Circular Water Economy: Resource Recovery, Partnerships, And Technology Adoption

A circular water economy asks utilities to look beyond treatment and consider how water, energy, nutrients, and other resources can be returned to productive use.

Across the sector, utilities are already demonstrating what this can look like, from beneficial biosolids programs and nutrient recovery to biogas generation and net-zero energy initiatives. But technology alone cannot create a successful circular system. Progress also depends on partnerships among utilities, technology providers, regulators, researchers, communities, and end users. By understanding stakeholder motivations, identifying vulnerabilities, and building relationships beyond traditional boundaries, water leaders can create new pathways for resource recovery while strengthening resilience.

Explore how collaboration, innovation, and a renewed understanding of resource value can help move the circular water economy forward.