The Minnesota-based corporation works with farmers and nongovernment organizations to reduce the agricultural impact on water. These supply chain professionals understand that a local approach is necessary to address needs and eliminate pollutants worldwide.
6. Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company has a worldwide presence, with manufacturing plants in North America, Europe and Asia. Water is integral to its production process because it cools equipment, cleans parts and treats surfaces. While automakers can consume a lot of resources, Ford has led the industry by reducing its liability and paving better paths forward.
The Michigan-based corporation has used 76% less freshwater since 2000, leading to 186.3 billion gallons saved. Recently, the Carbon Disclosure Project recognized Ford Motor Company as a world leader in reducing water risks. The manufacturer has optimized its aqua processes through advanced treatment systems and recycling, which are integral to its stewardship mission and carbon-neutrality goals.
7. Ecolab
Ecolab’s technologies improve hygiene and prevent infections, so the food and drinks on your dinner table are cleaner. The Minnesota business has excelled in its corporate role by co-founding the Water Resilience Coalition and the Alliance for Water Stewardship. If your organization works with Ecolab, you can eliminate inefficiencies and conserve this natural resource.
Ecolab understands the need to reduce consumption in the digital age. Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing and helping enterprises but requires more resources to power systems. Recently, the company received recognition for its leadership in making AI more sustainable. In 2024, it helped clients conserve over 226 billion gallons of water and deployed AI-driven solutions in data centers.
8. PepsiCo
PepsiCo has existed since 1898 and has become a world food and beverage market leader. Operating for over 125 years gives it the necessary expertise to be more sustainable and limit its environmental liability. The brand has set goals like becoming net water positive by 2030, which will replenish more H2O than it uses. The focus on high-risk watersheds aids high-risk areas and the production impact.
PepsiCo’s 2030 goal sets an excellent example of corporate water stewardship has planned additional actions. The New York corporation aims to plant 10 million acres of crops by 2030 to support regenerative agriculture. In May 2025, it celebrated meeting its goal of 25% improvement in water-use efficiency, which exceeded the previous 15% improvement. Moving forward, it will elevate its pep+ program and tackle insecurity worldwide.
Emphasizing Corporate Water Stewardship Worldwide
Producing food, beverages and supplies for the planet is critical to meeting evolving demand. Growing populations need more resources to support families, businesses and economies of varying sizes. How can companies achieve their productivity goals while being mindful of water consumption? Stewardship through proactive policies can save the planet for future generations and positively influence others to do the same.
