Water 2050: Technology

Five Forces Driving the Future of Water

AWWA identified five critical drivers that will influence progress toward a sustainable and resilient water future: sustainability, technology, economics, governance and social/demographic.

These drivers were considered by the Water 2050 think tanks and shaped all future work supported by this initiative.

1. Sustainability. Managing our planet’s limited water resources and built infrastructure for water is paramount. Climate change is among the biggest risks. It will bring conditions that are more fierce and less predictable: extended droughts and heatwaves, increased hurricanes and wildfires, and severe winter storms. The future will require skillful and creative stewardship of our most vital natural resource, as well as innovative approaches to keep water infrastructure strong and resilient.

2. Technology. As the world enters the fourth industrial revolution, water professionals have access to new technologies that are changing the way they interact with water resources, water systems and the people they serve. Advances in data, analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning and artificial intelligence will increasingly empower consumers and influence water system operations. Adoption of new technologies will solve complex problems and sometimes introduce unintended challenges.

3. Economics. Water is a critical economic engine for North American communities and across the globe. Increasingly, the water community is asked to do more with less, while also addressing rising infrastructure needs. We must consider important economic factors such as regionalization, supply chain resilience, decentralized treatment, ESG approaches to assessing risks and value, and the benefits of a circular economy. Rate-setting will occur in a world more keenly aware of equity and affordability challenges.

4. Governance. The roles of federal, provincial, state and local governments significantly impact how water utilities are operated and regulated. Both economics and governance will shape the model of tomorrow’s water utilities. Some communities may turn to regional solutions to gain efficiencies. As regulatory structures evolve, communities will have to evaluate new approaches, such as fit-for-purpose standards and decentralized treatment. 

5. Social/Demographics. Public interest and concern about water quality and equity is rising, which means all communities must work to strengthen public trust. Simultaneously, potential population shifts between urban and rural areas are creating resource and infrastructure challenges — while also forcing community-driven water solutions. Population growth in water-stressed communities will require innovative thinking to manage limited supplies. 

Events & Development

March 11, 2022: AWWA announces Water 2050 initiative. AWWA Connections article.

June 12-15, 2022: Water2050 at ACE22. This initiative was a hot topic at AWWA’s Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE22) in San Antonio, Texas.

• June 13: A path to Water 2050 begins at ACE22. AWWA Connections article.
• June 15: The Last Drop closing keynote panel focused on the Water 2050 initiative.
• The AWWA Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall featured a Water 2050 exhibit.
• A new video, The Future We Create, featured what AWWA Young Professionals are thinking about the future of water. This debuted at the conference and will be shown throughout the initiative.  

Sept 21-23, 2022: Water 2050 Think Tank 1 - Sustainability. Twenty-four thought leaders gathered in Las Vegas exploring the theme of sustainability.

Dec. 5-7, 2022: Water 2050 Think Tank 2 - Technology. Thought leaders met in Silicon Valley exploring the technology theme.

Jan. 23-25, 2023: Water 2050 Think Tank 3 - Economics. Twenty-six thought leaders met in New York City exploring the theme of economy.

Feb. 27-March 1, 2023: Water 2050 Think Tank 4 - Governance. Twenty-seven influential thinkers developed nine recommendations for the future of water governance.

April 26-28, 2023: Water 2050 Think Tank 5 - Social/Demographics. A diverse group of influential thinkers helped develop nine proactive recommendations considering key social and demographic shifts.

News

AWWA Connections articles
March 10, 2022 - AWWA launches Water 2050 initiative to prepare for sustainable water future
June 9, 2022 - A path to Water 2050 begins at ACE22
June 13, 2022 - “5 Under 35” demonstrate capabilities of Water 2050 leaders
October 5, 2022 - First Water 2050 think tank envisions the path to sustainability
November 16, 2022 - AWWA Councils, think tanks contribute insights to Water 2050 initiative

Press Releases
June 13, 2022 - AWWA’s ACE22 opens, Association launches Water 2050 initiative
December 1, 2022 - AWWA releases insights report from Water 2050 Sustainability Think Tank
January 19, 2023 - AWWA releases insights report from Water 2050 Technology Think Tank

Other
July 6, 2022 - WaterWorld interview with Melissa Elliott