Beyond the Spreadsheet: Why INTERA is Championing the Global Groundwater Revolution
In a world where high-level scientific knowledge is often trapped behind expensive paywalls, a unique partnership is proving that democratizing information is the key to global resilience. We recently sat down with Gerry Grisak, Principal at INTERA, to discuss why a top-tier engineering firm would choose to become a proud sponsor of the Groundwater Project (GW-Project).
For INTERA, sponsorship isn’t just a line item; it is a direct reflection of their mission to solve real-world challenges with science and integrity. Gerry explains that the partnership was born from a shared objective: achieving sustainability in an environmentally challenged world. “Groundwater is the only resource that will keep the human race going in the long term,” Gerry notes, emphasizing that this “invisible” life support system deserves the same protection and respect as the rivers and lakes we see every day.
The “Robin Hood” of Hydrogeology
The GW-Project has been described as the “Robin Hood” of the groundwater world—taking world-class expertise and giving it away for free in nearly 60 languages. With over 70 volunteer-driven books and 3 million downloads, the project reaches every corner of the planet, from Mongolia to Brazil.
INTERA’s commitment to this mission is deeply personal. The company has a long history of stewardship, notably through the Ron Lantz Stewardship Program, which empowers employees to lead projects in communities like the Navajo Nation and Sub-Saharan Africa. Gerry shared a powerful story of an INTERA team in East Africa that used GW-Project textbooks alongside advanced geophysical tools to successfully develop a rural groundwater system. This ripple effect shows that when we share knowledge, we aren’t just distributing books—we are delivering life-saving solutions to the world’s most vulnerable regions.
A New Kind of ROI
While some might look for a traditional return on investment spreadsheet, INTERA has found a different kind of value. Gerry highlights that the sponsorship serves as a significant driver for employee pride and retention. By investing in the GW-Project, INTERA signals to its team and the world that it values global stewardship over simple profits.
“It’s more than a partnership; it’s a shared commitment to a sustainable future,” says Gerry. As the GW-Project continues to grow, INTERA’s leadership serves as a bold example for other organizations to follow. Together, we can ensure that the science needed to save our planet is available to all—not just those who can afford it.
Are you ready to be part of this global movement? Join leaders like INTERA and our 1,000+ volunteers in the mission to make our “invisible” life support system visible to the world. Whether you are a student, a professional, or an organization looking to prioritize science and integrity, your engagement fuels this revolution.
Take the next step today:
- Explore our library: Access over 70 free, world-class textbooks translated into nearly 60 languages to equip yourself with the tools to tackle local water crises.
- Sign up for our mailing list: Stay informed on how we are democratizing knowledge and delivering real-world solutions to vulnerable regions.
- Become a sponsor: Follow INTERA’s lead by investing in a project that builds global resilience and fosters a culture of stewardship within your own team.
Let’s work together to ensure the science needed to save our planet is available to all—not just those who can afford it.
See the full inspiring interview here.