New Jersey Student Wins 2016 US Stockholm Junior Water Prize; Will Participate in International Competition

On Jun 23, 2016

Xylem Inc., a global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, “congratulates” Nishita Sinha of Chatham, , as the 2016 winner of the United States Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP), the “nation’s most prestigious youth award for water-related science and technology projects,” according to Xylem.

Sinha’s project, “Experimental Studies in Developing Safe Sanitation Solutions,” focused on identifying and testing economic alternatives to in-home toilets that can improve sanitation conditions in poor rural areas and protect groundwater from pathogenic microorganisms.

The project received the top honor out of the 50 state entries at the national competition held in Charlotte, North Carolina from June 18 – 19. In August, Sinha will represent the United States at the International Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition in Stockholm, Sweden, where she will compete with more than 30 other students from around the world. Sinha will also receive a $10,000 scholarship toward enhancing her water science education.

Xylem has been a long-time leading sponsor of the U.S. SJWP and is a founder of the International Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which will celebrate its 20-year anniversary this year. Through its corporate citizenship and social investment program, Xylem Watermark, Xylem is working to provide and protect safe water resources for communities in need around the world and educate people about water issues.

“As a leading global water technology company, we are committed to promoting education about water issues and supporting new innovation,” said Colin Sabol, Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Xylem Watermark Committee at Xylem. “We are proud to be a long-time supporter of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, and we continue to be inspired by the next generation of water leaders.”

Sarayu Das, of South Carolina was also recognized as the winner of the 2016 Bjorn von Euler Innovation in Water Scholarship Award. Each year, the $1,000 scholarship recognizes a project that demonstrates a unique passion for education, spirit of creativity and innovation. It honors the work of former Water Environment Federation (WEF) board member and retired Xylem Watermark Director, Bjorn von Euler.