Water 2050

Sustainability & Resilience

Water 2050

Overview

The Sustainability and Resilience Strategic Implementation Team (SIT) is dedicated to building a water community that thrives amidst change. We are focused on mitigating risk, promoting sustainable systems, and integrating technology to support a resilient future for water resources.

Cybersecurity

The Challenge:

Water and wastewater systems have been targeted by cyber attacks across the United States. Utilities need to achieve cyber resilience to protect against growing threats and bad actors.

“All water systems should act to examine cybersecurity vulnerabilities and develop a cybersecurity risk management program.”

The Team’s Response:

AWWA is here to help systems of all sizes through the Cybersecurity in the Water Sector Micro-learning and the AWWA Cybersecurity Assessment Tool & Guidance.

Tailored guidance based on utility cybersecurity maturity:
- Phase 1: Getting Started on Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Phase 2: Cybersecurity Risk Management Planning
- Phase 3: Cybersecurity Risk Management Plan Implementation

Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Analytics

Unlocking Predictive Insight, Public Trust, and Operational Resilience

The Challenge:

All areas of water management including wastewater, drinking water and stormwater are beginning to recognize that pathogens, viruses, and microbial shifts demand faster, smarter detection methods—especially in the face of climate volatility, aging infrastructure, and increasing potable reuse.

“Real-time biological monitoring isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for resilient, transparent, and future-ready water systems.”

The Team’s Response:

To embrace real-time biological monitoring, utilities must:

Invest in digital platforms that integrate biological data
Pilot emerging sensor technologies with academic and vendor partners
Train operators in data interpretation and response
Advocate for regulatory evolution to support real-time compliance

Sustainabiliy Think Tank Ribbonrock Water

Water 2050: Sustainability & Resilience

The envisioned world of 2050 will include:

Total utility management and collaboration with water users to create greater economies of scale and higher efficiency.
Technically advanced systems and a tech-savvy workforce that can respond to challenges quickly (even instantaneously) and effectively.
A proactive mindset within the water industry that allows us to recognize and address ever-changing needs and requirements.
Protection of water at the source.

Recommended Actions

The short-term recommended actions for the Sustainability & Resilience Strategic Priority include:

Establish a water community in which cyber risks are proactively and uniformly addressed.
Define a “net zero” water community, integrate climate impact and resiliency into financial modeling, and reduce the water community’s climate change impact through adaptive management.
Apply real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to support resilient resources.

2050 Video

Sustainability for the Future of Water

Water sustainability: By taking action today, we can ensure that everyone will have clean, safe, and reliable access to drinking water and wastewater services by 2050 and beyond.

See All Water 2050 Videos

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Water 2050 Think Tank Reports

Sustainability Think Tank
The first of the think tanks convened in September 2022 and focused on sustainability. Participants engaged in facilitated small and large group conversations, private reflection and panel discussions to imagine the future of water and develop a set of recommended actions. The group included highly respected voices from the water and wastewater utility and consulting community, academia, regulatory agencies and the beverage industry, as well as those with interests in agriculture, climate science, environmental advocacy, and innovation incubators, among others.