Focus on Wastewater 

Le Mars, Iowa, is committing $155 million to expand its wastewater treatment plant. The project includes a new lift station, anaerobic pretreatment for high-strength flows, and a biosolids lagoon. This isn’t just a rehab job. The expansion is designed to accommodate increasing residential and industrial volume while ensuring state environmental compliance. 

In Michigan, Traverse City is planning a $41 million overhaul of a wastewater facility originally built in 1932. New primary clarifiers, effluent screw pumps and a UV disinfection system will bring the aging plant into the 21st century. Notably, the disinfection system will be elevated to withstand high water conditions, an example of climate resilience being baked into infrastructure planning. 

Both projects share a theme: aging infrastructure that’s past its prime is being phased out in favor of modern systems with higher efficiency, capacity, and resilience. For plant operators and engineers, this means big shifts in technology integration, operational training and maintenance protocols. 

Targeting Contaminants at the Source 

Norman, Oklahoma, is designing a groundwater treatment facility that zeroes in on emerging contaminants such as arsenic, chromium, and lithium. The 28-acre site will host centralized process operations, chemical dosing systems, stormwater detention, and even rain gardens. 

What stands out here is the facility’s focus on both regulatory compliance and community health. We’re seeing a growing interest in removing traditional pollutants along with compounds that are increasingly drawing attention from environmental watchdogs. This kind of project signals a pivot toward treatment processes designed for a broader spectrum of contaminants, many of which are likely to become regulatory priorities over the next decade. 

Nature-Based Solutions Are Gaining Ground 

The $75 million Westside Creeks restoration in San Antonio is a multi-purpose project restoring habitat, improving stormwater function, and reintroducing native vegetation across the Martinez Creek Watershed. By pulling out concrete linings and returning streams to a naturalized state, planners aim to boost water quality and biodiversity. 

This approach reflects a wider trend: using green infrastructure to enhance gray systems. If your operations intersect with stormwater management, this is your cue to start thinking beyond pipes and pumps. Nature-based solutions are proving their value for flood resilience, pollutant filtering and community engagement. 

Parks and Water Infrastructure Cross Paths 

At Crater Lake National Park, a $50.8 million trail and marina overhaul may seem like a recreational project, but don’t overlook its water infrastructure implications. The plan includes rockfall mitigation, new marina facilities, and restroom infrastructure, all on sensitive terrain with substantial seasonal water flow. While not a traditional water treatment project, it underscores how water-related infrastructure is being integrated into tourism, public safety and land conservation planning. 

Why This Matters Now 

Even with political uncertainty and brief funding pauses, federal and local commitment to water infrastructure is strong. The projects outlined here are all slated for late 2025 or 2026 construction. That means procurement teams are mobilizing this year. If your firm provides engineering, technology, equipment, or compliance services, the time to act is now. 

These upgrades are part of a national wave addressing deferred maintenance, environmental compliance, and future water demand. Watch for more solicitation announcements in Q3 and Q4. Whether you’re on the ground at a treatment plant or helping write the RFP, this is a chance to align your operations with where the real investment is happening. 

SOURCES: Smart Water Magazine, Le Mars Sentinel, The Traverse Ticker, KOCO 5 News, San Antonio Express-News, National Park Service 

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AI Is Parched and Pulling from the Same Wells

Training large AI models like GPT-3 can evaporate up to 5.4 million liters of water. That’s not a metaphor. The water is literally lost, used to cool hyperscale data centers or indirectly consumed through thermoelectric power plants. Every Studio Ghibli-style image generated, every experimental chat response from an AI, adds to this invisible burden. 

Most data centers rely on water-cooled systems. These setups consume potable water because it reduces corrosion and microbial growth, making maintenance cheaper and systems more reliable. But from a sustainability standpoint, they’re a nightmare. Even “clean energy” doesn’t solve the problem if the cooling infrastructure behind it remains water-intensive. 

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure

Unlike carbon emissions, which are often disclosed in sustainability reports or model cards, AI’s water consumption data is mostly absent. This blind spot stifles innovation and policy. For those in water treatment, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: pushing for accountability in tech sectors that are increasingly competing for the same resource you manage daily. 

The manufacturing of AI’s hardware is equally problematic. Semiconductor fabs consume ultra-pure water (UPW) by the millions of gallons, with recycling rates that rarely exceed 50%. Worse, this water often exits the system contaminated with heavy metals and solvents, hazards that eventually end up at your facilities. 

Dry Cooling Isn’t the Silver Bullet

Some data centers are experimenting with dry cooling to reduce water use, but these systems require significantly more energy, potentially increasing the overall carbon footprint. That’s the catch: what’s good for water may be bad for air. The “follow the sun” method of training AI models, timing workloads to locations with renewable energy, is now being challenged by a new idea: “follow the shade,” shifting training to regions and times with cooler temperatures and lower water stress. 

But this raises logistical questions. Will companies redesign their server deployment based on regional hydrology? Will new data centers be located based on aquifer levels instead of tax incentives? Until transparency becomes mandatory, water treatment professionals remain in the dark, left to deal with downstream effects. 

The Water Cost of a Pretty Picture

Here’s the kicker: much of this water is spent on aesthetics. AI-generated art and viral content have no critical function beyond engagement. That doesn’t make it worthless, but it makes its water cost far more controversial. When a Midjourney image costs the same water as a glass of clean drinking water in a drought-stricken region, priorities need rethinking. 

For you, the implications are tangible. Increased regional water demand may not come from agriculture or population growth, but from server farms. Aging infrastructure and limited capacity in many municipalities mean that even moderate industrial demand shifts can push treatment systems past their limits. You’ll need to plan for this — if not with capital investments, then at least in operational forecasting. 

Time for a Seat at the Table

Water treatment professionals need a stronger voice in the AI sustainability conversation. Advocating for water transparency metrics alongside carbon reporting is step one. Engaging with policymakers on zoning, permitting, and environmental assessments for new data centers is step two. And long-term, the sector must push for hydrosustainable design principles (not just greener AI, but water-smarter AI). 

Microsoft and Google’s “water positive by 2030” pledges sound promising, but they are vague without detailed benchmarks. If 99% of a tech company’s water footprint is in its supply chain, then offsetting office water use isn’t much more than greenwashing. 

Final Take

While AI might promise to solve climate issues or optimize utilities, its own operational model is still heavily extractive. For those of you working every day to treat, manage, and preserve this precious resource, understanding this dynamic is urgent.  

The next major environmental front involves more than just emissions. Evaporation from data-driven infrastructure is quickly emerging as a critical factor. Staying ahead of these developments means treating digital infrastructure the same way we treat any other large-scale water consumer: with scrutiny, regulation, and sustainable planning. 

SOURCES: Washington Post, Smart Water Magazine 

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Unpredictability Is the Only Constant

Climate change is throwing certainty out the window. Rain patterns shift. Droughts stretch longer. Floods hit harder. In Europe, some utilities are losing up to 30% of treated water due to leaky, outdated infrastructure. Meanwhile, regulations are tightening fast. New rules on PFAs, micropollutants, and water reuse are forcing capital investment and operational overhauls. If you’re responsible for compliance, budget planning, or even just keeping your system running cleanly and efficiently, these changes should already be on your radar.

Water Circularity Isn’t Optional Anymore

Forget sustainability as a buzzword. Circular water use is now a necessity, particularly for large industrial and commercial users. Look at Coca-Cola’s near-total reuse systems in Greece and Nigeria or PepsiCo’s rainwater harvesting efforts. These aren’t greenwashing stunts. They’re real cost-saving, risk-reducing, regulation-avoiding systems. And they’re scalable.

Over 90% of major food and beverage players have formal water targets. Reputation alone doesn’t drive these efforts; companies are acting to protect operations and reassure investors. If your facility or your clients haven’t started mapping circular solutions, the clock is ticking.

Energy, AI, and the Data Center Water Boom

The collision of water and energy demand is shaping new battlegrounds. The retirement of U.S. coal plants has eased some stress on thermoelectric water withdrawals, but it’s being replaced by pressure from hydrogen production, battery manufacturing, and, the big one, AI data centers.

These digital behemoths are water-thirsty for cooling and increasingly central to business operations. By 2030, data centers could consume nearly 9% of U.S. electricity. That’s energy, water, and emissions all bundled together. You’ll need to think about integrated resource planning. Water and energy are now inseparable.

Investors Are Getting Thirsty Too

Private capital is already moving in. The first three quarters of 2024 saw 334 water-sector deals. That includes acquisitions of AI-driven leak detection startups, decentralized treatment innovators, and digital twin developers. Engineering giants and utilities are buying up niche tech players at a rapid clip to future-proof their portfolios.

This trend could spell opportunity or threat depending on your positioning. For technology vendors, it means growing demand and potential exits. For plant operators and regulators, it means a wave of new solutions to vet and possibly integrate. Expect more consolidation and less room for outdated systems or slow adopters.

AI Isn’t Just Hype

Artificial intelligence is already trimming real costs and losses. Google DeepMind has teamed with a European utility to slash water loss. Microsoft and Amazon are also reengineering their operations around water efficiency.

This matters to you because these tools, from predictive maintenance to demand forecasting, are no longer experimental. They’re operational. If your SCADA system is still stuck in the 2010s, you’re simply leaving savings and resilience on the table.

Water Strategy Is Business Strategy

Water professionals know the stakes: contamination, scarcity, compliance, and community trust. By 2025, water decisions have moved beyond technical execution and into strategic planning. They touch corporate risk, market positioning, and long-term viability.

Whether you’re running a utility, designing treatment systems, advising on regulation, or deploying digital tools, your work is now central to how industries compete and survive. SOURCES: Smart Water Magazine, Data Center Knowledge, Reuter’s, Ketos

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Triple Threat Composite Materials 

The newly developed material is a composite of hydrogen molybdenum bronze (HxMoO₃–y), molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂), and activated carbon synthesized using a ball-milling process that’s both energy-efficient and cost-effective. The starting ingredients? Just molybdenum trioxide and polypropylene. 

The resulting particles offer three core functions: 

1. Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants across the full light spectrum (UV, visible, NIR). 

2. Photothermal evaporation via solar absorption for rapid water distillation. 

3. Heavy metal ion adsorption using oxygen-containing carbon byproducts. 

This isn’t lab-only theory. These capabilities were demonstrated in a series of controlled experiments. The catalyst worked under sunlight and, impressively, continued breaking down contaminants even in dark conditions due to its Brønsted acid catalytic properties. 

Cost, Versatility, and Scale 

This research addresses the elephant in the room: most high-performance water remediation technologies aren’t economically feasible at scale. Rare materials, complex synthesis, and high energy requirements limit practical deployment. 

What Nagoya’s team has done is change the math. Their mechanochemical synthesis via ball milling allows for mass production from cheap, widely available materials. And it’s flexible. The team sees potential to replicate the approach using other oxides and plastics, opening the door to material upcycling, a two-birds-one-stone solution to water contamination and plastic waste. 

For facilities looking to boost efficiency or explore decentralized treatment solutions (think disaster relief, remote installations, or low-infrastructure communities), this could be a game changer. It offers an integrated solution where previously multiple systems would be required. 

Broad-Spectrum Efficiency 

Let’s talk numbers, or at least capabilities. The photothermal properties of the composite allow for rapid solar-induced heating, making it effective for sunlight-driven water evaporation. Plasmonic behavior, typically reserved for more exotic materials, drives exceptional light absorption and heat generation. 

At the same time, its photocatalytic efficiency spans the full light spectrum, allowing continuous degradation of pollutants without the narrow-band limitations of traditional TiO₂-based systems. And heavy metals? Oxygenated carbons within the mix trap and remove them, adding another layer of filtration. 

What’s particularly compelling is its dual-mode operation. It performs in light and in the dark, which means treatment continues even in cloudy or nighttime conditions, a major operational benefit. 

What Comes Next? 

Right now, this is still in the experimental phase. The team is optimizing its ball milling process and exploring applications beyond water remediation, such as material upcycling and advanced catalysis. But the vision is clear: a modular, low-cost, multifunctional material that can plug into existing systems or power off-grid solutions with minimal infrastructure. 

For water treatment pros, especially those managing systems in variable environments or exploring sustainability-driven upgrades, this could represent a new class of toolkits. This breakthrough could be a practical pathway toward resilient, low-emission water purification. 

Keep an eye on this. It could be the start of a major shift in how we think about material design and system integration in the industry. If even half of this material’s lab potential carries into field-scale application, we’re looking at a step-function leap in solar-based remediation.  

SOURCES: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Smart Water Magazine 

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A Recipe for Disaster 

The cold hard truth? The nation’s water infrastructure is crumbling. Many systems were built 50 to 100 years ago, and their upkeep is getting more expensive. At the same time, utilities are dealing with increasingly strict water-quality regulations, operational challenges, and climate-driven risks like droughts and flooding. 

Raising rates on customers hasn’t been enough to close the financial gap. Even with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), utilities are still falling short. But the problem is systemic: traditional funding mechanisms can’t keep up with the scale of investment needed. Without action, water providers will continue to struggle to meet demand, and service reliability could decline drastically. 

Climate Hazards Are Only Making Things Worse 

To make matters worse, water stress and flooding are accelerating the crisis. Drought conditions and rising water demand are putting immense pressure on supply. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—coastal storms, heavy rainfall, and river flooding—are increasing the risk of infrastructure failure. 

Utilities didn’t create these challenges, but they’re on the frontlines of managing them. If they fail to adapt, the consequences could be catastrophic. Not just for public health but also for local economies. 

State and Local Leaders Hold the Key 

McKinsey’s latest report identifies state and local governments as the missing piece in water resilience planning. While utilities need funding, how that funding is used matters just as much. The report outlines three key areas where local leaders and advocacy efforts can drive impact: 

1. Optimizing Existing Funding (5-10% of the Gap) 

• Revamping rate structures to generate sustainable revenue 

• Maximizing the use of state-revolving funds and federal programs 

• Identifying new revenue opportunities, such as public-private partnerships 

2. Prioritizing Resilience (5-10% of the Gap) 

• Investing in long-term water planning 

• Strengthening policies that encourage conservation and reuse 

• Developing risk-based funding strategies for climate resilience 

3. Enabling Operational Efficiencies (15-25% of the Gap) 

• Supporting regional collaboration to reduce redundancy in water services 

• Encouraging technology adoption (AI-driven monitoring, leak detection, automation) 

• Consolidating capital expenditures to reduce costs and increase impact 

None of these solutions alone will fully close the funding gap, but together, they could help bridge 25-45% of it. That’s a significant step toward financially stable, future-ready water systems. 

We Need Action Now 

The U.S. water sector doesn’t have the luxury of waiting. Every year of inaction means higher costs, increased risks, and greater pressure on utilities. State and local governments have an opportunity, if not an obligation, to step up. 

With the right policies, funding strategies, and technological investments, utilities can close this financial gap and strengthen water resilience to ensure safe, affordable resources for all. The challenge is immense, but research shows the solutions are within reach. Who’s ready to take the lead? 

SOURCES: McKinsey, Smart Water Magazine 

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From Sludge to Sustainable Fuel 

Every day, WWTPs generate massive amounts of sewage sludge, a rich organic material that, when anaerobically digested, produces methane-rich biogas. The study examined three WWTPs that collectively produced 5.39 million Normal Cubic Meters of biogas per year. The energy potential was enough to replace 34% of the diesel fuel needed for 83 municipal buses. 

WWTPs can take a circular economy approach where waste becomes fuel instead of a disposal burden. But to make this work at scale, biogas purification is critical. 

Cleaning Up the Gas 

Raw biogas from wastewater contains up to 65% methane, but that’s not enough for efficient vehicle use. The remaining 30% carbon dioxide (CO₂) and high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) must be removed to prevent corrosion, improve combustion efficiency, and meet fuel standards. The study found that after purification: 

• Methane concentration increased to over 90% 

• CO₂ dropped to below 5% 

• H₂S fell to less than 10 ppm 

This transformation makes biogas a viable compressed biomethane (Bio-CNG) alternative to diesel, offering comparable energy content (25 MJ/kg to 35 MJ/kg). Several purification technologies exist, including water scrubbing, amine scrubbing, pressure swing adsorption (PSA), and membrane separation. WWTP operators will need to evaluate which method balances cost, efficiency, and sustainability. 

The Environmental Win 

Switching municipal buses from diesel to biogas cuts CO₂ emissions by 84%, nitrogen oxides (NOX) by 80%, and particulate matter by 84.4%. Given that transportation accounts for 25% of global CO₂ emissions, this shift is a significant step toward decarbonization. 

Air quality improvements are another major benefit. Diesel engines are notorious for emitting fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is linked to respiratory diseases. Biogas-powered buses reduce PM emissions drastically, potentially making cities cleaner and healthier. 

Can Biogas Replace Diesel at Scale? 

Despite its promise, biogas adoption in public transportation isn’t without hurdles: 

1. Retrofitting existing buses to run on biomethane requires modifications costing $25,000 per vehicle. Establishing refueling stations adds another $540,000 to $2.2 million per station, depending on capacity. 

2. Biogas production fluctuates based on wastewater volumes and sludge characteristics. Ensuring a steady fuel supply requires careful monitoring and potential feedstock diversification. 

3. Incentives, carbon credits, and subsidies can make biogas financially competitive with diesel. Cities must align policies with circular economy goals to drive adoption. 

However, the long-term financial outlook is promising. Biogas production costs between 0.40 and 0.60 USD/Nm³, making it 30–50% cheaper than diesel over time. 

The Future of WWTPs 

WWTPs are evolving into energy hubs. Instead of simply treating and discharging wastewater, they’re becoming producers of renewable fuels, electricity, and valuable byproducts like biofertilizers. 

Looking ahead, cities worldwide can scale up biogas utilization beyond buses. Potential applications include: 

• Taxis, commercial fleets, and heavy-duty trucks 

• Integration with solar or hydrogen fuel systems for hybrid solutions 

• Direct injection of upgraded biomethane into natural gas grids 

This study proves that wastewater-derived biogas is a viable, real-world solution. For WWTP operators, engineers, and municipal planners, wastewater is a fuel source waiting to be unlocked. 

SOURCES: Gases 

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Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have been testing a new approach that could significantly improve toxin removal. By combining ultraviolet (UV) light with chlorine, they found a way to break down cyanotoxins more efficiently while keeping chemical demand and energy consumption low. The method showed promising results in laboratory experiments, reducing toxin levels to within World Health Organization safety limits without producing harmful disinfection byproducts. 

A Growing Challenge for Water Utilities 

Cyanobacteria thrive in nutrient-rich waters, often due to agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and storm-related sediment disturbances. Under the right conditions, these bacteria multiply rapidly, forming blooms that can cover large portions of lakes and reservoirs. When the blooms die off, they release toxins such as microcystins, which can persist in water for weeks or even months. 

These toxins have caused serious public health concerns. In 2014, nearly half a million residents in Toledo, Ohio, were left without safe drinking water after a cyanotoxin outbreak contaminated the city’s supply. In other cases, such as in Clear Lake, California, and Lake Okeechobee, Florida, cyanotoxin levels have been measured at more than 100 times the federally allowed limits. Incidents like these highlight the urgent need for better treatment solutions. 

Chlorine is widely used for disinfection, but it is not always effective at breaking down cyanotoxins on its own. The University of Cincinnati researchers set out to find a more efficient way to eliminate these harmful compounds. 

How UV and Chlorine Work Together 

The study found that the combination of UV radiation and chlorination produced significantly better results than chlorine alone. The UV light helped break down toxin molecules, making them more susceptible to oxidation. Chlorine then completed the process by degrading the weakened toxins. 

Another key finding was the role of chloride ions naturally present in the water. These ions helped form reactive molecular chlorine, which further enhanced the breakdown of toxins. This process not only improved treatment efficiency but also helped keep chemical and energy use at manageable levels. 

Potential for Full-Scale Implementation 

For water treatment utilities, this research presents a promising alternative to traditional cyanotoxin treatment methods. The combination of UV and chlorine offers a cost-effective and scalable option that improves efficiency without introducing new risks. Municipalities struggling with harmful algal blooms could benefit from adopting this approach, especially as bloom frequency continues to rise. 

Before utilities can widely implement this method, further testing is needed on a larger scale. Pilot studies in real-world water treatment settings will be necessary to confirm the effectiveness seen in laboratory experiments. Additionally, regulatory agencies may need to establish guidelines for integrating this approach into existing treatment frameworks. 

A Lasting Impact  

With harmful algal blooms becoming a more frequent threat, the need for better treatment methods is more urgent than ever. The combination of UV light and chlorine could be a major step forward in protecting drinking water supplies from cyanotoxins. Water utilities should be watching closely as further studies explore the full potential of this approach. 

SOURCES: Environmental Science & Technology, Smart Water Magazine 

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For wastewater treatment professionals, this research underscores the growing threat of microplastics to biological treatment systems and highlights an urgent need for mitigation strategies. Let’s dive in. 

Why Aerobic Granular Sludge Matters 

AGS technology has been gaining traction as a more efficient alternative to conventional activated sludge. It forms dense, self-aggregating microbial granules that offer superior settleability, better resilience to toxic compounds, and enhanced nutrient removal. Because of these advantages, many wastewater treatment plants have been exploring AGS as a way to improve performance while reducing energy and chemical costs. 

However, the long-term stability of AGS depends on the integrity of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), a complex mix of proteins and polysaccharides that help maintain the granule structure. Any disruption to EPS composition can weaken the granules, making the system less effective at treating wastewater. 

How PET Microplastics Disrupt AGS Structure 

The study examined four granular sequencing batch reactors (GSBRs) exposed to increasing concentrations of PET microplastics. The results showed significant structural changes in the AGS as microplastic levels increased.  

Higher concentrations of PET microplastics led to an increase in smaller granules. This suggests that PET microplastics may be physically breaking apart granules or interfering with microbial aggregation. EPS composition also shifted in response to microplastic exposure, with polysaccharide levels generally declining while protein concentrations increased. The PN/PS ratio rose, making the sludge more hydrophobic and potentially affecting its ability to settle properly. These changes indicate that AGS may become more fragile over time when exposed to microplastics, increasing the risk of biomass washout and reducing overall treatment efficiency. 

Why This Matters  

Microplastics are already entering wastewater treatment plants in significant amounts through household and industrial discharges. Studies show that WWTPs retain a large fraction of incoming microplastics, with much of it accumulating in sludge. This new research raises concerns that prolonged exposure to microplastics could reduce the performance of AGS systems by destabilizing sludge and interfering with microbial function. 

In practical terms, this could lead to more frequent system upsets and granule disintegration, reducing overall process stability. Nutrient removal efficiency may decline as microbial communities are disrupted, potentially impacting water quality. Additionally, sludge management could become more challenging if microplastics interfere with dewaterability or alter sludge properties, making disposal and processing more difficult. 

How Can Plants Respond? 

While microplastics are a systemic issue requiring policy intervention, wastewater treatment plants can take steps to minimize their impact on AGS systems: 

1. Pretreatment Upgrades 

• Installing advanced filtration systems (e.g., membrane bioreactors or fine screens) can help remove microplastics before they reach biological treatment stages. 

2. Optimizing Sludge Management 

• Understanding how microplastics interact with sludge can help adjust operational strategies to maintain granule stability. 

• Frequent monitoring of EPS composition and granule size distribution can provide early warning signs of microplastic-related disruptions. 

3. Collaboration on Microplastic Reduction 

• Partnering with regulatory agencies and industries to reduce microplastic pollution at the source can prevent these particles from reaching wastewater treatment plants in the first place. 

• Public awareness campaigns encouraging the reduction of plastic waste and microplastic-shedding products (like synthetic fibers) can also contribute. 

This study provides clear evidence that microplastics pose a direct threat to biological wastewater treatment systems. PET microplastics, in particular, can alter sludge structure, disrupt microbial communities, and compromise treatment performance in AGS reactors. As the microplastic contamination challenge continues to mount, understanding its effects on AGS and other biological treatment processes will be critical for maintaining stable and efficient wastewater treatment operations for the future. 

SOURCES: Water 

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1. From Data to Action With AI 

Artificial intelligence is here, optimizing everything from resource allocation to predictive maintenance. AI-driven operational intelligence is transforming water treatment facilities by centralizing data and streamlining processes. AI offers a competitive advantage that can predict equipment failures before they happen or optimize chemical dosing in real-time. 

2. Cybersecurity Moves to the Frontline 

As water infrastructure becomes increasingly digital, cybersecurity is essential. With rising cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, utilities must prioritize network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring. A breach can jeopardize water safety and public trust. Strengthen your cybersecurity framework now, because resilience is the new standard. 

3. Cracking Down on Non-Revenue Water (NRW) 

Water loss is both an environmental issue and a financial one. On average, 40% of drinking water is lost before reaching consumers. In 2025, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), IoT sensors, and digital twins are leading the charge against NRW. The challenge? Not data collection, but data integration. Many systems operate in silos, limiting their potential. Break down those barriers, unify your data, and empower your teams with actionable insights, and you can lower losses, reduce costs, and benefit from a more sustainable operation. 

4. Wastewater Treatment Plants Go Smart 

With the global population expected to hit 8.2 billion this year, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are under pressure like never before. Digital transformation could be the solution. Real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation are turning WWTPs into smart facilities that deliver greater efficiency, improved compliance, and enhanced environmental stewardship. Beyond efficiency gains, integrating WWTPs into smart city frameworks is positioning them as key players in sustainable urban ecosystems. It’s time to upgrade, because yesterday’s processes won’t meet tomorrow’s demands. 

5. Flood Management Gets a Tech Makeover Too 

Floods are becoming more frequent and severe, but technology is turning the tide. Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Early Warning Systems (EWS) are now indispensable tools for adaptive water management. By leveraging predictive analytics and real-time data, these systems help utilities anticipate extreme weather events and respond more effectively. Reactive approaches are no longer enough; the time to invest in flood resilience of the future is now. 

6. Smart Irrigation Maximizes Efficiency 

Agriculture consumes roughly 70% of the world’s freshwater, making smart irrigation a game-changer. By combining remote sensing, automation, and advanced algorithms, digital irrigation systems are reducing water use while boosting crop yields. And it’s not just farms. Urban irrigation is also going digital, supporting greener cities without wasting water. If you’re involved in irrigation, these technologies are essential for staying competitive and sustainable. 

7. Smart Buildings and DHC Networks Lead Urban Sustainability 

Cities are getting smarter, and water management is part of the equation. Smart buildings and District Heating and Cooling (DHC) networks are optimizing water and energy use through digital platforms. These systems are reducing urban water consumption and supporting climate goals by improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable resources. The future of urban sustainability is digital! Make sure you’re part of it. 

8. Service Quality Takes Center Stage 

At the end of the day, water treatment is about delivering clean, safe water to consumers. Technologies like AI, machine learning, and remote infrastructure control are transforming water supply management. The benefits include improved service reliability, greater transparency, and enhanced customer satisfaction. In a world where consumers expect instant access to information, these innovations are essential for maintaining public trust and meeting regulatory requirements. 

2025 could be a turning point for water management. With climate change, population growth, and aging infrastructure driving demand for innovation, digital transformation is no longer optional. Embrace these technologies now or risk falling behind. The future of water treatment is smarter, faster, and more resilient—make sure you’re ready to lead the charge. 

SOURCES: World Economic Forum, Smart Water Magazine, Idrica 

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Climate Change and Shrinking Resources 

Rising temperatures are increasing evaporation rates from rivers, reservoirs, and streams in the border region, compounded by erratic precipitation patterns, diminishing snowmelt, and prolonged droughts. The two main rivers in the region, the Colorado River and the Rio Grande, are among the most water-stressed in the world. 

For water treatment facilities, the decline in river flows means a greater reliance on alternative sources like groundwater and reclaimed wastewater. However, these sources come with their own complications, including contamination, over-extraction, and logistical hurdles. 

Overexploited and Polluted Aquifers 

At least 28 aquifers cross the U.S.-Mexico border, providing vital water for agricultural, industrial, and municipal use. These underground reservoirs are increasingly relied upon as surface water dwindles, but many are being overexploited faster than they can recharge. Adding to the strain, pollution from agricultural runoff, untreated waste, and industrial discharges is contaminating these aquifers, making them more expensive and difficult to treat. 

Addressing these challenges will require improved monitoring systems, advanced treatment technologies, and cross-border collaboration. Stricter controls on pollution, investments in aquifer recharge projects, and innovative filtration systems could help ensure the long-term viability of these resources. 

Growing Populations, Rising Demand 

The population along the U.S.-Mexico border is booming, with roughly 30 million people already living within 100 miles of the border. This number is expected to double in the next 30 years, significantly increasing municipal and industrial water demand. For example, in Texas’ lower Rio Grande Valley, municipal water use is projected to more than double by 2040. 

To meet the rising demand, scaling up treatment capacity will be essential. Solutions such as desalination, wastewater recycling, and advanced membrane technologies can help meet the growing demand. Additionally, adopting water conservation practices, like leak detection systems and efficient irrigation techniques, can help reduce unnecessary waste. 

Pollution Challenges 

Both the Colorado River and Rio Grande are heavily polluted. Agricultural runoff introduces fertilizers and pesticides into the water, fueling algae blooms and degrading water quality. Industrial and municipal sources add heavy metals, chemicals, and untreated waste, particularly on the Mexican side of the border, where many wastewater treatment plants face operational challenges. 

Addressing pollution will require a combination of infrastructure upgrades and regulatory enforcement. Water treatment facilities must adapt to handle higher pollutant loads, while cross-border agreements must include stricter environmental safeguards. Integrating advanced nutrient removal systems and chemical filtration technologies can help improve water quality downstream. 

The Road Ahead 

While the U.S.-Mexico border water crisis presents significant challenges, it also creates opportunities for innovation. Here’s how water treatment professionals can contribute: 

1. Deploy cutting-edge systems like reverse osmosis, advanced oxidation processes, and bioreactors to treat increasingly contaminated water sources. 

2. Invest in systems that recover valuable nutrients and minerals, such as phosphorus and nitrates, from wastewater streams. 

3. Upgrade treatment plants to handle fluctuating water quality and rising demand. Incorporate energy-efficient designs to reduce costs. 

4. Partner with municipalities, industries, and governments on both sides of the border to share knowledge, technology, and funding. 

Water scarcity in the U.S.-Mexico border region is a transboundary crisis that requires collective action. For water treatment, this means stepping up to deliver innovative solutions that address growing demand, pollution, and aging infrastructure. Are your operations up to the challenge? 

SOURCES: The Conversation, Journal of Borderland Studies, Climate.gov, The Conversation  

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The post The Other Border Battle: Water Scarcity on the U.S.-Mexico Line appeared first on Water Treatment 411.