82 Intelligence Briefs
Across the Gulf and beyond, governments are quietly reclaiming direct ownership of desalination infrastructure — reversing decades of BOT/BOO privatisation in favour of sovereign control, with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq leading a structural shift in how water security is financed and governed.

The Senate has introduced bipartisan legislation that would establish a 30 percent investment tax credit to help manufacturers and other industrial entities ramp up their use of recycled water rather than other freshwater supplies. The Advancing Water Reuse Act was introduced by Senators Ben RayRead

On 23 April 2026, the European policy institute I-Com hosted a policy breakfast in Brussels titled “Financing Europe’s Water Resilience”, held within the framework of the Cantiere Europa+ project. The meeting gathered institutional representatives, policy experts, and sector stakeholders to examine

Global water market data and insights provider Bluefield Research has released an annual report showing that U.S. household water and sewer bills hit a five-year high in 2025, rising 5.1% and outpacing inflation. Bluefield’s annual U.S. Municipal Water & Sewer Rate Index benchmarks utilities in 50 c

The collapse of Arizona's CAP irrigation districts in the early 1990s was not an inevitable consequence of geography, drought, or bad luck. It was the predictable outcome of decisions made decades earlier — decisions to commit to infrastructure costs that economic analysis had already shown were una

In order to meet the requirements of existing water legislation Member States require an additional annual average investment of €23 billion according to European Commission estimates. Current investment in the EU water services sector averages €33 billion per year (excluding figures for Croatia, Th

"Comparing water pricing structures in Australia's Murray-Darling Basin, California, and Alberta reveals a universal truth: without systematic operational protocols, even the most sophisticated market mechanisms fail to deliver reliable water service." More

Little more than two months ago, on an unusually rainy November evening, the Queen Creek Town Council staked claim to the city’s future. Queen Creek, located in central Arizona southeast of Phoenix, was founded in 1989 but is already home to some 88,000 people. In a unanimous vote, the council appro

New Jersey American Water has filed a rate request with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) aimed at supporting over $1.4 billion in ongoing investments in its water and wastewater systems... More

When leaders gather in Davos under the World Economic Forum's 2026 theme, "A Spirit of Dialogue," they will focus on cooperation, responsible innovation, and inclusive economic models. If there is... More

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Barron's 2025 Performance - Bar chart showing how their picks crushed the S&P 500 AI Investment Shift - Line chart tracking the market's pivot from infrastructure spending to ROI focus Corporate Budget Reallocation - Doughnut charts showing predicted shift from labor to AI spending Fed Rate Scenario

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Investors managing $9.8trn (£8trn) in assets have joined a new campaign urging 72 of the world’s biggest corporate water users and polluters to value and act on water as a financial risk More

Most water utilities approach resource allocation with a fundamental misunderstanding: they treat capital projects and operational protocols as competing priorities rather than recognizing that capital investments are worthless without operational excellence. This creates a perverse outcome: utiliti

The current government shutdown is closing the EPA, NOAA, National Parks Service and programs critical to protecting the environment. More

The National Rural Water Association (NRWA), which supports water and wastewater professionals that serve small and rural communities in the United States, said without additional funding, it will receive a “stop work order” on Nov. 1 for its water Circuit Rider program. “The National RuralRead More

FREDsense Technologies Corp. has secured US $7 million in Series A financing to scale up its rapid testing tools aimed at tracking per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to […] The post Calgary-based FREDsense raises $7M to expand rapid PFAS testing technology appeared first on Water Canada.

UK and EU policymakers must take urgent action to ensure water security, including increasing the price of water, or risk not having adequate resources in future, members of the House of Lords have wa...

Water is everywhere, yet nowhere in our investment portfolios. Despite being the foundation of nearly every economic activity—from agriculture to data centers—water infrastructure remains chronically ...

Image: Daisy Daisy/stock.adobe.com Energy Consumers Australia has unveiled a new report that finds renters are disproportionately at risk for energy hardship. The Understanding and measuring energy hardship in Australia report shows one-in-five Australian households […] The post Report: 1 in 5 house

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President Donald Trump of the Unites States agreed on import tariffs on EU goods at 15% on July 27. The United States will apply the full 15% rate to the vast majority of European exports, including water-related goods and equipment.

Among the 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot for Texas voters this November is an amendment to dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund, which voters authorized in 2023 with the passage of Proposition 6. It was approved with 77.7% of voters supporting it. The 2025 amen

Africa faces a major water crisis that affects millions of people across the continent. About 40% of Africa experiences water stress, with many communities lacking access to clean drinking water. This shortage leads to health problems, limits education opportunities, and slows economic growth in rur

Image: Schneider Electric Faced with unprecedented challenges, water authorities are rethinking their operations, and they need digital tools that can keep pace. The water and wastewater sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Rapid urbanisation, […] The post Future-proofing water operations appe

The first wave of funds from the historic $6 billion 3M and DuPont water contamination settlements is now reaching water providers across the United States. These settlements, the largest of their... More

Billions of dollars in climate finance flow annually from wealthy nations to the Global South. Yet, Türkiye – one of […] More

Affordability. Government Mandates. Climate risk. Aging infrastructure.Water utilities face mounting pressures amid rising costs, new regulations, and aging systems. Chemical, energy, and labor costs have surged, while federal mandates—like PFAS treatment and lead service line replacements—demand fa

Water utilities are entering a new financial era—one defined by urgency, and regulatory demands that need confident and informed decisions. With the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) mandating full lead service line replacement by 2034, and new enforceable PFAS standards requiring treat

A recent report from Bluefield Research reveals that smart water metering has grown into a $6.8 billion (USD) global market. The shift, Bluefield said, is opening the door to innovation and competition, attracting nontraditional players, such as telecom and software providers, into a historically ha

In Europe, the fastest-warming continent, the intensification of extreme weather events and changes in precipitation patterns have led to widespread and catastrophic flooding. Last year, storms and... More

According to a May report by Bluefield Research, municipal capital expenditure (CAPEX) for water and wastewater treatment infrastructure in the United States is projected to total $515.4 billion (USD) through 2035. The CAPEX for water and wastewater treatment currently sits at about at $57.3 billion annually,Read More The post Bluefield: CAPEX for water, wastewater treatment to hit $515 billion by 2035 appeared first on Water Finance & Management.

<p>According to a May report by Bluefield Research, municipal capital expenditure (CAPEX) for water and wastewater treatment infrastructure in the United States is projected to total $515.4 billion (USD) through 2035. The CAPEX for water and wastewater treatment currently sits at about at $57.3 billion annually.</p>

President Donald Trump has proposed a nearly 90 percent cut to the two funds that are the primary source of federal support for drinking water and sewer systems. The state revolving funds, which loan money at below market or zero-interest rates, have traditionally attracted bipartisan support, and Congress has objected to previous administrations that suggested […] The post Speaking of Water | Will Congress Defy Trump on Water Infrastructure Spending? appeared first on Circle of Blue.

Thames Water's future in doubt after investor pulls outThames Water has suffered a major blow in its attempt to secure its future after US private equity giant KKR pulled out of a £4bn rescue deal for the company. The setback increases the possibility that the UK's biggest water company will collapse into a government-supervised administration. Thames Water called the news "disappointing" but said it would proceed to work on an alternative plan, which is considered the last chance to save the co

System Owners Keenly Aware of the Importance of Condition Assessment in Preventing Catastrophic Problems By Mike Kezdi Water system owners have long known that certain vintage pressurized concrete pipes can break at a moment’s notice. When looking at concrete pressure pipe for water applications thereRead More The post Large Diameter Concrete Water Main Failures appeared first on Water Finance & Management.

U.S. municipal capital expenditure (CAPEX) for water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is projected to total US$515.4 billion through 2035, according to a new report by Bluefield Research. With...

According to a recent report from global water market data and insights provider Bluefield Research, nearly one in five gallons — 19.5% — of treated drinking water in the United States is lost before it reaches customers or is improperly billed. Known as non-revenue waterRead More The post Report: N

Best Practices for Project Funding By Erik Johnson & Brandon Vatter Water and wastewater utilities are tasked with balancing multiple goals and objectives that require significant funding and at times can conflict with each other. Additionally, securing financial support, both at the local and federalRead More The post Rate Setting in Unsettled Times appeared first on Water Finance & Management.

A new report by global law firm White & Case LLP, Currents of Capital 2025, reveals a surge in investment into the global water sector during 2024, with even greater capital deployment...

India’s water infrastructure sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by rising demand, urbanization, and strong policy support. The government’s flagship Jal Jeevan Mission, with a massive allocation of Rs.3.6 lakh crore, aims to provide tap water to nearly 200 million rural households by 2026. Over 500 sewage treatment plants are being planned to add more […] The post 3 Water management stocks with order book of up to ₹14,300 Cr to add to your watchlist appeared first on Trade

The Italian government has approved a budget to address the extraordinary flood risk in northern Italy. For the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Marche, a total budget of 1 billion euros is authorized for the implementation of a flood prevention programme for the years 2027 to 2037. The programme was approved on April 30, 2025 […] The post Italy invests 1 billion euros in flood prevention appeared first on Water News Europe.

Despite mounting challenges, the water sector sees growing optimism around technology, AI, and ESG-driven investment—with respondents expecting new innovation hubs to emerge across the US, Europe, and Asia.

The water sector in England and Wales is facing a monumental challenge that could push average household water bills to over £2,000 a year by 2050, according to new findings from Ofwat, the industry...

by Anna Clark ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up for Dispatches, a newsletter that spotlights wrongdoing around the country, to receive our stories in your inbox every week. Just one year ago, JD Vance was a leading advocate of the Great Lakes and the efforts to restore the largest system of freshwater on the face of the planet. As a U.S. senator from Ohio, Vance called the lakes “an invaluable asset” for his home state. He supported more funding fo

On May 2, 2025, the White House released its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) discretionary budget request, proposing a reduction in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) State Revolving...

For water utilities, wise investments hinge on understanding the full financial picture. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a strategic framework that goes beyond upfront costs, revealing the true value of water system investments over their lifetime, typically 20 years for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).Read More The post Maximizing Water Utility Investment: TCO and ROI appeared first on Water Finance & Management.

Across the country, the data collected at stream gauges managed by the U.S. Geological Survey are used to implement drought measures when streamflows are low, alert local authorities of floods, help administer water to users on rivers and issue pollution discharge permits required by the Clean Water Act for communities across the country. But more […]

SIBU (April 26): The Sarawak government will officially merge the state’s three main water supply entities — Sibu Water Board, Kuching Water Board, and Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (formerly known as LAKU Management Sdn Bhd) — into a single entity by June this year. Sarawak’s Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the merger [...] The post Sarawak to merge three major water entities by June to boost statewide efficiency appeared first on Borneo Post Online.

The UK water sector faces unprecedented environmental, supply and infrastructure challenges, according to a critical new report by the National Audit Office (NAO). With a projected shortfall of five...

Watchdog for England and Wales looking into claims refurbishment costs are ‘breathtakingly high’ compared with other countries The water regulator for England and Wales, Ofwat, is investigating claims water companies are spending many times more on refurbishment projects than operators in comparable countries, leading to much higher bills, in what campaigners have described as a “rip-off”. Experts have said privatisation of water companies has led to an overinflation of the costs of building inf

The diet of more than half of the global population is based on rice. Its production is highly dependent on climatic conditions and their changes.

In response to intensifying climate impacts and chronic underinvestment in water infrastructure, Zambia is pursuing an ambitious blended financing approach to raise nearly $6 billion by 2030 for...

In a world captivated by digital currencies and gold rushes of the 21st century, a new asset is emerging with far greater consequences

Ofwat has issued a strong call to action to the water sector, urging faster and more efficient delivery of 30 major infrastructure projects — nine of them reservoirs — worth £50 billion over the next...

The Trump administration has placed a 10% baseline tariff on most imports, effective April 5, with additional tariffs on goods from select nations going into effect on April 9. Canada and Mexico are exempt from these tariffs due to the fact they are currently payingRead More The post Trump administration announces 10% tariff on all imports appeared first on Water Finance & Management.

By Wayne Hofmann On Jan. 27 of this year, I traveled across the country to talk to strangers about federal funding, something I do occasionally. As I drank my morning coffee and prepared my remarks, a colleague sent an article titled “White House budget officeRead More The post Commentary: 5 Tips for Navigating Federal Funding Chaos appeared first on Water Finance & Management.

Why Total Cost of Ownership Matters For water utilities, smart investment decisions require a long-term perspective. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a framework that reveals the true value of investments beyond initial costs. When embarking on a significant investment, a TCO comparison provides aRead More The post Maximizing Your Water Utility’s Investment: A Deep Dive into Total Cost of Ownership appeared first on Water Finance & Management.

Goldman Sachs Alternatives announced the acquisition of Mississippi-based Atlas-SSI Holdings, which supplies water management and […]

EU's Clean Industrial Deal overlooks water in industrial transition. The strategy largely ignores the role of the critical resource water.

Upgrade of a municipal aeration lagoon to Mapal's floating fine bubble aeration. Image: Mapal Aeration Solutions Constant aeration is vital for effective wastewater treatment, but how can operators reduce their energy consumption without risking oxygen deficiencies? Australia’s changing climate and growing urban and industrial demands are […] The post Taking sustainable approach to wastewater treatment appeared first on Utility Magazine.

Over a period of four days, very heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in Central Europe in September 2024. Almost two million people in a vast area stretching across parts of Poland, Czechia, Austria, Romania, Hungary, Germany and Slovakia were directly affected by the flooding.

Environmental critics say Thames Water loaded up on debt to pay investors dividends while failing to upgrade London’s sewer system, which has spilled the equivalent of at least 34,000 Olympic swimming pools of raw sewage into the river since 2020. Dieter Helm, a University of Oxford professor who studies privatization, says part of the blame for the U.K.’s water problems rests with the government regulator, Ofwat, which failed to balance the competing interests of investors, who sought profits,

Utilities should approach asset management as a formal discipline that organizations can leverage to maximize the value of their physical assets, while balancing cost, levels ...

Report: Despite recent upgrades, wastewater system still needs billions - The Black Chronicle

Nearly 400 public water systems in California have failed to meet recommended safety standards for drinking water, according to a report last month from the State Water Resources Control Board, but a new climate bond measure recently joined the state’s November ballot may help. If approved by voters, the bond would fund safe drinking water infrastructure, climate solutions, flood and water resilience initiatives, and clean air programs, its co-author Democrat Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia told The

Steve Morris, Managing Director at wastewater technology specialists HUBER UK, takes a look at some of the challenges and opportunities for the water companies and the water sector supply chain as the start of AMP8 in April 2025 approaches. The publication of Ofwat’s Draft Determinations on the water companies’ AMP8 Business Plans on 11 th July – delayed by the General Election – has thrown some light on the likely levels of expenditure for the 2025-30 investment programme.

London’s £4.5bn Thames Tideway Tunnel, known colloquially as the “super sewer”, has been officially activated, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to reduce sewage pollution in the River Thames. The post Tideway | London’s £4.5bn super sewer achieves final connection after 9 years of construction appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

THAMES WATER’S £3 billion bailout was approved by the High Court today, triggering outrage as campaigners warned of higher bills from sky-high interest payments. The High Court cleared the loan just weeks before the debt-laden firm was due to run out of money, temporarily staving off the possibility of special administration and temporary nationalisation. Former Tory PM Margaret Thatcher wrote off the debts of Britain’s water firms when the industry was privatised in 1989. But Thames Water, w

Castle Rock Water lost 166 million gallons of water in 2023 as the life-giving liquid silently escaped from pipes, fittings and valves. It hopes to harness AI-driven technology to detect leaks.

Water firms leaked over one trillion litres of water last year, new analysis from the Observer has revealed.

They are launching two new tariffs as part of a trial to find better ways to charge customers based on what they use

As Statista's Florian Zandt details below, a textbook example of this growth outpacing infrastructural capacities is the situation in urban hotspots in India like Delhi, where a report by Euronews from May 2023 mentions neighborhoods with "open gutters [...] filled with plastic and grey-colored water". According to the latest annual report by the Central Pollution Control Board, India generated 72.4 billion liters of wastewater per day across all provinces, with Maharashtra (9.1 billion), Uttar

The Portland district is looking at near-term alternatives such as centrifuge dewatering, and longer-term possibilities like variations on thermal drying, and even emerging thermal technologies that may reduce PFAS. Firmin notes that in 2018 when his district’s land application program was operating, biosolids handling cost about $71 per wet ton.

The Ofwat Innovation Fund will double to £400M to support projects that could transform the water sector to meet and solve the many challenges it faces. The post Ofwat announces details of £400M fund to spur water sector transformation appeared first on UK Construction Online.

A closer look at the crucial junction between public-sector responsibility and private-sector investment in water infrastructure, and whether public-private partnerships can truly deliver water as a public good.

Water bills are set to rise by at least 21 per cent as the government slams a "failure of regulation and governance" within the sector.

While the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) policy of allowing apartments to sell treated sewage water is a new alternative water source, the real challenge lies in the transportation of this water. “Transporting water is the major challenge for construction companies when buying from BWSSB, which is why they often turn to borewell water,” said Suresh Hari, secretary, Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI).

The Palm Coast City Council is moving toward a plan to raise water and sewer rates 28 percent over the next four years and borrow $456 million over the next two to finance some of the $700 million in water and sewer infrastructure under strain from too much growth. The bond issues would dwarf all previous city bond issues and its existing total debt, which stands at $134 million. The rate increases would, for a household using 4,000 gallons of water a month, result in bill increases of $40 a mon

Court case points to sizeable fees being racked up as firm seeks £3bn loan to try to avoid temporary nationalisation Sewage floating down Britain’s rivers has become a pungent political symbol. But a recent court case over Thames Water’s debts was not concerned with the flow of water and effluent so much as the flow of money. Thames Water stands out amid the turmoil of the privatised water industry in England and Wales. Loaded up with about £19bn in debt, the company sought court approval to bor

Sky News has learnt that KKR, which manages assets of more than $600bn, has hired investment bankers and lawyers to help formulate a plan to inject billions of pounds of equity into the company, which has more than 15m customers. KKR, one of the world's biggest private equity investors, is advancing plans to play a crucial role in a rescue of Britain's biggest water supplier.

Mounting concern about chemical contaminants in sewage sludge used as fertilizer could be a costly liability to utilities.