by the American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Since 2022, the pathway to a sustainable water future has been reshaping and reimagining the future of the water industry. Water 2050, an initiative started by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), asked members of the water community to contribute in a new collaborative effort to envision the future of water and chart a course for success and sustainability. Seeking input from diverse voices from inside and outside the water profession through a variety of engagements and feedback loops.
A vital component of this journey was five intimate think tanks that examined water through the prism of the following five core drivers, Sustainability, Technology, Economics, Governance, and Social/Demographics influencing the future of water. Each think tank was strategically held in a location that would immerse participants in the driver being explored. At each gathering, a small, diverse group of influential thinkers, experts, and emerging leaders from within and outside of the water profession engaged in thoughtful, intentional discourse. Their charge was to explore together what our communities could look like in the year 2050 and examine how water could be managed, accessed, and valued. Seven themes immerged, not isolated themes, interconnected themes for the future.
The Seven Themes
- Sustainability and Resilience – Focuses on managing water resources in a way that safeguards them for future generations, integrates drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and energy systems, and adapts to climate change and extreme events.
- Innovation and Circular Economy – Encourages new solutions, technologies, and business models that reduce waste, maximize resource efficiency, and create value from water-related by-products.
- Finance and Affordability – Develops equitable, sustainable pricing and financing structures so water services are accessible to all, while ensuring long-term operational and investment viability.
- One Water Governance – Promotes integrated, cross-sector governance models that break silos between drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and energy, and fosters regional collaboration for efficiency and resilience.
- Equity, Access and Community Engagement – Ensures fair access to safe, reliable water for all communities, addresses social and demographic changes, and engages stakeholders in decision-making.
- Technology and Data – Advances in treatment, monitoring, AI, and digital tools to improve efficiency, quality, and predictive capabilities.
- Social/Demographics – Anticipates population growth, urbanization, and climate impacts, and aligns water planning with these trends.
To move from vision to actual action, AWWA established Strategic Implementation Teams (SITs) to advance and carry out Water 2050s priorities. These teams bring together water professionals with varied expertise to translate Think Tank recommendations into practical strategies and collaborative initiatives. Nikki Holloway, Laboratory Supervisor at Beaver Water District, was selected to serve as co-chair of AWWA’s Water 2050 Innovation and Circular Economy SIT. Through educational webinars, conference presentations, and utility case studies, the team has explored opportunities to reduce waste, recover valuable resources, and regenerate natural systems. The team is currently working with the Water Environment Federation to develop a practical roadmap to help utilities apply circular water economy principles in real world scenarios.
Beaver Water District is proud to provide opportunities for employees to give back to the water industry locally and nationally. Experience and leadership skills gained through the District’s expansion and sustainability practices are recognized across the country. Water connects us all and working together will help ensure that Water 2050 achieves its vision for a sustainable and resilient water future.
Curious what is all taking place as part of Water 2050? Visit awwa.org/water-2050 for articles, videos, and upcoming webinars.