Videos

Metro Vancouver, which serves 2.8 million people, is pioneering the use of hydrothermal liquefaction to turn web biomass into low-carbon biofuels. The wastewater utility is transforming a biosolids challenge into a valuable resource — illustrating Water 2050’s call for solutions across sectors at the intersection of water, energy and climate.

In 2024, 12 Central Iowa agencies came together to form a regional water utility. Central Iowa Water Works’ regionalization demonstrates how communities can come together to strengthen governance, resilience and long-term sustainability for a region’s water supply — charting the forward-looking path envisioned in Water 2050.

East Bay MUD was the first wastewater utility in the United States to generate more electricity than it uses on site and is on track to become a carob-free water utility by 2030. It is currently building a 4.5-megawatt solar project, pioneering earthquake-resilient pipes and collaborating with Berkeley Center for Smart Infrastructure.

The future of the water sector, and the future of global water, are in the capable hands of current and future water professionals. A diverse group of 10 current water leaders wrote letters to the world of 2050.

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.

In 2050, what will water utilities, and the entire water community, look like? In this video, young water professionals from around the world speak up about their vision of the future. They have big ideas, big questions, and plenty of hope and determination.

In 2050, new drinking water, wastewater, and water supply challenges will demand advanced technologies. The water sector must innovate new solutions for water treatment, source water protection, water reuse, desalination, updating aging infrastructure, and much more.

In 2050, how will we keep water affordable — without compromising reliable, equitable access to clean, safe drinking water and sanitation? Economics is a central consideration for the future of water.

Who will be in charge of water in 2050? Future water utilities, as well as the governance and regulation of water, will probably look different from today.

Equity of access to clean, safe, reliable drinking water and sanitation in 2050 and beyond demands planning that values diversity, inclusion, and public engagement.