An international, technology-neutral integrity framework for verified water outcomes and Quality Water Credits.
The Quality Water Credit Standard™ – Framework is a unified, technology-neutral and internationally applicable integrity framework defining when the result of a water intervention may be considered a real, measurable, additional, quantifiable, verifiable, traceable and appropriately qualified water outcome on which a Quality Water Credit may be created.
Every Quality Water Credit is based on a verifiable Water Action Result.
The Framework does not prescribe a specific technology, project type or water intervention; the quality and integrity of the water outcome are at the centre.
The Framework is designed to ensure the reality, measurability, additionality, verifiability and traceability of water outcomes.
The Framework clearly distinguishes the project, the Water Action Activity, the Water Action Result, MRV, independent verification, Registry-Level Assessment and the Quality Water Credit.
The baseline must be data-driven, documented, reproducible and auditable, and updated where necessary.
Additionality is a multidimensional, dynamic and data-driven requirement that considers the financing, regulatory, market and socio-ecological context.
The Water Action Result must be supported by a comprehensive Monitoring, Reporting and Verification system and, where applicable, independent third-party verification.
Each Quality Water Credit must be clearly traceable to the project, Water Action Result, accounting period, verification and unique Registry identifier.
The Framework separately addresses double issuance, double claiming, double use and other double counting risks.
The underlying activity must be aligned with long-term water-system resilience and water security objectives.
A Quality Water Credit does not itself represent a project, investment, technology or activity. Every Credit is based on a verifiable Water Action Result.
The activity or project intended to create a water outcome.
A measurable and verifiable water outcome attributable to a defined location and period.
Determination of the Physical Water Outcome and formation of a standardized Water Outcome Equivalent under an approved methodology.
Independent verification followed by the OurOffset Registry-Level Assessment procedure.
A uniquely identified Registry unit representing the verified Water Action Result and its associated WOE value.
The Quality Water Credit Standard™ is not designed to maximize the number of Credits, but to ensure the integrity of the real and verifiable water outcomes behind them.
Material uncertainty must be identified and addressed using an appropriate conservative approach so that the Water Action Result is not overstated.
For water replenishment and other relevant outcome types, durability, reversal risks, monitoring and corrective measures must be appropriately assessed.
Material effects displaced beyond the project boundary must be identified and, where necessary, addressed in quantifying the Water Action Result.
Material social and environmental risks must be identified and appropriately addressed. Co-benefits should be measurable and documentable.
Water-related claims made using a Quality Water Credit must be truthful, accurate, appropriately documented and non-misleading.
The Framework evolves through a controlled and documented change-management process and is subject to regular professional review.
2026 revised and expanded edition · International scope · OurOffset Nonprofit LLC
The 2026 revision and expansion focuses, among other areas, on modern additionality, dynamic baselines, the full Quality Water Credit lifecycle, detailed double-counting controls, safeguards, water-system alignment, Registry transparency, durability of water outcomes and claims integrity.
Request access to the full Framework documentation, or submit the basic details of your water activity for a preliminary assessment.
Request information about access to the full Quality Water Credit Standard™ – Framework documentation, professional use or cooperation.
Submit the basic details of your water activity for a preliminary assessment under the Quality Water Credit Standard™ – Framework.