Jorge Richardson, Founder and CEO of Hope Hydration, is celebrated as a Hydro20 honoree for his innovative work in advancing public access to clean drinking water and reducing plastic pollution.

Recognizing the outdated infrastructure of scarce and untrusted water fountains, coupled with widespread reliance on single-use plastics, Richardson developed a sustainable, ad-funded model to deliver free, clean water. His approach combines modern design, trusted filtration systems, and education to rebuild public confidence in water fountains.

Hope Hydration installs and maintains water stations at no cost to host locations, with all expenses covered by brand and advertiser partnerships. A small percentage of ad revenue is shared with hosts as a thank-you, ensuring long-term sustainability without reliance on grants or donations.

Equipped with sensors, the stations track usage metrics, accessible via an app, allowing real-time monitoring of refills by city, state, venue, or partner. This model has enabled a growing presence at high-profile events and locations, amplifying access to clean water.

From its first permanent installation in Times Square, Hope Hydration has expanded to states like California, Texas, and Florida, with notable installations in all terminals of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport. By emphasizing both environmental and health benefits, Richardson encourages people to move away from single-use plastics, highlighting their long-term harm to the planet and immediate health risks.

Jorge Richardson’s innovative leadership in water access and plastic waste reduction has earned him a well-deserved place among the Hydro20 honorees.