“For all the urgent and plaintive calls for conservation of the world’s ever-tightening freshwater supplies, to what extent have our practical actions fulfilled the promises of our heartfelt words? As we witness the diminishment of streams, lakes and aquifers from the growing number of people who depend on them, there is one resource yet to be exploited for the betterment of all: the efficient use of water.”
–Amy Vickers, Water Voices from Around The World

ABOUT AMY VICKERS

AMY VICKERS, president of Amy Vickers & Associates, Inc. (AVA), is a nationally recognized and award-winning water conservation and efficiency expert, engineer, and author of the award-winning Handbook of Water Use and Conservation: Homes, Landscapes, Businesses, Industries, Farms (WaterPlow Press). Described by many as “the bible of water conservation,” the book has received wide acclaim and is now in its fourth printing.

For over 25 years, Amy has been actively engaged across the United States, Canada, and overseas as an independent consultant, public speaker, and policy adviser on nearly every facet of water use, conservation, efficiency and drought response.

A prolific author, Amy has written over 100 professional papers, articles, op-eds, essays, and chapters as well as her book. In addition to writing the national water efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures adopted under the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992, she has also authored or co-authored several state and municipal laws, including: urban irrigation rules to reduce outdoor water waste; the precedent-setting amendment to the Massachusetts Plumbing Code requiring low-volume water closets; hazardous materials emergency response requirements (the New York City “Spill bill”); and the humane treatment of tethered dogs (Amherst, MA).

A sought-after public speaker known for her expertise and independent views, Amy is a frequent presenter at conferences, seminars, and other public forums. She also designs and leads workshops, webinars, and lectures at universities and other educational and professional gatherings. She has been interviewed and quoted by USA Today, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Atlanta Journal & Constitution, CNN, NPR, and other media.

Amy’s commitment to water conservation is lifelong–and enduring. Early in her career she attained national attention as the originator and author of America’s first water efficiency standards for plumbing fixtures, which were adopted under the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 (“EPAct 1992”), setting a national water conservation milestone. Now more than two decades later, EPAct 1992 is saving the United States an estimated 7 billion gallons of water daily–enough water to supply about 70 million Americans. As those water savings continue to grow in the years ahead, so too will the water flowing through countless rivers, lakes, and aquifers.

Prior to establishing AVA over 25 years ago, Amy held positions at Brown and Caldwell, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority/Capital Water Engineering,the  New York City Council/Committee on Environmental Protection, and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. She also consulted on hazardous materials emergency response and Superfund remediation projects for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Education

• • • M.S., Engineering, Dartmouth College
    • B.A., Philosophy, New York University

Awards

• • • RIPPLE Award (2018), AWWA Water Conservation Division
    • Water Star Award (2014), Alliance for Water Efficiency
    • Benjamin Franklin Award (2002), Independent Book Publishers Association (formerly PMA)

Memberships

• • • Alliance for Water Efficiency
    • American Water Works Association
    • Dartmouth Society of Engineers
    • New England Antiquities Research Association
    • Northeast Organic Farming Association