State of the Water Industry Report
Now Available:
2025 State of the Water Industry Report
Capital improvement funding rises to the top priority. The water sector has chosen financing capital improvements as its number one challenge in 2025, overtaking last year’s source water protection. Utilities of all sizes are struggling to secure funding for essential upgrades and new technologies, with only 41% feeling very or fully able to cover costs through rates and fees. However, investments in new treatment technologies and green solutions are expected to double in the next one to three years, indicating a growing focus on long-term sustainability.
The American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) annual State of the Water Industry report provides valuable insights into the challenges and priorities facing the water sector. This year’s report, based on a survey conducted in the fall of 2024, just before the U.S. presidential election, highlights key trends and emerging concerns. The report covers hot topics such as infrastructure renewal, financial matters, source water protection, water quality concerns, hazards and events, workforce, and more.
Discover how this year’s report offers a fresh perspective on the water industry’s most pressing challenges. With its comprehensive analysis of current trends and future projections, the State of the Water Industry report is an essential tool for water community professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve.
Executive Summary Report
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“AWWA’s water professionals are navigating this complex landscape through collaboration, education and investments in people and technology. We are focused on moving water forward to ensure reliable and sustainable access to safe drinking water the world over in 2050 and beyond.
Pat Kerr
AWWA President
“Just as we recognize threats to aging infrastructure, we now more readily recognize and understand threats to our source waters.”
Raven Lawson
Watershed Protection Manager, Central Arkansas Water
“While the rule has the potential to increase the cost of drinking water, it is my hope that, where possible, responsible parties will be held accountable for the costs of compliance with the new PFAS MCLs.”
Dr. Detlef Knappe
Professor, Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University
“AWWA provides many resources to help secure our infrastructure, including the ANSI/AWWA J100-21 Standard and the AWWA Cybersecurity Guidance and Assessment Tool. AWWA actively works with partners and members at all levels to identify industry needs and help close the gaps.”
Christian Manalo
Lead Associate, Infrastructure & Environment, Booz Allen Hamilton
“The water sector is making an important shift toward being more proactive in addressing our climate change challenges with data-driven approaches to better quantify climate risks and with investments in creative, collaborative, and forward-thinking solutions.”
Rachel Duncan
Senior Engineer, Water Resources and Resilience, Carollo Engineers
“I encourage us to continue to share and to work creatively and flexibly to develop training programs and career opportunities for the water workforce of tomorrow.”
Cheryl Porter
Chief Operating Officer, Great Lakes Water Authority
Past State of The Water Industry Reports
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