In 2003, a few members of Ispa came together to explore ways to encourage sustainability in the spa industry. The seed for this work was originally planted at the International Spa Association Conference, where Deborah Szekely (Founder of Rancho La Puerta) urged spas to become actively involved in the burgeoning environment movement. Inspired by her words, a small group of individuals began working on an Ispa task force to introduce sustainability practices to spa businesses.

Later that year a group called “Healing the Waters” was formed and began meeting regularly to discuss ways to improve environmental responsibility among spas.