Water sector think tank considers key social/demographics shifts, recommends proactive steps for future readiness

A diverse group of influential thinkers from within and outside the water community developed nine proactive recommendations considering key social and demographic shifts and their impact on the future of water in the fifth think tank report of the Water 2050 initiative.

Published today by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Water 2050 Social/Demographics Think Tank Report is the final in a series of think tank reports associated with the initiative. Water 2050 seeks to envision the future of water and chart a course for sustainability.

The 27 participants in the Water 2050 Social Demographics Think Tank, which took place April 26-28, at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, included highly respected voices from the water and wastewater utility community, international development agencies, academics, demographers, cultural anthropologists, consulting and manufacturing firms and CEOs. The group engaged in a series of facilitated discussions and developed recommended actions that can be grouped into three broad categories:

• Community-centric water management approach
• Sustainable services through collaboration
• Innovative solutions for equitable water

Each Water 2050 think tank focused on a different driver: sustainability, technology, economics and governance. High-level recommendations were reported after each think tank. Outcomes will be presented at AWWA’s 2023 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE23) June 11-14 in Toronto to support the water community in realizing the Water 2050 vision.

To engage with AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative, access the Social/Demographics Think Tank report or to learn more, visit the Water 2050 webpage.

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.