Dr. Walter Kölle (1936-2020) was head of the Institute for Water Research at Stadtwerke Hannover until 1996. He was the author of around 100 specialist publications. In 1971, he was the first scientist to be honoured with the newly established Preis der Wasserchemischen Gesellschaft (currently: Fachgruppenpreis).

In December 2010, Dr. Walter Kölle set up a foundation at the German Chemical Society (GDCh), the purpose of which is to promote scientific work in the field of water chemistry and to award prizes for outstanding work by young scientists in this field.

For example, the foundation supports the foundation supports the Student Water Award, the Promotionspreis Wasserchemie and the Preis der Wasserchemischen Gesellschaft by funding the prize money.