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.

Cyber Risk

As automation and data network technology advance, we proactively address cyber threats. SIT is exploring new ways to standardize cybersecurity measures, reduce rollout time for new initiatives, and leverage technologies like AI to maximize efficiency and safety.

Net Zero Water Community

We are working toward the goal of a net-zero emission water community by inspiring the integration of sustainable water management with energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. This includes advocating for circular economy principles, nature-based solutions, and holistic watershed management.

Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Analytics

Through developing a more holistic approach to water management and data collection, we are exploring how advances in monitoring technology and data analytics can empower the water sector to improve resilience, water quality, and risk mitigation.

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

Download

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.