Smart Water Magazine's most viewed content of 2025
In a year marked by escalating climate pressures, persistent water stress and growing geopolitical uncertainty, the water sector in 2025 has continued to navigate a complex and demanding landscape. From prolonged droughts and rising energy costs to mounting investment needs and regulatory change, utilities, industries, and policymakers alike have faced significant challenges. At the same time, emerging issues, such as the water footprint of digital technologies and renewed tensions over transboundary water resources, have further underscored water’s central role in global stability and sustainable development.
Despite these hurdles, the sector has continued to push forward. Throughout 2025, innovation in treatment technologies, energy efficiency and water reuse has remained a key focus, alongside major investments in infrastructure aimed at strengthening long-term resilience. Encouragingly, water has continued to gain visibility within broader sustainability and economic discussions, reinforcing the understanding that climate resilience, industrial competitiveness and social development are inextricably linked to effective water management.
Throughout 2025, innovation in treatment technologies, energy efficiency and water reuse has remained a key focus
Against this backdrop, Smart Water Magazine’s most-viewed content of 2025 offers a clear reflection of the issues that resonate most strongly with our global readership. The articles that attracted the closest attention this year highlight a sector in transformation, one balancing technological progress with policy shifts, financial dynamics and the growing need to secure water resources in an increasingly interconnected world.
As we head into 2026, we would like to thank all those who contributed to making Smart Water Magazine an enormous success. We take this opportunity to look back at the 10 most viewed content by Smart Water Magazine readers in 2025:
The most-read piece of 2025 explored how selecting an appropriate evaporator is critical to effective and energy-efficient wastewater and sludge treatment. HRS Heat Exchangers' article discusses key factors such as the nature of the material, intended outcomes (e.g., volume reduction, ZLD), evaporation techniques, and available energy sources. It highlights the increasing interest in Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) due to energy cost pressures, the limitations of various technologies for thick sludges, and the importance of early supplier engagement to determine the best heat exchanger solution.
Ranking second, Tedagua's feature examined the vital role of the new Sfax desalination plant in Tunisia. With an initial 100,000 m³/day capacity designed for future expansion, the plant ensures continuous drinking water access for over 600,000 people in a water-stressed region. The piece also outlines the plant’s technical setup, energy recovery systems, and its positive socioeconomic impacts, including job creation and improved water security.
This widely-shared article connected a cultural trend, Studio Ghibli-style AI image generation, to environmental concerns about AI’s hidden water footprint. It reported on studies showing the massive water consumption involved in training and operating large machine-learning models, often underestimated in sustainability discussions. The piece frames AI’s water use as an emerging challenge in the broader global water crisis.
Geopolitical tensions made this article a hot topic. It detailed how India’s temporary closure of the Baglihar dam locks on the Chenab River cut flow to Pakistan by 90%, escalating bilateral strain and raising concerns about transboundary water security. The report placed the event in the context of a suspended Indus Water Treaty and broader regional conflict dynamics.
This technical deep-dive introduced advanced zwitterionic membranes as a breakthrough in industrial water treatment and reuse. The article explains how zwitterionic chemistry dramatically improves anti-fouling performance, enhances permeability, and extends membrane life — reducing costs and freshwater withdrawal across sectors like food processing, energy, and heavy industry. It positioned the technology as essential for sustainable industrial water management.
In infrastructure news, this article outlined Dubai’s ambitious tender for a $22 billion sewerage expansion project. It described the scope, strategic importance for urban sanitation and public health, and how such major investments are shaping water service capabilities in rapidly growing cities.
This piece spotlighted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recognition of 38 exemplary water infrastructure projects, funded through State Revolving Funds. It emphasised how federal-state partnerships and targeted financing are driving innovation, improving drinking water and wastewater systems, and bolstering community sustainability.
A governance-focused article reported on major internal restructuring within the U.S. EPA under Administrator Lee Zeldin. It covered proposed changes impacting water quality, science, climate and cybersecurity functions — including the creation of new offices and the redistribution of scientific roles — and discussed potential implications for regulatory and research priorities.
This business analysis looked at the growing influence of private equity in water markets. It identified key firms, significant funding rounds, and strategic exits, framing private capital as a double-edged force: injecting much-needed investment and innovation while also prompting debate about long-term water asset ownership and public service values.
Rounding out the list, this article by WEG highlighted how improving energy efficiency across water management operations, from pumping and treatment to billing and reuse, directly supports sustainability goals. It provided practical insights into technology, planning, and operational strategies that help utilities lower costs and reduce emissions.