The Future of Water: Recent Episodes
Bluefield Research
Bluefield’s podcast series breaks down the biggest and smallest events signaling change and opportunity across the water landscape. The Future of Water is where we talk about all the ways in which companies, utilities, and people are addressing the challenges and opportunities in water. This is our chance to call out, question, and think about what is disrupting the water industry. Whether it’s municipal or industrial, vendor or utility, local, state or even globally focused, Bluefield's podcast is a source for critical insights. Bluefield’s team of water experts discuss a variety of topics impacting the future of water. We want to hear from you. Feel free to send topic ideas to podcasts@bluefieldresearch.com
Biosolids are an unavoidable byproduct of wastewater treatment, and U.S. utilities are facing increasing challenges managing them amid tightening landfill capacity, rising hauling costs, and growing concerns about contaminants like PFAS. With 6.3 million dry metric tons produced every year, biosolids are becoming one of the fastest-growing operating expenses for wastewater utilities.
In this episode of The Future of Water, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield’s Pat Byrne to break down the current state of biosolids management in the U.S.—from landfilling and incineration to beneficial use pathways—and to highlight the regional disparities, regulatory pressures, and emerging technologies reshaping utility strategies.
- What biosolids are, how they’re produced, and the main disposal and beneficial use pathways utilities rely on.
- The rising challenges of landfilling and incineration, including high costs, methane emissions, aging facilities, and limited capacity.
- The growing influence of PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals, and why utilities are passive receivers of these contaminants.
- How biosolids have become one of the fastest-growing operating costs, with annual spending rising from US$2.5B in 2025 to US$4.8B in 2035.
- Significant regional disparities, from high costs and tight capacity in the Northeast to heavier landfill reliance in the Southeast.
- New technologies and delivery models—from drying and dewatering to pyrolysis, gasification, SCWO, and DBOOM structures—reshaping future strategies.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- U.S. Municipal Biosolids Management: Drivers, Trends, and Forecasts, 2025–2035
In this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield analyst Megan Bondar to unpack the pressures and opportunities shaping water reuse—a cornerstone of resilient water supply planning that’s gaining momentum across the U.S. Bluefield's latest analysis projects US$47.1 billion in CAPEX for municipal reuse infrastructure through 2035, highlighting a shift in how utilities and cities are thinking about long-term water resilience.
From California's drought-driven projects to saltwater intrusion along the East Coast, water reuse is expanding. In this conversation, Reese and Megan explore what’s driving this growth—and what it means for utilities, communities, and the industries that depend on them.
In this episode:
- What’s behind the surge in water reuse investment—and how it reflects a new mindset around resilience.
- How utilities and policymakers are addressing challenges like cost, permitting, and public perception.
- Why potable reuse is emerging as a larger share of new capacity additions by 2035.
- How regional factors—from groundwater depletion in the West to saltwater intrusion in the East—are shaping different approaches.
- The role of industrial demand, especially from data centers, in accelerating public-private partnerships for reuse.
- What separates the leaders from the laggards in planning, financing, and executing reuse projects.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- U.S. Municipal Water Reuse: Market Trends and Forecasts, 2025–2035
Water systems—once considered too small or obscure to be hacked—are now squarely in the crosshairs of cyber actors. In recent months, Bluefield Research has tracked a surge of cyber activity targeting water and wastewater utilities around the world, from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) release of 32 new control system advisories to Poland’s launch of a national cybersecurity framework for water utilities.
In this episode of The Future of Water, Bluefield’s Barcelona-based Maria Cardenal and Boston-based Leigh Ramsey join host Reese Tisdale to unpack one of the most pressing—and overlooked—threats facing the water sector: cybersecurity. Our water experts explore where these threats are emerging, how utilities are responding, and what the next phase of digital resilience looks like.
Key discussion points include:
- What’s really at stake when critical infrastructure is under attack
- The biggest vulnerabilities in today’s water systems—from legacy hardware to weak IT–OT segmentation
- Real-world examples from the U.S., Norway, and Poland that show how cyberattacks on operational assets are evolving
- How governments are responding—including Poland’s US$1.1 billion cybersecurity initiative for water and wastewater systems
- How smaller utilities are managing cybersecurity with limited resources
- The role of new regulations—from the EU’s NIS2 Directive to state-level initiatives in the U.S.
- Why cybersecurity must become part of asset management and workforce training, not an afterthought
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Poland Strengthens Cybersecurity in the Water Sector
- Cybersecurity Alerts Highlight Water HMI Vulnerabilities
Today's episode dives into one of the most critical—yet often overlooked—pieces of the U.S. energy and water puzzle: midstream water in oil and gas. Host Reese Tisdale is joined by Sophie Washington, Senior Analyst at Bluefield Research, who recently authored Bluefield's new Insight Report: U.S. Midstream Water for Hydraulic Fracturing: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030.
In this conversation, Reese and Sophie unpack how the midstream water sector has evolved from a cost center into a strategic enabler for U.S. shale producers. They explore what’s driving the US$156 billion market through 2030, how water reuse and infrastructure investments are reshaping operations, and why water management in U.S. shale has become a key part of the global energy story.
In this episode, Bluefield's water experts discuss:
- What is midstream water?
- How large is the market?
- Why should we care about this?
- What's driving market growth and change?
- Where are the regional hotspots?
- Who are the key players and how is the competitive landscape changing?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- U.S. Midstream Water for Hydraulic Fracturing: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030
- Western Midstream Bets on Water with US$2 Billion Aris Acquisition
- Midstream Water Outlook Signals Increased Efficiencies, Infrastructure Investment
Abu Dhabi’s TAQA is acquiring Spain-based GS Inima for US$1.2 billion, creating one of the most interesting moves in the global water sector this year. TAQA has long been known as a power and desalination leader in the Gulf, while GS Inima brings decades of experience managing water projects across Europe and Latin America. Together, the companies form a new global player with nearly 50 assets across 10 countries.
In this episode, podcast host Reese Tisdale and Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo break down the deal and its implications for the global water sector:
- What does TAQA gain by acquiring GS Inima’s global portfolio?
- How does exposure to Europe and Brazil shift its risk profile and strategy?
- Why is Brazil attracting so much private investment in water, and what challenges come with it?
- Do GS Inima’s European projects provide a counterweight to emerging market risks?
- What does this acquisition signal for competition with global players like Veolia and ENGIE?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- TAQA Expands Strategic Footprint Through GS Inima
Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse joins host Reese Tisdale to unpack Bluefield’s latest analysis of municipal utility capital improvement plans (CIPs) across the U.S. and Canada. Covering 777 utilities across all 50 U.S. states and 8 Canadian provinces, the study captures over US$400 billion in planned investment through 2034.
With five years of data (2021–2025) and more than 40,000 projects segmented across stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water, these plans are more than just documents—they’re roadmaps for billions in spending, revealing priorities, funding expectations, and regulatory pressures that shape the water sector.
Key questions addressed in this episode:
- Why did Bluefield undertake this capital improvement plan analysis?
- How did Bluefield approach the methodology and data gathering?
- What does the spending outlook look like through 2034?
- Which segments and utilities stand out as the biggest opportunities?
- What are the broader takeaways for utilities, vendors, and investors looking ahead?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- U.S. & Canada Municipal Utility Capital Improvement Plans, 2025–2034
- U.S. Water & Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure CAPEX Forecasts, 2025–2035
- U.S. Stormwater Infrastructure Market: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts & Investment Outlook, 2024–2030
This week, podcast host Reese Tisdale takes the mic solo to ask a question that’s been bothering him: Why does no one care about water?
Reese steps away from the usual market forecasts and company strategies to dig into the bigger picture—the hidden value of water, the cracks showing in our systems, and why the most essential resource on earth is so often overlooked.
From the invisible gallons behind the food we eat and the clothes we wear, to the staggering imbalance in federal spending, to the mounting pressure from climate, infrastructure, and population growth—this episode shines a light on the urgency of water and the opportunities to adapt.
Topics covered include:
- Why water is taken for granted in the developed world
- The hidden water footprint behind everyday products
- How clean water infrastructure investments have doubled U.S. life expectancy
- Cracks in the system: leaks, aging pipes, and new demands from data centers and population growth
- The human factor: affordability, politics, and shifting utility budgets
- Opportunities in reuse, desalination, digital tools, and new financing models
Reese closes with a reminder: there’s no substitute for water. If climate is the shark, water is the teeth. And while the challenges are real, so too are the opportunities—making now, in a strange way, the best time to be in the water sector.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- The Future of Water: Securing One Thing We Can't Replace
This week, podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Boston-based Senior Analyst Amber Walsh and Barcelona-based Analyst Zineb Moumen in Barcelona to compare two of the world’s largest industrial water markets. With the release of Bluefield’s new industrial water forecasts and market trends analysis, they explore how the U.S. & Canada and Europe stack up across market size, growth, and opportunity.
From semiconductor fabs and data centers to food, chemicals, and power generation, Bluefield's water experts discuss the sectors driving water spend, the regulatory and incentive frameworks shaping each market, and the geographic hotspots for investment. They also examine the CAPEX vs. OPEX dynamics and how companies can position themselves for success in two very different market environments.
Key questions explored in this episode:
- How do the U.S. & Canada and Europe industrial water markets compare in size and growth?
- Which industrial sectors are creating the biggest water opportunities?
- What role do regulations and incentives play in shaping industrial water investment?
- Where are the geographic hotspots?
- Where’s the bigger opportunity: CAPEX or OPEX?
- How should companies position themselves for success?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Europe Industrial Water Market Outlook: Trends, Drivers, and Forecasts, 2025–2030
- U.S. & Canada Industrial Water & Wastewater Market: Key Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030
- U.S. Water for Data Centers: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030
From bold new initiatives in Canada to proposed federal budget cuts in the U.S., major policy shifts are reshaping the water landscape across North America. In this episode, Bluefield’s water experts unpack what these changes mean for funding, regulation, and the future of water infrastructure.
Canada’s launch of a national Water Agency and CAD$650M Freshwater Action Plan marks a turning point, while in the U.S., the “Big Beautiful Bill” and EPA workforce cuts raise big questions about the direction of federal support. Bluefield's President & CEO Reese Tisdale and Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin dig into the potential impacts for utilities, technology providers, and the broader market.
Key questions explored in this episode:
- What’s happening in Canada, and why does it matter?
- What’s the status of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and what does it mean for water?
- How will State Revolving Fund (SRF) cuts impact utilities and the market?
- EPA layoffs—what does this mean for water science and regulation?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- U.S. & Canada Water Policy Review: Key Developments and Market Outlook, H1 2025
- EPA PFAS Changes Clarify Rulemaking Intent
- Tariffs and Beyond: Q&A Session Risk and Resiliency in the Global Water Sector
In this episode of The Future of Water, Bluefield Senior Analyst Amber Walsh joins host Reese Tisdale to break down Grundfos’s recent acquisition of Newterra and what it signals for the future of decentralized water treatment. Amber not only unpacks the deal itself—Grundfos’s fifth treatment-related acquisition since 2020—but also explores the broader competitive landscape for onsite treatment solutions.
Decentralized treatment, also referred to as onsite water management, is gaining traction among industrial, and increasingly municipal and commercial, users. But why? What’s driving solutions providers like Grundfos to expand into treatment? And what does this mean for customers?
We get into it all—plus the market opportunities, players to watch, and the underlying trends shaping the shift toward modular systems.
Key Topics Covered: Grundfos + Newterra: Why the world’s largest pump manufacturer is acquiring a U.S.-based modular treatment firm. * Strategic Expansion: A look at Grundfos’s treatment push—from Eurowater and MECO to the recent acquisition of Culligan’s C&I business. * Industrial Market Growth: U.S. industrial water market projected at US$22.9B in 2025, with high-growth segments in pharma, data centers, and food & beverage. * Why Decentralized?: Faster deployment, on-site reuse, risk outsourcing—meeting demands in a changing regulatory and infrastructure landscape. * Who Else Is Playing?: From Saur’s 13 acquisitions since 2020 to Xylem’s Evoqua acquisition, to PE-backed firms building up treatment players—Amber outlines the rising competition. * What’s Next*: M&A, lifecycle services, digital integration, and a growing focus on water reuse are transforming the treatment ecosystem.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Newterra Pushes Grundfos Along Water Value Chain
- U.S. Water for Data Centers: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030
- U.S. & Canada Industrial Water & Wastewater Market: Key Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030
Today’s guest, Bluefield Analyst Megan Bondar, joins host Reese Tisdale to unpack the growing role of investor-owned utilities (IOUs) in the U.S. water sector. From calculating market share to tracking M&A activity and geographic expansion, Megan brings fresh insights into how IOUs are positioning themselves in a fragmented market of 49,000 drinking water and 18,000 wastewater systems.
Though IOUs currently serve only about 5% of the U.S. population, their influence is expanding—through acquisitions, capital investments, and shifting ownership strategies. This episode also explores how consolidation is playing out in different forms, including municipal-to-municipal deals and the rise of quasi-public entities.
This episode answers key questions:
- Who are the IOUs in the U.S., and what’s their footprint?
- How are IOUs reshaping the water market through M&A?
- What are the capital strategies behind IOU growth?
- What role is private equity playing in this sector?
- How are regional realignments and exits redefining competition?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Investor-Owned Utilities in Water: Market Share, Trends, and Company Rankings
- Nexus’s Utility Sell-Off Goes to American Water
- Unitil Carves Out Water Presence via Aquarion Platform
Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo joins host Reese Tisdale to share insights from Bluefield's recent research across European countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, France, and Spain. This episode explores the evolving landscape of Europe’s water sector—from climate shocks to regulatory shakeups—and what it all means for utilities, investors, and technology vendors. The conversation highlights what specific regions are focusing on, the biggest challenges they’re facing, and how water sector stakeholders are responding.
Bluefield’s water experts unpack key trends, including:
- Why Europe’s seemingly mature water sector is facing a wave of disruption—from climate shocks and regulatory pressure to investment churn and digital transformation
- How cracks are emerging in energy reliability, water loss, and the digital divide across countries
- The role of EU directives versus national implementation in shaping infrastructure strategy
- Where the biggest opportunities lie across digital water, reuse, resilience, and asset renewal
- How French giants like Veolia, Suez, and Saur are shifting strategies to lead in this evolving landscape
- Why PFAS regulations, sludge treatment requirements, and infrastructure M&A may be the next big catalysts
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Italy Water & Wastewater Municipal Market: Trends, Drivers, and Forecasts
- The Netherlands Water & Wastewater Municipal Market: Trends, Drivers, and Forecasts
- Spain’s Blackouts Strain Water Utilities
In this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Amber Walsh, who shares insights from her latest research on the growing water demands of high tech. With billions in investment flowing into semiconductor fabs and data centers, these sectors are becoming major players in the water space—and are quietly reshaping infrastructure strategy from the ground up.
Bluefield’s water experts unpack key trends, including:
- The increasing reliance on ultrapure water and advanced reuse systems in next-gen semiconductor manufacturing.
- How the rise of artificial intelligence is intensifying thermal loads, forcing data centers to adopt more water-intensive cooling technologies—and driving new investment in water management.
- The emergence of Water-as-a-Service models and public-private partnerships, as firms like Intel, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services rethink how they finance and manage water infrastructure.
This episode offers a clear view of how data centers and semiconductor fabs are becoming central to the conversation around water strategy—and why utilities, investors, and vendors should be paying close attention.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- U.S. Water for Data Centers: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030
- U.S. & Canada Industrial Water & Wastewater Market: Key Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030
- Investment Pours into Spain Data Centers
Four years after the launch of The Future of Water podcast, milestone episode #100 has arrived! In this episode, podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by VP & Managing Director Keith Hays as they reflect on the evolution of the water sector and look ahead to its future.
Reese and Keith begin by reflecting on the most impactful events and trends over the past four years, such as the toilet paper shortage and fatbergs, the rise in demand for data centers, and the Thames Water financial crisis.
The second half of the episode explores what's on the horizon for the water industry. Key topics include, but are not limited to:
- Impact of AI and Machine Learning: How these technologies are enhancing mineral exploration by analyzing vast datasets, crucial for meeting rising demand for critical minerals.
- Impending Day Zeros: As Day Zero events are expected to increase, the need for effective water conservation strategies is increasing, especially in regions facing severe water stress and high leakage rates.
- Role of Big Tech: The impact of big tech companies in driving digital transformation with smart technologies and real-time monitoring, improving efficiency and addressing water sector data needs.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Water for Data Centers: Market Trends and Forecasts, 2023–2030
- AI in the Utility Construction Industry: Key Market Trends, Applications, and Best Practices
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Tracking the Spending, Q1 2024
With the 2024 U.S. presidential election on the horizon and U.S. President Joe Biden announcing his exit from the race, the political landscape is heating up.
In this episode of The Future of Water, Podcast Host Reese Tisdale speaks with Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin, diving into Bluefield's new white paper, "2024 U.S. Elections: Implications for the Water Industry".
At the time of recording this episode, Joe Biden was still the Democratic candidate for president. However, over the weekend, the political landscape shifted. Biden's sudden withdrawal from re-election certainly shakes things up, but for the water and wastewater sectors, a Democratic victory in the White House is expected to maintain the current course at the federal level. While many anticipate Vice President Kamala Harris to step up as the new candidate, the political outlook, as discussed with Greg, remains largely unchanged. The real game-changer, however, looms in a potential Trump win—promising a seismic shift that could echo the transformative policies proposed during his previous term.
Reese and Greg unpack how decisions made in the upcoming election can reshape water management in the U.S., addressing critical issues such as aging infrastructure, climate resilience, and water quality.
Greg tackles three crucial questions:
- How will the outcome of the 2024 elections influence regulatory policies in the water sector?
- What major water-related initiatives are on-the-line in this election?
- How shifts in economic policies may impact the water industry?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- 2024 U.S. Elections: Implications for the Water Industry
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Tracking the Spending, Q1 2024
- State of the Market: PFAS Policy Landscape, Forecasts, and Competitive Analysis
Bluefield water experts recently presented a private water client webcast in collaboration with the National Association of Water Companies, From PFAS to Consolidation: Key Water Market Developments Impacting Utility Strategies. In this special mailbag episode, podcast host Reese Tisdale and Senior Analyst Charlie Suse answer industry questions received from this webcast, providing in-depth insights into key water market developments.
Topics covered, questions answered:
- How does Bluefield define the range (very small–very large) for water utility system sizes, especially when evaluating the relationship between system size and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations?
- When the health-based violation data is normalized against the number of community water systems, what does that data show?
- What is a realistic annual cost estimate for PFAS maximum contaminant level compliance, given that the EPA's US$1.5 billion per year estimate seems low?
- How much are Public Utility Commissions willing to provide rate relief for consolidators purchasing small, troubled systems?
- How is workforce development and the fast approaching retirement wave affecting the water industry?
- How has the role of private equity played out in the regulated/non-regulated water utility segments?
- How has the non-regulated market grown in the last decade, and what is its future trajectory?
- What are the opportunities in private water outside the U.S.?
- Why is wastewater seen as less risky and more attractive for market entry?
- Beyond the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, what is the outlook for future federal incentives in the water sector?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- From PFAS to Consolidation, Key Water Market Developments Impacting Utility Strategies
- Opportunities in the U.S. Private Water Market
- Investor-Owned Utilities in Water: Market Share and Company Rankings
Interest in the stormwater management market is on the rise, driven by urgent environmental challenges and infrastructure needs. Reese Tisdale is joined by Senior Research Director Eric Bindler to unpack Bluefield's latest stormwater infrastructure report. In this discussion, they dive into the nuances of stormwater management, exploring its impact across municipal water systems, transportation networks, and real estate development.
In this episode:
- Market Drivers: Explore the significant factors propelling the stormwater management surge—climate change implications, stormwater pollution concerns, and the ongoing construction boom.
- Key Questions Addressed:
- Funding Disparities: Understand why stormwater management has historically received less funding compared to drinking water and wastewater sectors.
- Market Growth Projections: Gain insights into the expected expansion of the U.S. stormwater infrastructure market by 2030.
- Regional Insights: Discover intriguing trends and developments at the state and regional levels shaping stormwater management strategies.
- Solutions in Focus: Learn about the diverse range of solutions—from traditional infrastructure to innovative green technologies—being deployed to tackle stormwater challenges.
- Competitive Landscape: Identify the leading companies and emerging players driving innovation and competition in the stormwater management sector.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- U.S. Stormwater Infrastructure Market: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts & Investment Outlook, 2024–2030
Podcast host Reese Tisdale talks with Bluefield Analyst Amber Walsh to get the low down on top takeaways from Q2 industrial water analysis. Industrial water markets are seeing a lot of change—from rising demand for data, the energy transition, and a focus on corporate sustainability strategies. In this discussion, Bluefield's water experts share their insights on three hot industries making waves in industrial water management + corporate sustainability, highlighting key water events and trends impacting they way in which companies respond and address water management challenges and opportunities.
Discussed in the podcast:
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Bluefield keeps a close eye on government funding in the semiconductor manufacturing industry because of all the capital going towards Greenfield development—and with that comes water management spend and innovative solutions (i.e., reuse) especially in areas of water stress. In Q1, there were questions around the status of government funds from the U.S. CHIPS Act and market challenges. Q2 analysis shows the slow roll out of funds to semiconductor manufacturers GlobalFoundries, TSMC, Micron, Intel, and Samsung. What is the status of the funds and how are these companies responding?
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In the hydrogen space, although still in early development, we are seeing significant investment being poured into green hydrogen. As Bluefield follows the money, we are expecting this to drive water management opportunities. As water is a key input in hydrogen production—and nearly 2,000 projects have been announced worldwide—Bluefield is estimating US$26.3 billion to be spent on water management in this sector through 2030.
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Bluefield is tracking several trends in the Food & Beverage industry. Wastewater treatment remains a large area of spend for these facilities, increasingly stringent discharge regulations are pushing for advanced treatment. What is the impact of municipal surcharges for treatment that can range from a couple thousand dollars annually to millions? And how are companies dealing with higher operational costs and commodity prices?
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Let's not forget about corporate sustainability. What is the reality of corporate sustainability in industrial water? Is it a driving factor in corporate water management decisions? Companies have largely been motivated to set water reduction targets and disclose water use. But what does this mean and is the goal actually meaningful? How do 'replenishment projects' work and what are attractive 'sustainable’ business models (i.e., Water-as-a-service, operation management contracts).
Related Research & Analysis
- The Hydrogen Economy: Water Demands, Management Strategies, and Global Forecasts, 2024–2030
- Water for Food & Beverage: Market Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030
- Water for Semiconductors: Market Trends and Forecasts, 2023–2030
- Corporate Sustainability: Water Managment Targets and Goals
Spain’s water sector has evolved in light of the country's unique challenges such as extensive infrastructure buildout in recent decades, population boom, economic recessions, and persistent droughts. Despite these hurdles, Spain has made notable strides in areas including desalination, water management, and technology adoption.
VP & Managing Director Keith Hays and Analyst Maria Cardenal from Bluefield's Europe team sit down with Podcast Host and Bluefield President & CEO Reese Tisdale. Together, they explore three major trends shaping the Spanish water sector: digitalization, smart water management, and the circular economy.
In addition to these trends, Bluefield's Europe water experts delve into several key topics:
- Main challenges facing Spain's water sector, and how they are being addressed
- The size of Spain’s water sector, including its relativity to other countries in Europe
- Government policies and regulations that could influence the development of the water sector moving forward
- Prominent key players in the Spanish water sector—utilities, technology providers, and consulting firms
- Opportunities for foreign investors and companies looking to enter the Spanish water market
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Spain Municipal Water Market Overview
- Europe Municipal Water & Wastewater: CAPEX Market Forecasts, 2024–2030
Schneider Electric and Bentley have confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a potential acquisition, marking a significant development in the water industry. With Bentley's market value estimated at approximately US$16 billion, the prospective deal would provide large ramifications across various industries where both companies operate.
While both Schneider and Bentley are prominent players in the digital water realm, other companies including Cadence Design Systems and Siemens could be in the mix as well.
In this episode, podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler, and Digital Water Analyst Christine Ow, to explore the potential ripple effect of a Schneider-Bentley deal on the water industry:
- Enhancing Operational Efficiency: The convergence of Bentley and Schneider would facilitate the transition from design to operations, unlocking efficiencies throughout the value chain. Their combined expertise would offer a suite of products, bridging crucial gaps in the industry.
- Altering the Competitive Landscape: Schneider's diverse portfolio spans various sectors. The integration of Bentley would further strengthen their standing within the water industry, challenging established players.
- Navigating Integration Challenges: Beyond the strategic benefits, the acquisition presents integration complexities, including aligning customer bases and merging company cultures.
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Related Research & Analysis:
- Modeling Software Players Weigh Growth Options
- Idrica Tapped to Integrate Xylem Digital Water Portfolio
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Bluefield's latest remediation forecast for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has surged to US$13.5 billion by 2030 in the wake of anticipated maximum contamination limits (MCLs) for drinking water and a significant legal settlement involving 3M in South Carolina. Now, with the EPA confirming these unprecedented contaminant limits, a fresh wave of discussions emerge, touching upon the EPA's authority, states' rights, and the subsequent course of action including the management and responsibility of biosolids disposal—who's ultimately responsible?
In this episode, Podcast Host Reese Tisdale engages in a deep dive discussion with Bluefield's Senior Research Director, Greg Goodwin (a.k.a. Bluefield's policy watcher), exploring recent policy developments regulating 'forever chemicals' in drinking water and their potential ramifications on regulatory frameworks. Key talking points cover what is PFAS (for anyone not in the know), the implications of the EPA establishing its new MCLs for PFAS, the ripple effects on wastewater, and the potential influence of upcoming elections on these policies.
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If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- State of the Market: PFAS Policy Landscape, Forecasts, and Competitive Analysis
- 3M Windfall for PFAS Impacted Water Systems
- Europe to Ramp Up PFAS Water Regulations
While artificial intelligence (AI) has indeed become a prevalent buzzword in many regards, capturing headlines over the past 12 to 18 months, its potential impact remains significant. There are real applications and impacts that are unfolding for AI, including those in the water and wastewater sectors. In the U.S. utility construction sector—which is facing chronic labor shortages amid historic levels of federal infrastructure investment—AI can serve as a powerful tool for increasing productivity, efficiency, and safety on worksites and in back offices alike.
In this episode, Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler who recently presented on AI to to the National Utility of Contractors Association (NUCA). Eric answers 3 major questions:
- What is AI and its implications for the construction industry?
- What is AI's potential impact on jobs?
- What are the applications and who are some companies active in the AI space?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- AI in the Utility Construction Industry: Key Market Trends, Applications & Best Practices
- Digital Water: Key Trends, Project Activity, and Market Outlook, Q1 2024
Public sector water and wastewater project owners, engineering & design firms, and contractors are facing cost overruns, schedule delays, and contractual disputes that are slowing the execution and delivery of critical infrastructure.
These factors have prompted the development of new policies and project experiences, accelerating collaborative project delivery approaches. The methods include design-build, progressive design-build, construction manager at-risk approaches, and public-private partnerships.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss his recent analysis of collaborative delivery and its growing impact on water and wastewater infrastructure buildout in the U.S. Charlie outlines three main factors driving interest and policy changes in collaborative delivery:
- Legislative momentum
- Demonstrated activity and a growing portfolio of projects
- Other factors such as utilities’ financial constraints, aging infrastructure, regulatory pressure, and climate change
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Collaborative Project Delivery: State Policies and Market Trends for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
A number of Bluefield clients have enquired about the status of IIJA project funds. Each program stands in terms of four funding phases: appropriated, announced, obligated, outlaid. Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Isabel Kezman to discuss recent analysis of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In this episode, Bluefield's water experts speak on the pace of project activity and funding timeline from its legislation in November 2021 to now.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act: Tracking the Spending, Q1 2024
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- The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Breaking Down the Water Funding
The global private equity (PE) sector has grown thirteenfold since 2000, wielding increasing influence over critical infrastructure sectors. The proliferation of digital technologies across the water industry has opened new growth avenues for select PE investors.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Christine Ow, to discuss her recent research on the role of PE firms in the digital water segment. Our Bluefield water experts once again take a step back and define “Digital Water", and then identify some key market trends, including PE investments, key players, and outlook for the rest of 2024.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Private Equity’s Role in Digital Water: Investor Strategies and Competitive Positioning
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Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss recent research on Investor-Owned Utilities in water. Reese and Charlie spell out Bluefield's definition of "Private Water", followed by a dive into the market outlook, including: Utility M&A trends, what companies are paying for water systems, the influential players in the private water space, and where the market is heading through M&A, geographic shifts, and policy changes.
Reese also provides some key takeaways from Bluefield's recently published Europe Municipal Water CAPEX Forecast Report.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- U.S. Private Water: Key Trends, M&A Activity, and Market Outlook, Q1 2024
- Third-Party O&M for U.S. Water & Wastewater Utilities
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The eight Japanese trading companies, also known as “sogo shosha”, are Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui Corporation, Hitachi Corporation, Itochu Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Toyota Tsusho, and Sojitz Corporation. Together these firms reported nearly US$600 billion in assets under management in 2023.
These companies are global, with positions in key markets geographically, and are a unique group with a number of investments in water. Bluefield President and Podcast Host Reese Tisdale and Bluefield's Senior Analyst Ethan Edwards discuss three major questions surrounding the role of these companies within water:
- How are Japanese trading houses strategically positioned in the global water market, and what factors contribute to their investments in water-related assets?
- What role do Japanese trading houses play in driving technological advancements and innovations in water management?
- What are the notable collaborations between Japanese trading houses and local or international entities in the water sector?
"These are massive firms, almost battleships of organizations. They've been at it for so long that they've accumulated a wide network that spans globally. Together, they wield a significant influence across a wide network of industries."
--Ethan Edwards, Senior Analyst, Bluefield Research
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
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Related Research & Analysis:
- Japanese Trading Companies: Portfolio Strategies and Analysis
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Badger Meter, a leading manufacturer of water metering products, has recently acquired the Telog brand of RTUs (remote telemetry units) and associated monitoring software from Trimble. Podcast host and Bluefield President Reese Tisdale, sits down with Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler, to shed some light on the transaction, what this signals to the water market, and who and which companies should take notice.
Badger Meter has become a poster child for an incumbent water infrastructure/equipment supplier transforming into a leading digital water market player. For Trimble, this move clarifies their position in the market, doubling down on the construction and asset management space in water and related markets.
Reese Tisdale also shares his thoughts on Spanish water company Aqualia's recent entry into the U.S. water market through its acquisition of Texas-based Municipal District Services.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
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- The Global Water Metering Landscape: Technology Shifts, Competitive Strategies, and Market Outlook
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In this first episode of 2024, podcast host Reese Tisdale chats with two members of Bluefield's Europe team, Chloé Meyer and Keith Hays, to get their on-the-ground perspectives of key water sector trends in the EU. From water quality to reuse to circular economy, Bluefield's water experts discuss what, if any, the implications are for water management in relation to energy prices and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
This discussion addresses three major questions:
- What are some of the biggest factors influencing, if not disrupting, the water sector in Europe?
- What are the key challenges and opportunities in the European water sector that businesses looking to break into the market should be aware of?
- How can emerging technologies, such as digital water tech and business models, contribute to the growth of businesses in the European water sector?
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Europe Municipal Wastewater Reuse: Business Models and Competitive Strategies
- The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) – ESRS E3
- Catalonia Activates Multi-Pronged Drought Response
In this episode, Bluefield water experts discuss key themes in industrial water from this past quarter. Podcast Host Reese Tisdale, sits down with Bluefield Senior Analyst Amber Walsh, to discuss their findings. 3 major takeaways below:
- There has been a recent rise of public private partnerships for water projects and industrial companies partnering with water utilities.
- Opportunities for mobile water treatment are increasing. As businesses seek to insulate themselves from water-related risks, containerized water treatment systems stand to benefit.
- The impact of PFAS on the industry is growing, posing concerns for industrial facilities regarding liability.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.
If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.
Related Research & Analysis:
- Industrial Water: Key Trends, Deals, and Policy in Water Management, Q4 2023
- Nijhuis Saur Expands European Industrial Mobile Water Treatment via M&A
- State of the Market: PFAS Policy Landscape, Forecasts, and Competitive Analysis
In this episode, Bluefield’s water experts dive into Aegion’s acquisition of Portland Utilities Construction Company (PUCC), a trenchless service provider specializing in cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) and pipe bursting. PUCC serves the municipal market in Texas and the southeastern U.S. PUCC is Aegion’s sixth deal since 2021 and has significant market share in CIPP. Aegion has… Continue reading Aegion Adds More Deals To the List
Danish pump manufacturer Grundfos has recently acquired U.K.-based telemetry and analytics firm Metasphere from private equity investor XPV Water Partners. Grundfos has in recent years, expanded its footprint from its core pump offerings for water network management and treatment toward digital offerings. Metasphere’s specific experience with wastewater networks especially in the U.K. and Australia, will… Continue reading Grundfos Goes Deeper Into Digital Water
In Europe, the need for sustainable water management solutions has been magnified by last summer’s drought and record-breaking temperatures. The increasing severity of water stress remains a key driver behind the implementation of wastewater reuse. Particularly, in Southern Europe where water stress is more pronounced, the reuse market has witnessed greater development, although with challenges… Continue reading Water Reuse Builds Momentum in Europe
The potential collapse of Thames Water is all over the news and has raised alarm bells on many fronts. Thames Water serves approximately 15 million people across greater London. Not a small system by any comparison, and it seems to be sinking under a £14 billion debt load, thereby requiring more money. In this episode, Bluefield’s water… Continue reading How Real Is the Thames Water Crisis?
Both the American Water Works Association and Black & Veatch have released their 2023 industry surveys of the water market. In this episode, Bluefield’s water experts discuss the survey findings and breakdown the top water industry issues: aging water infrastructure, supply chain challenges, cybersecurity, financing capital improvements, climate change, pollution. How did these industry issues… Continue reading A Review of the State of the Water Industry
There are over 72,000 community water systems and wastewater treatment facilities in the U.S. But what is the addressable market opportunity for water and wastewater for utilities and investors? And how do the opportunities vary by utility ownership, system size, and state? Our clients have been asking Bluefield to size the municipal water and wastewater… Continue reading What’s the Addressable Market for Water Utility Consolidation?
Jacobs, one of the leading engineering firms in water, announced plans to spinout its Critical Mission Solutions business unit. With this move, the company streamlines their business focus, including on water, and boosts share price in the wake of higher margins and growth. Bluefield’s water experts discuss the EPC firm’s recent strategy and what the spinout… Continue reading What’s Behind Engineering Firms’ Strategy Shifts in Water?
The semiconductor market is a buzz with activity as high demand—primarily driven by consumer electronics and automotive sectors—and policy, namely the U.S. and the EU Chips Acts, come together to create a favorable environment for billion dollar investments for new semiconductor manufacturing plants. Bluefield’s water experts discuss where the investments are happening, globally, and what… Continue reading Will Semiconductor Boom Drive Water Market Opportunities?
Bluefield’s water experts discuss the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) recent launch of a six-month evaluation to review a proposal for restricting the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal, submitted by the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, is representative of public concerns that are escalating in the EU and applies to both… Continue reading EU Regulators Ramp Up PFAS Action for Drinking Water, Biosolids
On 20 March 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments of Arizona v. Navajo Nation, a dispute over Colorado River water rights. The court’s decision could have significant implications for the water rights of Tribes across the country. Navajo Nation is one of the Indian Health Service (IHS) administrative areas with the greatest need for… Continue reading A Perfect Storm: Tribal Infrastructure Investment, Western Water, and the U.S. Supreme Court
The global water metering market is at an inflection point, as a host of new digitally enabled technologies and business models transform global water utilities’ relationships with their meters and meter providers. Metering vendors face a host of macroeconomic, regulatory, and competitive shifts. COVID-related supply chain disruptions and component shortages have roiled the sector, delaying… Continue reading Digital Disruption In The Century-old Water Metering Market
Reese Tisdale is joined by Private Water Analyst Charlie Suse to break down investor-owned utility M&A trends and opportunities in the water sector. Which states are most active? Who are the players at the top of the IOU leaderboard? What is driving deal flow activity? Bluefield water experts identify key insights and takeaways from our… Continue reading IOU Acquisition Trends: States & Buyers to Watch and Deal Drivers
Bluefield’s industrial water experts discuss the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The newly enacted directive provides a reporting standard for large companies operating in the EU to disclose metrics for emissions, water use, and associated risk management strategies. The CRSD represents a critical step for the EU toward greater visibility into environmental water risks.… Continue reading The EU’s Sweeping Push for Corporate Sustainability
On 24 January 2023, US-based Xylem Inc. and Evoqua announced an agreement in which Xylem will acquire Evoqua in an all-stock transaction for an enterprise value of approximately US$7.5 billion. The combination unlocks potential growth opportunities for Xylem in industrial markets and in water quality, both of which are stronger markets for Evoqua. Pure-play water… Continue reading Xylem + Evoqua = What Does It Mean for the Water Industry?
How are IIJA legislated funds unfolding? From California to Maine, total announced funding associated with the legislation had reached US$186.3 billion. Of this total, US$10.5 billion has been announced for water-designated projects. At the same time, the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water has released implementation guidelines for the Build America, Buy… Continue reading IIJA: Water Funding and Policy Developments
PFAS is the water industry topic du jour, shaped by lawsuits, emerging regulations, infrastructure investment and disadvantaged communities. So far, however, much of the focus has been on the U.S. drinking water sector. But these emerging contaminants are impacting water supplies and, as a result, policy makers in Europe and Australia. Varied approaches to tackle PFAS… Continue reading PFAS: Where Is the U.S. Water Market and beyond Headed?
Shaped by a growing demand for water & wastewater infrastructure investment and an increasingly favorable policy landscape, private participation among U.S. utilities is on the rise. Bluefield’s water experts discuss their recent analysis of investor-owned utilities’ strategies, highlighting M&A trends and how companies—from American Water to private equity-backed firms—are approaching the water market.
Bluefield’s industrial water experts breakdown their recent analysis of 35 large U.S. cities with climate action plans which evaluates greenhouse emissions, energy use, reduction strategies, and water management positions. This discussion provides insight into why more U.S. cities are not developing climate action plans but also the variation in approaches for those cities with mitigation… Continue reading Which Municipalities Are Driving Climate and Water Sustainability?
In this episode, our data team discusses Bluefield’s utility data and details the journey to collect and inventory 750 capital improvement plans that have been scrubbed and cleaned for Bluefield clients. This discussion provides insights into what the data is, the value of the data, and how Bluefield clients are using this bottom-up, detailed information
The Bluefield team talks mergers and acquisition trends across the global water sector, providing insight into the slow down of deal flow activity. Reese Tisdale discusses the impacts of big deals, new market entrants, and the impact of global economic volatility. While it seems like the bottom may have fallen out of the market, positive… Continue reading Water M&A, Recent Deals, Trends, and Outlook
The Bluefield team discusses their take on private participation in water, breaking down the where and who is leading the way. The discussion builds off of Bluefield’s analysis of investor-owned utilities, contract operations firms, and market analysis. What is the share of private utility ownership in the U.S.? What is the impact of the Corix/ SouthWest Water… Continue reading Who’s messing’ with Texas Water Utilities
Bluefield’s water experts breakdown the how and what behind Jackon’s ongoing water and wastewater crisis. From drinking water quality issues to infrastructure funding to wastewater challenges, Reese Tisdale discusses the whole convergence of water-related challenges facing water utilities and disadvantaged communities.
Digital technology is everywhere, including for water applications. A lot is happening when it comes to hardware, software, and services. Bluefield water experts dive into the role of engineering firms and discuss market challenges, strategic shifts, spinouts, recent M&A, and strategic announcements by firms active in water.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents the biggest move by the federal government to address climate change. Not only does it support an energy transition that has been in the making for decades, it opens the door to new tech, new business models, and, for Bluefield, a pivot towards new opportunities in water. Bluefield water… Continue reading How Will the Inflation Reduction Act Reshape Water Market Opportunities?
Unusually hot temperatures and droughts are affecting regions all over the world from Europe, South Asia, Iraq to Mexico–particularly affecting agricultural industries. New data from the United Nations shows that the number and duration of droughts are on the rise. Bluefield’s water experts discuss how prolonged droughts will affect water consumption for municipalities, but also… Continue reading The Heat Is On: The State of the Global Water Market
The effects of climate change, population growth, and the rise of industrialization have played a significant role in water scarcity and have had a substantial impact on water demand. Bluefield’s water experts discuss findings from their recent analysis of large scale desalination, project activity, ownership trends, and technology shifts.
Bluefield’s Reese Tisdale, Eric Bindler, and Greg Goodwin discuss the Build America, Buy America Act and its implications for the water sector in the U.S. While designed to create an opportunity to increase domestic manufacturing, support the creation of jobs, and strengthen U.S. supply chains, it arrives at a time in which inflation and supply chain… Continue reading Build America, Buy America: What Does It Mean for the Water Sector?
In this milestone, 50th episode, the Bluefield team looks farther ahead to talk about global disruption, potential winners & losers, and critical trends shaping the future of water.
Bluefield’s water experts discuss the mixed signals being received from California, in terms of drought, desalination, and the interconnection between water and power. This discussion identifies the challenges and opportunities for water management, using California as a potential bellwether for the U.S., if not the rest of the world.
Bluefield’s water experts discuss key trends shaping water infrastructure, investment, and strategies over the next three to five years, framing the longer-term market outlook for the water sector.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Industrial Water Analyst Amber Walsh to discuss recent analysis on residential water management and reuse. A new group of firms, globally, are emerging to capture household greywater for non-potable applications. But they are also doing so through key, if not critical, partnerships. In this episode, Reese and Amber discuss… Continue reading Is a Market for Residential Water Reuse Developing?
2021 was a positive year for the water market, overall, with record levels of deals, but the digital water market saw mixed results in M&A and in the VC space. Bluefield discusses key trends that impacted digital water in 2021 and identifies opportunities expected for the year ahead. Although, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and… Continue reading Digital Water Trends and Market Review
On 8 March 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a memorandum to guide collaborative implementation with state, local, and tribal partners of US$43 billion in water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The EPA’s memo outlines requirements and recommendations for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). From disadvantaged communities… Continue reading A Closer Look at IIJA and State Revolving Funds
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine (and the world) will have cascading effects on international energy markets, particularly those more heavily reliant on natural gas, let alone Russian natural gas. The water sector is at risk to energy markets, globally, and is now being compelled to adopt more energy efficient tools and solutions. This episode,… Continue reading Looming Energy Crisis to Squeeze Water & Wastewater Utilities
Bluefield’s water experts explore potential missed opportunities in household water management. Although domestic water or household water usage represents a small share of the pie, it could represent an enormous opportunity for water management, investment, and advanced data applications. As such, digital water vendors, technology companies, and consumer product companies are looking at opportunities for monitoring, reducing… Continue reading Is Household Water Management Overlooked as an Opportunity?
This episode delves into the canned-water company Liquid Death and the growing questions about bottled water, the incredible size of the bottled water market, and potential risks to water utilities, from perception to customer erosion. At the beginning of 2022, Liquid Death announced that it landed more than US$75 million in funding to expand its… Continue reading Bottled Water Craze Raises Questions about Water Quality & Utility Strategies
As we close out 2021, Bluefield digs into the top stories that defined water this past year, for good and bad. We’ll take a look back at how COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions influenced water investment and revisit some predictions for the year that did or did not come to fruition.
According to an October AWWA survey, key issues facing water sector utilities and service providers in the U.S. and Canada are hiring difficulties and supply chain issues. Hiring, employee turnover, staffing continuity, and chemical supply chain issues are among the list of top challenges. What is the outlook for the water sector and where do utilities… Continue reading Workforce Disruption: Who do Utilities Call for Help?
As Congress has seemingly crawled across the finish line for a momentous infrastructure bill, executives in the water sector have expressed some frustration that the total amount of the bill is not enough to take on the myriad of challenges. Bluefield’s Greg Goodwin and Reese Tisdale take a more optimistic and expansive view of the bill… Continue reading Water Wins Big in Infrastructure Bill
Deal activity in water is climbing. If activity in the Private Water and Digital Water sectors keep pace, as it has historically over the past few years, this year’s transactions in water will surpass 2020’s 368 transactions. Reese Tisdale talks about deals that are interesting to him and what they mean for the water sector:… Continue reading Deals, Deals, Deals
Bluefield’s digital water expert, Eric Bindler, breaks down his key findings from attending this year’s WEFTEC in Chicago. Eric discusses new product launches from Kando and Schneider Electric, water sector staffing and hiring issues, the potential impact vaccine mandates may have on utility and vendor workforces, and new market entrants.
The world is in a seemingly crazy and disjointed place, as climate, COVID, and geopolitical issues influence water markets. Bluefield’s water experts address some key trends and events impacting water and global water management giving their perspectives on everything from climate’s role and impact, the water/energy nexus and a potential shift to a fossil fuel generation,… Continue reading Drought, Floods Disrupt Global Water Sector
Companies across the water industry are feeling the effects of supply chain constraints, which are creating headwinds even as demand soars from 2020 levels. Key inputs such as plastic resin, iron and steel, copper, and semiconductors have seen double-digit price increases, impacting firms as diverse as pipe OEMs, treatment chemical suppliers, and metering firms. Bluefield’s… Continue reading Tight Supply Chains Squeeze the Water Industry
For the sixth consecutive year, Bluefield Research has embarked upon an analysis of the water and wastewater rates in the U.S. and the impacts on residential water and wastewater bills. Bluefield’s Erin Bonney Casey shares her perspective on her recent analysis of utility water rates and potential impacts of drought on customer water bills. The… Continue reading Do Droughts Impact Household Water Rates?