WIP Editorial

  1. Megadroughts Are Here To Stay, And U.S. Water Utilities Need To Adapt 9/2/2025
    Researchers warn that California and other states affected by megadroughts — periods of drought lasting 20+ years — will have to accept this as the new normal. That means rethinking the water cycle and finding new, more sustainable water sources.
  2. AI's Water Problem Is Worse Than You Think (But It Doesn't Have To Be) 8/4/2025
    There's little doubt that AI is quickly becoming a powerful if not essential tool in our society. It's being used to help boost efficiencies and productivity in myriad ways — including for the research portion of this article. However, this productivity doesn't come for free. One of the biggest costs associated with AI is its demand for water.
  3. Freshwater Disappearing At Alarming Rate: Study 7/31/2025

    Using NASA Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data, new research shows that areas experiencing drying have been expanding at a dangerous rate since 2002, depleting available drinking water for 75% of the world's population and contributing to rising sea levels.

  4. Designer Microbes: Can Synthetic Biology Supercharge Wastewater Treatment? 7/3/2025

    Exploring the potential of bioengineering as a pathway to pollution remediation.

  5. A New Power Paradigm For Wastewater Utilities? 7/3/2025

    Renewable energy is great for the environment. Are power purchase agreements great for wastewater treatment operations?

  6. Easing SRF Anxiety: Understanding Changes To Funding And How To Secure It 6/27/2025

    In a recent episode of Water Online Live, host Kevin Westerling was joined by Joseph Kane of Brookings Metro and Ashley Lucht of Quantified Ventures, who helped address concerns about recent changes to State Revolving Fund (SRF) allotments while offering advice for how to secure project funding. This article highlights the important insights shared.

  7. Water Infrastructure Upgrades Create New Wave Of Contracting Opportunities 6/16/2025
    Water infrastructure and water purity are a top focus for government leaders throughout America. Across the country, cities and counties are investing in large-scale water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades to modernize systems, comply with tightening environmental regulations, and meet rising demand.
  8. SRF Anxiety: How To Secure State Revolving Funds 5/27/2025
    With the funding gap widening, many are asking: how will the Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF programs fare under the current presidential, congressional, and U.S. EPA leadership? Explore key insights from Water Online Live's virtual discussion on State Revolving Loan Funds (SRFs), featuring expert guidance on funding trends, application strategies, and the future of SRF programs under current federal leadership.
  9. The Water Online Show: From Reactive To Resilient — Prioritizing Progress In Water Management 5/14/2025

    This episode of the Water Online Show features hosts Travis Kennedy and Kevin Westerling engaging in a thoughtful discussion with Pam Elardo, Senior Director of Strategic Services at Brown and Caldwell, on how to address the multifaceted challenges currently facing water and wastewater utilities in the U.S., including aging infrastructure, workforce availability and capability, funding constraints, the role of technology and AI adoption, the evolving regulatory environment, and the crucial aspect of community expectations.

  10. How Prepared Are You For The New Lead and Copper Rules? Expert Advice For Water Utilities 5/13/2025
    Water utilities across the U.S. are grappling with the complexities of the EPA's new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), set to become effective in October 2027. In a recent Water Online special event, experts Sandy Kutzing, senior VP at CDM Smith, and Alan Roberson, executive director at the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, delved into the biggest obstacles utilities face and offered some practical advice to navigate them.