Smart water management fuels economies and strengthens communities. We have the solutions. The challenge is scaling them.
With 2.2 billion people still without safe water, World Water Day 2025 is a clear call to action to shift from reactive fixes to enduring solutions.
Singapore already recycles 40% of its water. Valencia, Spain, has cut water loss by 30% using digital modelling. Semiconductor water recycling rates in water-scarce regions such as Taiwan now reach 80%, providing a reliable source of ultrapure water to power critical innovation.
Scaling these approaches will strengthen economies, create jobs, and build resilient communities. Three investment priorities can drive immediate and lasting impact:
- Water reuse: Strengthening supply reliability for industries and communities,
- Digital infrastructure: Cutting waste, reducing costs, and improving service,
- Advanced treatment: Ensuring safe, clean water for communities by removing emerging contaminants.
Futureproofing supplies with water reuse
Every major economic sector depends on reliable water access, from manufacturing to agriculture. Water reuse isn’t just a sustainability initiative. It’s a business and public health imperative.
In the U.S., Los Angeles recently approved a $740 million investment to expand its water recycling facilities, ensuring a reliable supply despite worsening droughts. Cities like El Paso, Texas, and Aurora, Colorado, are scaling similar programs. In Asia, Singapore is going further, aiming to reclaim 55% of its water by 2060.
We have a choice: continue reacting to water crises at escalating cost or invest now in proven solutions that drive economic growth, increase resilience, and protect public health
Expanding water reuse mitigates scarcity risks for critical industries. In Ohio, Silfex, a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, is reclaiming 80% of its cleanroom wastewater, reducing costs and freshwater dependence.
Scaling these approaches demands both technology and smart policy. Tax incentives for industrial water reuse and clear quality standards for non-traditional water sources can accelerate adoption and close the gap between water supply and demand.
Digitizing infrastructure to make every drop count
Water reuse is essential, but it’s a wasted effort if treated water flows out of leaking pipes.
Globally, billions of gallons of water are lost daily due to outdated infrastructure. In the U.S., municipal water systems lose about 20% of their water through underground leaks. Some communities see losses as high as 70%. That’s not just water wasted; it’s millions in unnecessary costs.
AI-driven leak detection, real-time monitoring, and smart controls can eliminate inefficiencies before they become crises. Cities that invest in digital infrastructure see real impact.
In Tucson, Arizona, water managers combine digital solutions with a culture of conservation to ensure every drop is accounted for. Smart sensors, real-time monitoring and predictive analytics enable the city to detect and prevent pipeline failures before they happen.
To scale these solutions, we must rethink how we invest in infrastructure. Instead of pouring money into emergency fixes, prioritizing modernization will deliver long-term economic and environmental returns.
Advanced treatment to safeguard public health
Clean water is non-negotiable. Advanced treatment is critical for compliance, securing trust, protecting industries, and ensuring long-term resilience.
Early adopters prove that smart treatment solutions can tackle PFAS and other emerging contaminants cost-effectively. In Colorado, Stratmoor Hills Water District reduced PFAS to near undetectable levels, ensuring compliance and public health protection. Through targeted treatment, the utility delivers 1.1 million gallons of clean, treated water daily.
Healthy communities are thriving communities. Investment in advanced treatment protects people’s health and ensures water is the foundation for long-term economic growth.
A moment for action
We have a choice: continue reacting to water crises at escalating cost or invest now in proven solutions that drive economic growth, increase resilience, and protect public health.
Investing in water resilience is a high-return strategy. Every $1 spent on mitigating risks like floods and infrastructure failures saves $6 in avoided economic losses, property damage, and public health crises.
Water systems must work smarter for businesses and communities. This requires bold thinking, investment in digital solutions, and smart policy to scale innovation. World Water Day is more than a moment to reflect. It is a moment to act.