Meta has become the latest global technology company to participate in an innovative water replenishment initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity in the Colorado River Basin.
Through a new partnership with FIDO Tech, Meta will provide funding for the deployment of FIDO AI, an advanced leakage detection system, across 300 kilometers of clean water pipeline network in the City of Farmington. This initiative, set to run for ten years, is expected to reduce water loss and enhance local water resilience.
The project is part of FIDO Plus, an award-winning partnership model under Water United—a newly established public-private coalition focused on developing watershed-level solutions for water scarcity. The ongoing FIDO Plus projects are already making an impact in Arizona and Nevada, with several more in the pipeline. Meta’s involvement marks the first such project in New Mexico, further strengthening water security efforts within the Colorado River Basin.
FIDO Plus facilitates collaboration between businesses and local utilities, using volumetric AI technology to deliver swift, measurable improvements in water resilience through leak detection and validated reporting for water stewardship.
In addition to its role in the Farmington project, Meta has joined Water United as a partner member, alongside founding members including Microsoft, PepsiCo, FIDO Tech, Oldcastle Infrastructure (a CRH Company), Water Foundry (an Earth Finance Company), and Atlantean Media. This collective effort aims to integrate public and private sector resources to accelerate water conservation efforts, starting with reducing non-revenue water.
By supporting the deployment of FIDO AI in Farmington’s water utility, Meta will make progress against its commitment to be water positive in 2030 and also to return 200% of the water it consumes in high water-stressed areas.
By supporting the deployment of FIDO AI in Farmington’s water utility, Meta will make progress against its commitment to be water positive in 2030
Since 2022, Meta has been an active participant in the UN CEO Water Mandate and the Water Resilience Coalition, focusing investments on restoration projects that support local water supplies and ecosystems. These efforts include collaborations with Indigenous communities in New Mexico and the broader Colorado River region.
Stefanie Woodward, Water Restoration Lead at Meta, said: “There’s a genuine need to accelerate collective action for water restoration efforts. FIDO Plus and the wider Water United initiative provide an opportunity to make a systemic impact on water availability through the use of AI. With our data center in the Colorado River basin, Farmington has been the earliest opportunity we have to work with AI in basin restoration, and I am very excited to see the results.”
Victoria Edwards, Co-founder & CEO of FIDO Tech, said: “Companies like Meta are leading the way on transformative water action and have the resources to support the rapid scaling of technologies that work without affecting the capacity in already-stretched utilities. It’s a real win-win, for them and the environment. By working in partnership with FIDO Plus and the City of Farmington, this new project gives Water United an expanded opportunity to connect water resilience activities through actionable AI and make a big difference in the Colorado basin.”
Will Sarni, Practice Leader, Water and Nature at Earth Finance, said: “The Colorado River Basin is critical, yet it remains one of the most overstressed and overallocated water sources in the world. To help solve water scarcity at scale, there is a need for multinationals, utilities, and innovative technology companies to unite and deliver impact. I’m delighted to see Meta join the Water United initiative through a FIDO Plus project with the City of Farmington.”
The Colorado River is a vital water source, supporting an estimated $1.4 trillion in economic activity and 16 million jobs. It provides water for more than 40 million people across seven Western states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, and California.
Benedikte Webb, Operations, Maintenance & Environmental Administrator at the City of Farmington, said: “The City of Farmington is thrilled to see businesses investing in our community infrastructure, especially in the area of water conservation. The installation of FIDO leak detection equipment is a significant step forward in safeguarding our water resources, a critical focus for our region. This project not only supports the City’s 40-year water plan; it highlights the incredible growth potential of the Four Corners region, showcasing how public-private partnerships can drive sustainable development and enhance our community’s future.”
