Even though global leaders have made clean water a top priority through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, millions of people around the world still struggle to get safe, affordable drinking water. This ongoing crisis is a major challenge for governments, scientists, and nonprofits alike. Solving it isn’t easy - it involves a mix of environmental, social, and economic factors and demands teamwork across many different fields. This research project helps prepare U.S. students who are studying water resources and environmental science to meet that challenge. Over the course of three years, student-led projects - carried out in partnership with colleagues in South Africa - explore how ecosystem-based conservation and management approaches can provide low-cost, flexible, and sustainable ways to improve water security. Through this experience, students develop practical scientific and communication skills by taking part in online training courses, in-field data collection and analysis, professional meetings, and public outreach. In the process, they also learn how to work across cultures and disciplines - essential skills for solving complex water problems both abroad and at home. Addressing global water-related challenges requires that future leaders have a strong understanding of complex socio-hydrological systems and the feasibility to address water insecurity through decentralized approaches. This IRES project equips emerging U.S. hydrologic and environmental