Indiana Department of Environmental Management Launches Free Well Water Testing Program

Overview of the Groundwater Monitoring Network Program

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has initiated a free well water testing program under its 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Network. This program aims to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by ensuring safe and sustainable management of water resources.

Program Objectives and Sustainable Development Goals Alignment

• Monitoring Groundwater Quality: IDEM collects samples from qualified private wells to monitor groundwater conditions, addressing SDG 6.3 which focuses on improving water quality by reducing pollution.
• Identifying Environmental Impacts: The program identifies areas affected by natural geology or human activities, supporting SDG 15: Life on Land, by protecting terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use.
• Promoting Public Health: By encouraging regular water testing, IDEM contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring access to safe drinking water and reducing health risks associated with contaminated water.

Eligibility and Participation Criteria

1. Participants must be property owners residing in Indiana with an active private well.
2. The well must be registered in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Online Water Well Record Database.
3. Homeowners are required to provide IDEM with a copy of their water well record; if unavailable, IDEM will attempt to retrieve it from the DNR database.
4. Interested participants must complete the online survey by June 1st, 2026.

Program Implementation and Participation Details

• IDEM will select a limited number of eligible participants to participate in the sampling process.
• Sample collection is scheduled between June and October 2026.
• Participation is voluntary, and individual test results will be communicated directly to homeowners.
• The program emphasizes the importance of regular testing for private wells, which are not regulated, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by encouraging sustainable water use practices.

Additional Resources

For more information on the program and groundwater management, homeowners and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the official IDEM website at idem.IN.gov.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article discusses free well water testing to monitor groundwater quality, directly relating to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • By encouraging regular testing of private wells, the program aims to protect public health from contaminated water sources.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Tracking groundwater conditions to identify impacts from natural geology or human activity supports sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals to protect water resources.
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including groundwater.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and contaminated water.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation and restoration of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Quality Indicators
   • The article implies the use of groundwater sample testing results to monitor water quality, which can be linked to indicators such as the proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality.
2. Coverage of Water Testing
   • Number or proportion of private wells tested and monitored through the Groundwater Monitoring Network program.
3. Health Impact Indicators
   • Reduction in waterborne diseases or contamination-related health issues as a result of improved water quality monitoring and awareness.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wlfi.com

EPA Launches RealWaterTA Initiative to Strengthen Water Infrastructure and Support SDGs

Introduction

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced the Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) initiative aimed at enhancing federal support for drinking water and wastewater utilities across the nation. This program focuses on improving compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and modernizing aging water infrastructure, directly contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Objectives of the RealWaterTA Initiative

1. Refocus federal resources on technical support and practical guidance for water systems, especially those with operational, financial, or regulatory challenges.
2. Help utilities deliver reliable drinking water services while maximizing the impact of federal infrastructure funding.
3. Strengthen partnerships with states and Tribal governments to address local water needs.

Supporting Utilities and Maximizing Infrastructure Investment

The RealWaterTA framework facilitates coordination among federal, state, and local partners to:

• Identify infrastructure needs
• Secure funding
• Improve system performance through expanded technical assistance in engineering, operational management, workforce development, and financial planning

Special emphasis is placed on small and rural systems that often face resource and staffing shortages, aligning with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Challenges Addressed by the Initiative

• Aging infrastructure
• System leaks
• High costs of modernization
• Corrosion and water loss
• Compliance with federal drinking water regulations

These challenges highlight the intersection of public health, infrastructure, and community trust, reinforcing the importance of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Codes, Standards, and Infrastructure Modernization

Coordination between federal infrastructure policy and plumbing systems is critical for safe drinking water delivery. According to Matt Sigler, Executive Director for the International Code Council (ICC), this coordination involves:

• Aligning federal oversight with modern plumbing codes, standards, and product certification
• Ensuring plumbing products comply with NSF 61 and NSF 372 standards to meet Safe Drinking Water Act requirements
• Adopting modern plumbing codes to build resilient water systems capable of adapting to environmental challenges

This approach supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Water Scarcity and Reuse Technologies

Communities are encouraged to incorporate water reuse technologies such as rainwater capture and align local plumbing codes with regional water management goals. These measures contribute to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action by promoting sustainable water management and conservation.

Industry Response and Material Innovation

The Plastic Pipe Institute (PPI) emphasizes the role of durable, corrosion-resistant thermoplastic piping materials in upgrading municipal water systems. Benefits include:

• Leak-free systems through heat-fused high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes
• Reduced water loss and long-term maintenance costs
• Enhanced reliability and resilience of water infrastructure

These innovations align with SDG 9 by fostering sustainable industrialization and infrastructure development.

Funding and Oversight

Sustained federal funding through programs such as the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is critical to addressing water infrastructure challenges. Effective oversight ensures that resources reach small, rural, and disadvantaged communities, supporting SDG 10 and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Conclusion

The RealWaterTA initiative represents a comprehensive federal effort to modernize the nation’s water infrastructure, improve compliance with drinking water regulations, and support sustainable water management practices. By integrating federal policy, infrastructure investment, and modern plumbing standards, the initiative advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, ensuring safe, reliable, and equitable access to clean water for all communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on improving drinking water quality, wastewater management, and water infrastructure modernization, which directly relate to SDG 6.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Ensuring safe drinking water and proper wastewater management protects public health, aligning with SDG 3.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Modernizing aging water infrastructure and promoting durable materials and technologies relate to SDG 9.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improving water systems in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities supports sustainable urban and rural development under SDG 11.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities.
2. SDG 3 Targets
   • 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
   • 9.c: Increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet.
4. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services.
   • 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act
   • Measures the percentage of water systems meeting federal water quality standards.
2. Infrastructure Modernization Metrics
   • Number or percentage of water utilities receiving technical assistance and funding for infrastructure upgrades.
   • Reduction in water loss due to leaks, measured by volume or percentage.
3. Use of Certified Plumbing Products
   • Percentage of plumbing products tested and certified to standards NSF 61 and NSF 372 to ensure lead-free and contaminant compliance.
4. Access to Safe Drinking Water in Small and Rural Communities
   • Number or proportion of small and rural water systems achieving compliance and infrastructure improvements.
5. Reduction in Pathogen Exposure and Cross-Connections
   • Incidence rates of waterborne diseases and contamination events within buildings.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: supplyht.com

Report on the Conservation and Restoration of Florida’s Aquatic Ecosystems with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Aquatic ecosystems represent some of the most biologically diverse environments globally, encompassing coastal seagrass meadows, estuaries, rivers, wetlands, and springs. These habitats are crucial for supporting a wide variety of species including fish, birds, invertebrates, and aquatic plants that rely on them for food, shelter, and reproduction. Despite their ecological and economic significance, these ecosystems face increasing threats from human activities and environmental changes.

Florida’s Unique Aquatic Ecosystems and Their Societal Importance

Florida’s identity is deeply intertwined with its diverse natural landscapes and water bodies. The state features an interconnected mosaic of coastal shorelines, estuaries, springs, rivers, wetlands, and agricultural lands that influence each other ecologically and socially. This diversity is rare and contributes significantly to the state’s environmental and community well-being.

There is a strong tradition in Florida of valuing water resources and working lands. Initiatives aimed at protecting spring systems, restoring coastlines, managing agricultural landscapes, and advocating for clean bays and estuaries demonstrate a collective commitment to linking environmental health with community prosperity.

Aquatic Ecosystems as Biodiversity Hotspots

• These habitats support disproportionately high biodiversity relative to their size.
• Coastal ecosystems such as estuaries and seagrass meadows serve as nurseries for many ecologically and economically important species.
• Wetlands and shorelines provide critical habitats for birds, while submerged aquatic vegetation supports fish and invertebrates through various life stages.
• Seagrass beds stabilize sediments, improve water clarity, and create complex habitats that sustain diverse food webs.

The health of these ecosystems directly affects wildlife populations, fisheries productivity, coastal resilience, and community well-being, aligning with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Scientific Understanding and Application in Restoration

Addressing challenges in Florida’s aquatic systems requires a strong scientific foundation. Marine science provides critical insights into how nutrient inputs, altered hydrology, physical disturbances, and increased storm intensity impact aquatic habitats and biodiversity.

Key elements of effective restoration include:

1. Data-driven decision-making
2. Site-specific design
3. Long-term monitoring
4. Adaptive management
5. Community engagement

These approaches contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing ecosystem resilience and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through improved water quality management.

Sea & Shoreline’s Science-Based Restoration Approach

Sea & Shoreline, a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm, exemplifies the integration of science and stewardship by:

• Prioritizing ecological function and regulatory compliance
• Developing restoration strategies tailored to site-specific conditions and species interactions
• Utilizing submerged aquatic vegetation restoration, herbivory exclusion devices, habitat enhancement, and ongoing monitoring
• Recognizing restoration as an ongoing process requiring continuous evaluation and adaptive management

This methodology supports SDG 14 by protecting marine biodiversity and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering resilient coastal environments.

Protecting Florida’s Ecological Uniqueness and Future Sustainability

Florida’s biodiversity is sustained by the diversity and interconnectedness of its aquatic ecosystems. The collective health of coastal waters, freshwater springs, wetlands, and working lands reflects the success of stewardship efforts.

As environmental pressures intensify, science-based restoration and long-term ecological management remain vital to preserving these ecosystems for future generations. These efforts align with multiple SDGs, including:

• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

By honoring Florida’s ecological diversity and applying marine science thoughtfully, restoration initiatives can ensure the persistence of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Conclusion

Florida’s aquatic ecosystems are critical biodiversity hotspots that require ongoing scientific research, adaptive restoration, and community stewardship. Aligning these efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals ensures a holistic approach to environmental conservation, social well-being, and economic sustainability.

About the Author

Josie Wittling serves as an environmental advisor to Sea & Shoreline, a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm dedicated to science-based ecosystem restoration.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses extensively on aquatic ecosystems, including coastal shorelines, estuaries, seagrass meadows, wetlands, and rivers, highlighting their biodiversity and ecological importance.
   • Restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation and aquatic habitats aligns with the goal to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The interconnectedness of aquatic ecosystems with terrestrial landscapes such as wetlands and working lands is emphasized.
   • Efforts to protect biodiversity and restore ecological balance in these environments relate to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article discusses water quality improvements through restoration efforts, such as stabilizing sediments and improving water clarity.
   • Protecting freshwater springs and estuaries supports sustainable water management and sanitation.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Coastal resilience and adaptation to increasing storm intensity are mentioned, linking restoration to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The importance of marine science education and data-driven decision-making highlights the role of quality education in environmental stewardship.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14 – Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, and take action for their restoration to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
2. SDG 15 – Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. SDG 6 – Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including rivers, wetlands, and lakes.
4. SDG 13 – Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
5. SDG 4 – Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable lifestyles and biodiversity conservation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 14 and 15:
   • Measures of biodiversity health such as species diversity and abundance in aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
   • Extent and condition of seagrass beds, wetlands, and other critical habitats.
   • Ecological function and resilience metrics, including sediment stabilization and water clarity.
2. Indicators for SDG 6:
   • Water quality parameters such as nutrient levels and clarity in springs, estuaries, and rivers.
   • Restoration success measured by improvements in aquatic vegetation and habitat connectivity.
3. Indicators for SDG 13:
   • Coastal resilience indicators, including the ability of ecosystems to withstand storm impacts.
   • Adaptive management outcomes in restoration projects responding to climate stressors.
4. Indicators for SDG 4:
   • Implementation of science-based restoration practices and community engagement in environmental education.
   • Use of data-driven decision-making and long-term ecological monitoring as educational outcomes.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theinvadingsea.com

Report on Water System Consolidation in Tulare County Towns: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On February 27, a new consolidation order was issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, mandating the consolidation of water systems in two small Tulare County towns. This updated order includes a clear, enforceable timeline with milestone deadlines and a completion date set for December 1, 2027. The consolidation effort aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Background and Challenges

The new order replaces all prior directives since 2020, when the initial mandate aimed to provide clean drinking water to East Orosi’s 420 residents. The community’s groundwater has been unsafe due to nitrate contamination and aging infrastructure, forcing residents to rely on emergency hauled and bottled water for over 14 years at a cost exceeding $1.2 million.

Despite legislative support, including three bills signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to address water issues in East Orosi, project implementation has been delayed. Key challenges include political stalemates and infighting between the Orosi Public Utilities District (PUD) and East Orosi Community Services District (CSD), which are geographically separated by only one mile.

Administrative Actions and Management

• In 2022, Tulare County was appointed administrator of East Orosi’s water system to assist residents with domestic well services.
• In 2025, the county took over administration of the wastewater system, restoring its fragile operations.
• County authorities assumed billing responsibilities following complaints of financial mismanagement.

These administrative measures support SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting effective governance and accountability in water management.

Consolidation Project Details

The $13.5 million consolidation project includes the following components:

1. Construction of a new groundwater well with a production capacity of approximately 1,200 gallons per minute.
2. Installation of a water supply connection (meter and lateral) on the Family Education Center water system.

Within East Orosi:

• Construction of approximately 9,450 feet of 8-inch diameter waterline distribution system.
• Construction of a new 360,000-gallon storage tank.
• Installation of water supply connections (meters and laterals) for approximately 101 residential and 2 commercial service connections.
• Decommissioning and proper abandonment of existing Wells 1 (East) and 2 (West).

Within Orosi PUD:

• Construction of approximately 6,700 feet of 8-inch to 10-inch diameter waterline to convey water from Orosi PUD to East Orosi.
• Construction of approximately 5,050 feet of 10-inch pipeline connecting the well site to Orosi PUD.

Project Timeline and Expectations

A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for late April, with project completion anticipated within a year and a half, as stated by Denise England, Tulare County grants and resources manager.

Impact and Broader Context

Since 2019, the State Water Board’s Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) drinking water program has facilitated 180 consolidations across California, benefiting approximately 362,000 people, predominantly in disadvantaged communities. This initiative supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water.

The Water Board finances the consolidation projects it mandates, and the resulting larger water systems benefit from expanded customer bases, promoting economic sustainability and resilience (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Conclusion

The consolidation of water systems in East Orosi and Orosi PUD represents a critical step towards achieving sustainable water management and improving public health in disadvantaged communities. The project directly contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 6: Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• SDG 11: Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• SDG 16: Promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.
• SDG 10: Reducing inequalities within and among communities.
• SDG 8: Supporting sustained economic growth through infrastructure development.

Continued commitment and collaboration among stakeholders are essential to meet the project deadlines and deliver safe, reliable water services to the affected populations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on providing clean drinking water to East Orosi, addressing water contamination and infrastructure issues.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The consolidation of water systems and infrastructure improvements contribute to making communities safer and more sustainable.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Ensuring access to safe drinking water reduces health risks associated with nitrate contamination.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between state agencies, local utilities, and communities reflects partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 6.1:
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services — implied by the efforts to provide clean water and consolidate water systems.
2. Indicator for SDG 6.a:
   • Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan — implied by state funding and support for the consolidation project.
3. Indicator for SDG 3.9:
   • Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene — implied by addressing nitrate contamination and providing safe water.
4. Indicator for SDG 11.1:
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing — indirectly related as infrastructure improvements reduce inadequate service.
5. Indicator for SDG 17.17:
   • Number of partnerships involving public, private and civil society sectors — implied by the cooperation between Water Resources Control Board, local utilities, and community services.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sjvwater.org

Report on Sustainable Housing Development and Drinking Water Protection in Rhode Island

Introduction

Rhode Island faces a critical need for increased housing, particularly for low and moderate income (LMI) residents. However, the approach to achieving this growth must align with sustainable development principles, especially those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This report emphasizes the importance of protecting drinking water resources while pursuing housing development.

Challenges of Housing Development on Drinking Water Resources

Unplanned or high-density housing developments in watersheds supplying public surface and groundwater drinking water pose significant risks. Contamination or over-extraction of these water sources can lead to irreversible damage, threatening the health and well-being of current and future generations, thus undermining SDG 6.

Legislative Amendments to the Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income Housing Act

To address these concerns, legislation has been proposed to amend the Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income (LMI) Housing Act. Key amendments include:

1. Elimination of state-mandated housing densities in lands designated for drinking water supplies.
2. Requirement for developers to document the capacity of public water and sewer systems to support proposed residential density increases.
3. Ensuring that housing densities do not exceed onsite drinking water availability or introduce pollution risks.

These measures aim to uphold sustainable water management and responsible urban planning, supporting SDG 6 and SDG 11.

Concerns Regarding Current Housing Density Regulations

The existing LMI law permits density bonuses up to eight housing units per acre, which can result in a 1,600% increase in density in certain zones. Such high-density development without adequate water supply capacity or pollution controls threatens water quality and quantity. Despite state regulations intended to minimize water quality impacts, experience shows these are insufficient for high-density developments, highlighting a gap in governance related to SDG 6 and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Insights from the Scituate Reservoir Watershed Management Plan

The Scituate Reservoir Watershed Management Plan provides a comprehensive framework for protecting water quality. It recommends prohibiting high-density residential development (defined as less than a quarter-acre per dwelling unit) in watershed areas to reduce pollution risks. This aligns with SDG 6 and SDG 15 by safeguarding freshwater ecosystems.

Role of Local Governments and Sustainable Development

Local governments must have the authority to regulate housing density and location to protect drinking water resources. This approach supports:

• SDG 6: Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
• SDG 11: Making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• SDG 15: Protecting terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use.

Protecting drinking water is essential for life and economic prosperity, and Rhode Island must prioritize locating LMI housing in areas with sustainable water supplies.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The proposed legislative amendments represent common-sense, sustainable solutions to prevent future crises related to water scarcity and contamination. They reinforce Rhode Island’s commitment to responsible growth and environmental stewardship, consistent with multiple SDGs.

Recognition is due to Rep. Megan Cotter and Sen. Victoria Gu for their leadership in introducing bills H7446 and S2691. Support for these bills is urged to ensure the preservation and protection of Rhode Island’s drinking water for present and future generations.

About the Author

Scott Millar is an environmental scientist and planner with over 45 years of experience in municipal land use. His career includes roles at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Statewide Planning, and Grow Smart Rhode Island.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article emphasizes the importance of preserving clean drinking water supplies and protecting watersheds from contamination and overuse.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The discussion on housing development, density regulations, and ensuring sustainable growth aligns with the goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protection of watersheds and natural water sources from pollution and overdevelopment relates to sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.
   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable withdrawals.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning and management.
3. SDG 15 Targets
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 6
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (implied by concern over water quality and availability).
   • Water quality measurements in watersheds and reservoirs (implied by references to contamination risks and watershed management plans).
   • Capacity of public water and sewer systems documented before approving housing density increases (explicitly mentioned as a requirement in the legislation).
2. Indicators Related to SDG 11
   • Housing density per acre (explicitly discussed in terms of allowable units and density bonuses).
   • Availability of adequate infrastructure (water and sewer capacity) to support housing developments.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 15
   • Extent of protected watershed areas and compliance with watershed management plans (implied through reference to the Scituate Reservoir Watershed Management Plan).
   • Incidence of pollution events or degradation in surface and groundwater quality.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ecori.org

Blue Food Innovation Summit 2024: Advancing the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development Goals

Event Overview

The Blue Food Innovation Summit, scheduled to take place in London on May 27-28, 2024, focuses on pioneering ideas and technologies that are transforming the blue economy. This summit serves as a critical platform for driving sustainable development, particularly aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Participants and Objectives

The summit convenes a diverse group of stakeholders including:

• Producers
• Investors
• Corporate leaders
• Technology innovators
• Policymakers

The primary aim is to facilitate the connection between capital, innovation, and market demand to foster sustainable growth in the blue economy. The event emphasizes collaboration to achieve commercial outcomes that support the following SDGs:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Promoting sustainable food production systems.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Encouraging innovation in blue food technologies.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Supporting sustainable management of marine resources.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water – Conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building partnerships to mobilize resources and knowledge.

Event Features

• High-value networking opportunities
• Partnership building sessions
• Focus on commercial outcomes that advance sustainability

Additional Information

Attendees and interested parties are encouraged to download the summit brochure for detailed information about the agenda, speakers, and participation guidelines.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article focuses on the blue economy and innovations related to blue food, which directly relates to sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The emphasis on technology leaders, innovation, and market demand highlights the role of infrastructure and innovation in sustainable development.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The summit’s focus on collaboration, networking, and partnership building aligns with strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 14 Targets:
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
2. SDG 9 Targets:
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
3. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 14:
   • Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.
   • Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels.
2. For SDG 9:
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.
   • Indicator 9.5.2: Number of researchers per million inhabitants.
3. For SDG 17:
   • Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks.
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: agtechnavigator.com

Report on Water Access Challenges and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report summarizes the key points from a recent exchange between Representative Pfluger and expert witnesses regarding water access challenges, particularly in rural and drought-prone areas. The discussion highlights the importance of sustainable water management in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Challenges Faced by Small and Rural Water Systems

Regulatory and Financial Burdens

Representative Pfluger emphasized the critical nature of access to safe drinking water, describing it as a non-negotiable right for every community. However, he noted that many water systems in the United States are small and lack the resources to manage complex regulatory requirements. These include:

• Monitoring requirements
• Reporting layers
• Labor rules
• Procurement standards

Such mandates disproportionately impact rural communities, increasing costs for ratepayers and complicating water delivery.

Access to Federal Infrastructure Funds

Ms. Murley provided insights into the challenges small and rural water systems face in accessing federal infrastructure funds, particularly those from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Key points include:

1. Variability in state capacity to manage funds, influenced by demographics and organizational factors.
2. Technical and human resource limitations in states such as New Mexico, South Carolina, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
3. Recommendations made to federal agencies to improve fund distribution and support.

Ms. Murley advised directing communities seeking assistance to relevant federal agencies and technical assistance programs.

Water Scarcity and Long-Term Planning in Drought-Prone Areas

Case Study: West Texas

Representative Pfluger highlighted the water scarcity issues in West Texas, a drought-prone region heavily reliant on groundwater. Population growth exacerbates these challenges, making sustainable water management essential.

Strategies for Water Reliability

Mr. Hill shared a successful example from Alabama, illustrating effective long-term water reliability planning:

• Development of a water conservation plan in coordination with the Office of Water Resources.
• Infrastructure improvements including installation of a 10-inch HDPE pipeline and pump stations to access larger water sources.
• Expansion of water distribution networks with six miles of 24-inch ductile iron pipe.
• Proactive measures to mitigate drought impacts and ensure water availability for communities and industries.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The issues and solutions discussed align closely with the following SDGs:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation in water systems.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable through reliable water access.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing the impacts of drought and climate variability on water resources.

Recommendations

1. Enhance support for small and rural water systems to comply with regulatory requirements without disproportionate financial burdens.
2. Improve state and local capacity to manage and distribute federal infrastructure funds effectively.
3. Promote long-term water conservation and infrastructure planning in drought-prone regions.
4. Encourage collaboration between federal agencies, local governments, and communities to achieve SDG targets related to water and sustainability.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Access to safe drinking water and water system management in rural and small communities.
   • Challenges related to water scarcity, drought, and infrastructure funding.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Infrastructure development for water systems, including pipelines and pump stations.
   • Technical and organizational capacity to manage federal infrastructure funds.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Ensuring sustainable water supply for growing populations in rural and drought-prone areas.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes.
   • 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
   • 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 6
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (implied by focus on access to safe drinking water).
   • Number of small and rural water systems receiving federal infrastructure funds (implied by discussion on funding challenges).
   • Compliance with water quality monitoring and reporting requirements (implied by references to regulatory mandates).
2. Indicators for SDG 9
   • Length and quality of water infrastructure installed (e.g., miles of pipelines, pump stations installed).
   • Capacity of state agencies to manage infrastructure funds (implied by discussion on human, technical, and organizational capacity).
3. Indicators for SDG 11
   • Number of communities with long-term water reliability and conservation plans (implied by water conservation planning).
   • Population served by sustainable water infrastructure in drought-prone areas.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: pfluger.house.gov

Legislative Session Update on Water Infrastructure in Southern West Virginia

Overview of Legislative Actions

On March 4, 2026, during the 50th day of the West Virginia Legislative session, Delegate Adam Vance (R-Wyoming) successfully moved his water bill out of committee to the House floor. This day, known as “crossover day,” is the deadline for bills to pass from their chamber of origin.

Delegates voted 52-41 to advance the bill; however, an attempt to suspend the constitutional rule requiring bills to be read three times before passage failed by a narrow margin (46-47). Consequently, the bill did not pass and is officially dead for this session.

Context and Funding Proposals

1. Initial proposals requested $250 million for clean drinking water improvements in the southern coalfields.
2. This was later reduced to $20 million.
3. Currently, lawmakers have decided further study is necessary before proceeding with funding.

Residents of southern West Virginia, who have endured decades of contaminated and undrinkable water, face continued delays in receiving relief. Meanwhile, legislative focus has shifted toward cutting personal income tax, potentially reducing state revenue by up to $250 million.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Concerns

• Caitlin Ware, United Methodist pastor and member of From Below (a coalition addressing coalfield water issues), criticized the prioritization of tax cuts over water infrastructure investment, emphasizing the urgent need for clean water.
• Two bills requesting $10 million each for water funding, introduced by Delegate David Green (R-McDowell) and Delegate Adam Vance (R-Wyoming), were both rejected by the House Energy Committee.
• Activists from the region demonstrated at the Capitol, highlighting the severity of water contamination.

Legislative Committee Feedback and Future Actions

The House Energy Committee expressed concerns that the proposed $10 million funding was insufficient to address the water crisis. They indicated intentions to revise the bill to enhance its effectiveness. Delegate Vance reported assurances that the issue will be studied during interim sessions between legislative periods.

Vance stated, “If the state can afford a tax cut, it can afford to fix the water,” underscoring the need to align fiscal priorities with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Additional Legislative Developments

• Portions of Delegate Green’s bill, which proposed a task force to manage struggling public service districts, were incorporated into a governor-backed bill aimed at restructuring water funding. However, this bill does not include new funding allocations.
• The House budget proposal includes $30 million in surplus funds for statewide water and sewer improvements, though this amount is considered insufficient and remains under negotiation.

Governor’s Proposal and Concerns About Privatization

The governor’s bill encourages small public water and sewer utilities to pool resources and implement intervention programs for struggling systems. Some lawmakers and community advocates, including Caitlin Ware, have expressed concerns that this approach could lead to privatization of utilities, potentially conflicting with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Governor Patrick Morrisey’s spokesperson, Lars Dalseide, clarified that the goal is to maintain viable, locally managed systems and not to facilitate forced takeovers.

Call for Action and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The ongoing water crisis in southern West Virginia highlights the urgent need for investment in clean and safe drinking water infrastructure.
• SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Access to clean water is critical for reducing health risks and improving quality of life in economically disadvantaged coalfield communities.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Addressing water inequities in marginalized regions aligns with efforts to reduce disparities.

Caitlin Ware condemned the legislative inaction, citing reports from residents in Lincoln, Wyoming, McDowell, and Mingo counties who experience skin irritation from contaminated water. She described the situation as “shameful” and emphasized the human cost of delayed solutions.

Conclusion

Despite setbacks in the 2026 legislative session, advocates and lawmakers committed to continuing the fight for clean water in southern West Virginia. The issue remains a critical challenge that intersects with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, necessitating coordinated policy action and adequate funding to ensure safe, equitable access to water for all residents.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on the issue of clean drinking water in southern West Virginia coalfields, highlighting the lack of access to safe and clean water.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The water crisis affects impoverished communities in coalfield regions, implying a connection to poverty alleviation efforts.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses disparities in water quality and access in specific counties, pointing to inequality issues.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The legislative process and challenges in passing water funding bills relate to governance and institutional effectiveness.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services like clean water.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or economic status.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (Indicator 6.1.1)
   • The article highlights the presence of dirty and undrinkable water, implying the need to measure access to safe drinking water.
2. Government budget allocation to water and sanitation services
   • The discussion about funding bills, budget allocations, and tax cuts implies monitoring government expenditure on water infrastructure.
3. Number of public water utilities receiving federal or state funding
   • Concerns about struggling public service districts and intervention programs suggest tracking the support and management of water utilities.
4. Incidence of water-related health issues
   • Residents reporting skin irritation from water implies the need for health-related indicators linked to water quality.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: mountainstatespotlight.org

Global Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) Systems Market Report (2026-2035)

Abstract

The global market for Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) systems is poised for significant growth through 2035, driven by the increasing need for sustainable wastewater treatment solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The market expansion is influenced by stringent environmental regulations, urban infrastructure demands, and industrial sustainability mandates. IFAS technology, which combines suspended and attached growth processes, offers an efficient and compact solution for upgrading existing wastewater treatment plants and constructing new facilities, addressing critical challenges of nutrient removal and resource recovery.

Demand Drivers and Constraints

Primary Demand Drivers

• Implementation of stringent global and regional wastewater discharge regulations focusing on nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) removal, supporting SDG 6.3.
• Rapid urbanization increasing demand for compact, high-capacity municipal wastewater treatment plant upgrades, contributing to SDG 11.
• Industrial growth in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors requiring robust wastewater solutions, aligning with SDG 9.
• Retrofitting existing activated sludge plants to enhance capacity without expanding physical footprint, promoting sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9).
• Growing emphasis on water reuse and resource recovery, where IFAS serves as a key biological treatment step, advancing SDG 6.4 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Technological advancements in biofilm carrier media design, improving biomass retention and treatment efficiency.

Potential Growth Constraints

• High initial capital investment compared to conventional activated sludge systems, impacting affordability and access (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
• Technical complexity requiring specialized design and operational expertise, limiting adoption in regions with skill gaps.
• Competition from alternative advanced biological treatment technologies, such as Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs).
• Sensitivity of biofilm carriers to certain industrial wastewater characteristics, necessitating careful pretreatment.
• Lengthy sales and project approval cycles, particularly for large municipal contracts dependent on public funding.

Demand Structure by End-Use Industry

Municipal Wastewater Treatment (Estimated Share: 52%)

The municipal sector is the primary driver of IFAS demand, motivated by the need to upgrade aging infrastructure and comply with increasingly strict effluent standards, especially for nutrient removal. This aligns directly with SDG 6 targets for improving water quality and sanitation.

Key Trends:

1. Retrofitting and expanding existing activated sludge plants to meet nutrient discharge limits.
2. Integration of IFAS in new municipal wastewater treatment facilities to support water reuse and resource recovery.
3. Adoption of hybrid Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)/IFAS configurations for enhanced operational flexibility and resilience.
4. Implementation of real-time monitoring and control systems to optimize IFAS process performance.
5. Utilization of public-private partnerships (PPP) to finance large-scale municipal upgrades.

Representative Companies: Veolia, SUEZ, Evoqua, Xylem, Ovivo, WesTech Engineering.

Food and Beverage Processing (Estimated Share: 18%)

The food and beverage industry generates high-strength organic wastewater, making IFAS an effective solution for consistent biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. This supports SDG 12 by promoting sustainable industrial practices.

Key Trends:

1. Treatment of wastewater with high fats, oils, and grease (FOG) content.
2. Retrofitting existing treatment systems to accommodate plant expansions.
3. Compliance with stringent local sewer discharge limits to avoid surcharges.
4. Focus on water recycling within processing plants to reduce freshwater consumption.
5. Adoption of packaged, pre-engineered IFAS solutions for smaller facilities.

Representative Companies: Evoqua, Aquatech, Paques, World Water Works, Siemens, Aqseptence Group.

Chemical Processing (Estimated Share: 12%)

Chemical manufacturing wastewater contains complex compounds requiring robust nitrification and denitrification processes. IFAS systems provide process stability and resilience, contributing to SDG 9 and SDG 6 by ensuring industrial sustainability and water quality.

Key Trends:

1. Treatment of high-ammonia wastewater from fertilizer and chemical synthesis.
2. Degradation of synthetic organic compounds using specialized biofilms.
3. Retrofitting for nitrification/denitrification to meet revised discharge permits.
4. Integration in treatment trains for landfill leachate co-treatment.
5. Emphasis on system robustness to manage fluctuating and inhibitory influent.

Representative Companies: Veolia, SUEZ, Aquatech, Paques, Headworks BIO.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (Estimated Share: 10%)

Pharmaceutical wastewater is characterized by low volumes but high concentrations of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and solvents. IFAS technology supports the degradation of complex organics, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6.

Key Trends:

1. Biological removal of complex organic molecules and solvents.
2. Consistent performance to meet stringent permit limits.
3. Integration with physicochemical pretreatment and advanced oxidation processes.
4. Containment and treatment of API production waste streams.
5. Adoption in biopharmaceutical manufacturing for fermentation waste treatment.

Representative Companies: Veolia, Evoqua, Aquatech, SUEZ, Paques.

Pulp and Paper Industry (Estimated Share: 8%)

Pulp and paper mills produce wastewater rich in lignin and chlorinated compounds. IFAS systems help reduce biochemical oxygen demand and support nitrification, contributing to SDG 12 and SDG 6.

Key Trends:

1. Upgrading activated sludge systems for capacity and nutrient removal.
2. Treatment of wastewater from recycled paper processing with high variability.
3. Meeting tightened nitrogen and phosphorus discharge limits.
4. Reducing energy consumption through process intensification.
5. Retrofitting older mills to comply with new permit requirements.

Representative Companies: Xylem, Evoqua, Veolia, Ovivo, WesTech Engineering.

Regional Market Dynamics

Asia-Pacific (Estimated Share: 38%)

Asia-Pacific leads the global IFAS market with the highest growth rate, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and enhanced regulatory enforcement, particularly in China and India. This growth supports SDG 6 and SDG 11 by improving urban water infrastructure and sanitation.

North America (Estimated Share: 28%)

North America is a mature market focusing on retrofits and upgrades to meet U.S. EPA nutrient management frameworks and address aging infrastructure. Emphasis on energy efficiency and smart controls aligns with SDG 9 and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Europe (Estimated Share: 22%)

Europe’s market growth is driven by the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and circular economy initiatives emphasizing nutrient removal and energy neutrality, advancing SDG 6 and SDG 12.

Latin America (Estimated Share: 7%)

Latin America is an emerging market with gradual infrastructure investments and tightening environmental regulations, supporting SDG 6 and SDG 9. Growth is focused on municipal upgrades and industrial sectors such as mining and food processing.

Middle East & Africa (Estimated Share: 5%)

Demand in the Middle East is concentrated in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, driven by water scarcity and wastewater reuse initiatives, directly contributing to SDG 6. Growth in Africa is selective and project-based.

Market Outlook (2026-2035)

The global IFAS systems market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2026 to 2035, reflecting the increasing global commitment to sustainable water management and infrastructure development under the SDG framework.

Note: Indexed market curves are used to compare medium-term scenario trajectories where absolute volumes are not publicly disclosed.

For comprehensive data, methodology, and benchmark tables, refer to the latest IndexBox Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge Systems Market Report.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses extensively on wastewater treatment technologies, particularly Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) systems, which are critical for improving water quality and sanitation.
   • Emphasis on nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus) aligns with targets to improve water quality by reducing pollution.
   • Water reuse and resource recovery efforts mentioned support sustainable water management.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Development and adoption of advanced wastewater treatment technologies like IFAS and Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) highlight innovation in industrial infrastructure.
   • Retrofitting and upgrading existing infrastructure to meet stricter environmental standards.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Urbanization drives demand for compact, efficient municipal wastewater treatment solutions.
   • Upgrading aging urban infrastructure to meet environmental regulations supports sustainable urban development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Industrial sectors such as food & beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, and pulp & paper are adopting IFAS to manage wastewater sustainably.
   • Focus on reducing environmental impact of industrial effluents and promoting water reuse.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Energy efficiency and process intensification in wastewater treatment contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
   • Technological advancements and operational savings reduce environmental footprint.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Quality and Pollution Reduction Indicators
   • Levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in treated wastewater effluents (nutrient removal efficiency).
   • Compliance rates with national and regional wastewater discharge standards.
   • Proportion of wastewater treated using advanced biological treatment technologies like IFAS.
2. Infrastructure and Industrial Efficiency Indicators
   • Number and capacity of wastewater treatment plants retrofitted or constructed with IFAS technology.
   • Capital expenditure on municipal and industrial wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
   • Adoption rates of advanced treatment technologies in industrial sectors (food & beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, pulp & paper).
3. Urbanization and Resource Use Indicators
   • Population growth in urban areas driving demand for wastewater treatment.
   • Extent of water reuse and resource recovery implemented in treatment plants.
4. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Indicators
   • Enforcement and revision of discharge permits and environmental regulations.
   • Corporate ESG investments and sustainability commitments in industrial wastewater management.
5. Market and Technology Adoption Indicators
   • Market growth rate of IFAS systems (compound annual growth rate projected at 5.2% from 2026 to 2035).
   • Regional market shares and growth directions indicating technology penetration.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: indexbox.io

Despite previous development goals, the country remains far behind. A 2021 nationwide survey from the National Institute of Statistics shows that only 29% of households are connected to the public water network. Cameroon Water Utilities (Camwater), the state company in charge of water distribution, admits to losing more than half of its production due to leaks and illegal connections.

Most households rely on alternative sources like boreholes and pump wells (40%), protected wells (17%), unprotected wells (14%), and protected springs (10%) the last of which poses serious health risks.

Cameroon’s earlier Vision 2025 set a goal of reaching 75% access to safe water. That target has now been raised. Under the country’s 2020–2030 national development strategy (SND30), authorities are pushing for 100% water access in urban areas and 85% coverage in rural zones by 2030.

To meet these targets, the strategy promotes public-private partnerships and innovative climate finance tools. The investment plan calls for CFA200 billion to be raised by the end of the decade.

Minister of Water and Energy Gaston Eloundou Essomba acknowledged the slow pace of progress. “Sixty years after independence, a large part of the population still does not have access to clean water at reasonable distances and costs,” he said. He blamed the sector’s underperformance on scattered efforts and poor coordination between key players.

The new water policy aims to fix those gaps. A central piece of the plan is the creation of an intersectoral coordination framework to ensure all actors work together. Some of the main targets include achieving 60% sanitation coverage by 2030 and cutting Camwater’s technical losses.

Environmental protection is also a major pillar of the policy. The goal is to manage water not just as a resource, but as a driver of sustainable development—while safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. Technical partners have welcomed the approach as a potential turning point for the sector.

However, success will depend on more than just planning. Funding remains a major challenge, as does making sure local governments play an active role in water governance. Transparency in how public contracts are awarded will also be key.

As Cameroon prepares to mark 65 years of independence in 2025, delivering on this policy could become a defining moment in its effort to provide basic services to its people.

https://sdgtalks.ai/cameroon-allocates-18-billion-for-water-and-sanitation-projects

https://sdgtalks.ai/needles-gets-safe-drinking-water-thanks-to-state-investment-governor-of-california-gov

Conservation measures implemented by California water regulators have collectively added more than 1.2 million acre-feet of water — the equivalent of 16 feet —  to Lake Mead’s water storage, according to the Colorado River Board of California. 

The Colorado River Board of California highlighted the state’s conservation progress during the annual Colorado River Water Users Association’s conference in Las Vegas Wednesday. 

Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation — the federal agency that manages the Colorado River basin — said “California has been an incredible partner” in the federal government’s efforts to stabilize the Colorado River. 

 “The conservation that California is contributing to the river is unprecedented. It is an example of what needs to happen in the river. It’s all of us together. It’s agriculture, it’s tribal nations, it’s municipalities,” Touton said.

After federal officials gave western states an ultimatum in 2022 to either voluntarily reduce water use, or be forced to by the federal government, several states agreed to voluntarily cut use.

Nevada, Arizona, and California committed to collectively reduce water use by at least 3 million acre-feet through the end of 2026, when the Colorado River’s current water management rules are set to expire.

The temporary water savings measure was implemented to balance the Colorado River while the seven states that rely on the river — Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming — work with the federal government on a new long-term water sharing agreement.

California water agencies took the largest water cuts, committing to conserve 1.6 million acre feet of water in Lake Mead by 2026. 

As of December, the state has reached about three-fourths of its water saving commitments ahead of the 2026 deadline – with 500,000 acre-feet of water conserved in 2024 and 700,000 acre-feet saved in 2023. 

Together, Nevada, Arizona, and California have managed to increase water elevation in Lake Mead by nearly 20 feet compared to two years ago, and conserved more water in 2023 than any previous year since 1984. Lake Mead still has a long way to full recovery, sitting at 33% capacity as of Wednesday. 

California water regulators argued that their efforts have not only improved levels in Lake Mead, but also reduced downstream water releases from the troubled Lake Powell reservoir, which serves Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Western states along the Colorado River have been split into two camps for months over how to manage the river after 2026: Arizona, California, and Nevada in the lower basin; and Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming in the upper basin.

“Every user, sector, state, and basin must do their part to protect this river. No one has shown that more than California’s cities, farms, and tribes,” said JB Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California and Colorado River Commissioner for California.

“Actions speak louder than words, and we are proud to lead by example on the river,” Hamby continued.

Last month, the Bureau of Reclamation finally offered the clashing states four different management options for the river’s post-2026 operations agreement. The Reclamation proposals will serve as the foundation of new water management rules to replace the current ones.

California water savings over the past two years were produced through on-farm conservation programs, temporary and seasonal land-fallowing programs, curtailment of replenishment water for groundwater basins, turf replacement programs, and urban water efficiency efforts.

“Mother Nature provided us a helping hand over the last couple of years,” said Jim Madaffar, the vice chair of the Colorado River Board of California. 

Robust water years gave the state time to establish the collaborations and partnerships needed to conserve water for Lake Mead, said Madaffar.

“We know we still face challenges on the river due to drought in our changing climate, but the collaborations that you’ve seen really provide a benchmark for how we’re moving forward to ensure that the river continues to serve all users,” Madaffar continued.

That kind of consumption is piling pressure on the Asian city state to address growing concerns about global water scarcity. So it’s building new technology to prepare itself for a future where obtaining clean water will be even more difficult.

“Singapore truly has become a global water hub,” said Shane Snyder, executive director of the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. “But as it stands, it imports approximately 40% of its water today. And with climate change, that water has become far less dependable.”

Rapid urbanization and rising global temperatures are making access to natural water sources increasingly hard to come by. Today, a quarter of the world lives in areas of high water stress. Experts say we’re consuming natural resources faster than the earth can replenish them.

Singapore, meanwhile, is home to more than five million people and is covered in fountains, reservoirs and other water features — including the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a 130-foot Rain Vortex that pumps 10,000 gallons of water per minute.But it has no natural water sources of its own, instead relying heavily on recycled water and imports from its neighbors.

Singapore is home to the world's tallest indoor waterfall, which pumps 10,000 gallons of water per minute.

Snyder’s research facility is one of several places developing solutions for Singapore’s water dependency. The hope is to create projects that could be used across the city.

“What we have become used to as reliable water, may quickly change — so we have to be prepared, we have to be thinking about the infrastructure in advance,” Snyder said. “There’s a big drive to become water independent — to control our own future — and that is largely dependent on the technologies we’re developing.”

One development: a small, black sponge called carbon fiber aerogel that the university says can clean waste water on a mass scale. The sponge absorbs 190 times its weight in waste, contaminants and microplastics.

The material is being further developed for commercial use by Singapore-based startup EcoWorth Technology. CEO Andre Stoltz said the company will first enter Singapore’s waste water market before eventually developing this material for use on a global scale.

“We believe it’s potential impact is very big,” Stoltz said, adding that the product allows the company “to convert waste products to something of worth.”

EcoWorth Tech says carbon-fiber aerogel can remove 190 times its weight in waste, contaminants and microplastics. 

EcoWorth

Another company, WateRoam, is already taking innovation from Singapore to the rest of the region. Founded in 2014, WateRoam says it has developed a lightweight, portable filtration device that they say has already provided clean drinking water to more than 75,000 people across Southeast Asia.

WateRoam CEO David Pong said one of the most innovative aspects of the product is its simplicity.

“We’re going with a no-frills approach because we’re looking at water as a basic problem and a basic commodity … and as a result, we needs basic technology to solve this problem,” Pong said. “We want people who are laymen— not specialists or engineers — to be able to pick up this product and intuitively know how to use it.”

The water filtration device is no bigger than a bicycle pump, yet it can provide clean water to villages of 100 people for up to two years, according to the company.

WateRoam's filtration device is designed to be as simple as possible. 

WateROAM

“We’ve been very blessed to have access to clean drinking water,” Pong said. “It’s a privilege that we should be able to bring forth to the rest of the region, and advocate that clean water is an essential aspect for life on earth.”

Mapping the world’s water shortages

Human water consumption has soared. In some parts of the planet, the demand is greater than rivers or groundwater can sustain.

Schoolbooks show a simple picture of the water cycle—water evaporates from the ocean, drifts in clouds over land, falls as rain, flows in rivers to the sea—that is no longer accurate. Humans intrude on the cycle now: Each year we extract 4,000 cubic kilometers of water, eight times more than a century ago. We consume it in kitchens and bathrooms, factories and power plants; we use it to irrigate our crops. Growing populations and aspirations drive a growing demand for water.

The result is a water gap in an increasing number of places. Humans are using more water than the water cycle can provide, and so we deplete shallow aquifers, and may need to tap into deep ones that will not be renewed in our lifetime. In the process we threaten not only our own health, peace, and well-being, but also the health of ecosystems and wildlife.

The information presented in the world water map is based on a global model developed at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Led by National Geographic Explorer Marc Bierkens, this World Water Map helps us understand where and why water gaps arise, how climate change might aggravate them—and even how they might be managed.

Click here for the full article experience at National Geographic

This article addresses some concerns in Pittsburgh about the drinking water in public schools based on recent tests. Recent tests have shown an elevated level of lead in the waters of multiple school buildings across the city. To combat this, the district has come up with a couple different initiatives. They have shut down water sources with increased lead contamination, as well as offering clean alternative like water bottles. In the mean time, the city is communicating with it's citizens about the progress of fixing this lead contamination.

Pittsburgh Public School officials unveil new initiatives to

limit lead in drinking water

Hundreds of non-filtered water fountains across Pittsburgh Public Schools have been replaced in a districtwide project aimed at minimizing the threat of lead in drinking water.

Standing in the brightly painted playground at Dilworth PreK-5 in East Liberty, district officials along with those from PennEnvironment, a Pittsburgh-based environmental program, celebrated the project, officially completed last summer, which brought 904 chilled lead filtering drinking fountains and 391 filtered bottle filling stations to 70 Pittsburgh Public facilities.

The $5.5 million project first started in 2016 as part of the district’s Drinking Water Quality Management Initiative, which aimed to change out water filtration systems and test for lead.

“Our schools are places where our kids go to learn, achieve, build lifelong friendships and grow up to be productive citizens in society,” David Masur, PennEnvironment’s executive director, said during the event, which fell during National Drinking Water Week.

But, he said, Pennsylvania children who spend the majority of their time in school buildings are often faced with lead in their drinking water throughout the school day.

“With the proactive and comprehensive steps taken by the Pittsburgh Public Schools to get the lead out, children, parents, teachers, other school staff and community members now receive the highest standards of protection from this dangerous and pervasive contaminant,” Mr. Masur said.

In all, school buildings, field houses and administrative facilities are now fitted with new filter systems in all water foundations. Water bottle filling stations have also been attached to drinking fountains, featuring a sensor that automatically fills a bottle when it is placed in the station. The district also added 175 lead-filtering sink outlets to early childhood education classrooms and some nurses offices throughout the district.

The goal is to fight against lead, which can seriously harm a child’s health and cause adverse effects such as damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, and problems with learning and behavior as well as hearing and speech, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found. Those impacts can cause a lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention and underperformance in school.

But as things currently stand, Pennsylvania districts are not required to test for lead in drinking water under the Public School Code, which instead encourages them to test, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The code does require districts to implement a plan if results exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards stating that lead levels cannot exceed 15 parts per billion. It also says schools that do not test need to discuss lead issues at public meetings.

But according to a 2021 report by Women for a Healthy Environment, of 65 Pennsylvania school districts surveyed, 91% found lead in their water.

Lawmakers have been working to change standards around lead testing in schools. Last year, state Sen. Devlin J. Robinson, a Bridgeville Republican, along with two other state senators introduced legislation that would require old drinking fountains get replaced with lead-filtering water stations by 2025. The legislation was referred to the education committee.

At Pittsburgh Public, officials first launched the Drinking Water Quality Management Initiative in 2016, which required testing for lead every three years and the replacement of water filtration systems throughout school buildings. The decision, Sanjeeb Manandhar, Pittsburgh Public’s environmental and sustainability manager, said, was a “proactive measure.”

Under that initiative, district officials began conducting comprehensive testing of all drinking water fountains, as well as other outlets throughout school buildings. At the time, 2.8% showed lead levels exceeding standards then set by the Environmental Protection Agency of 20 parts per billion. Testing is now done every three years, with the last samples taken during the 2022-23 school year. At that time, 2.4% of the 2,364 samples taken showed lead levels above 15 parts per billion, the new EPA standard. Any faucet or fountain exceeding those levels was shut off and action was taken by the district to remediate, replace or repair the fixtures.

The second part of the initiative focused on replacing filtration systems at all district fountains to “ensure the availability of clean, high-quality water that has zero lead,” Mr. Manandhar said.

Superintendent Wayne Walters said the completion of that goal is a “monumental achievement.”

“By prioritizing water safety through our filter-first approach we reaffirm our commitment to providing nurturing school environments that facilitate learning and growth,” Mr. Walters said.

Onya Baek, a fifth grader at Dilworth, added that she uses water bottle filling stations daily.

“It’s very nice that we get to drink clean water,” Onya said. “I wish everybody in the world could drink clean water. Everybody in the district, the whole country and the whole world.”

Officials are now hopeful Pittsburgh Public will become a “national leader” in the fight against lead in school drinking water and will serve as a role model for other districts across the region and state.

Mr. Masur, noting that Pittsburgh Public is the state’s second-largest district that is also a high-needs district, said the project is “totally achievable” and is not a “pie in the sky idea. The technology exists today and it’s just a question of will school districts have the desire and will to follow the leadership of PPS to make these projects possible.”

For Mr. Walters, putting students first in both academics and health is a “no brainer.”

“Take the lead,” Mr. Walters said. “Take the lead on something that is important to the lives of our children that we serve daily.”

Cargill and GWC launched its Cargill Currents platform in 2021 to address water challenges faced by local communities. The program supports access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and enhanced water security in priority regions by tailoring to the specific needs of the target communities. The global program is expected to benefit more than 150,000 people by the end of 2024. Building on this partnership, Cargill and GWC are expanding their efforts across Brazil by constructing sanitation facilities and water supply systems, which will significantly improve drinking water provision, community health and the overall well-being of Brazilian community members throughout seven projects across five municipalities and watersheds.

The new projects in Brazil, managed by GWC through the Cargill Currents platform, are designed to build community resilience, promote economic development and deliver multiple socio-economic and sustainability co-benefits beyond water access alone. These initiatives will prioritize efforts to promote community health and livelihoods by improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). 

“Because of our position as a connector of the food system, Cargill has the unique ability to develop holistic water solutions that drive impact-at-scale. That’s why we’ve set a global ambition to enable a water positive impact across our operations, supply chains and communities by 2030,” said Michelle Grogg, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Cargill. “Partnering with organizations like Global Water Challenge is just one way we are working to strengthen local water systems. Together we will continue to drive sustainable change in communities where it is needed most.”

Following a Call for Proposals and a rigorous review process, Cargill and GWC have selected and partnered with the following organizations to drive and implement the in-country execution of the project’s goals and initiatives:

• ChildFund is a child-focused international development organization that helps deprived, excluded and vulnerable children to have the capacity to improve their lives and the opportunity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities. In Brazil, ChildFund has been working since 1966 to address challenges impacting Brazilian children living below the international poverty line. These challenges include inadequate education, poor health care and lack of access to safe drinking water. ChildFund works with local partners to provide support, protection and care for children so that they grow up healthy and strong. This work also includes improving water quality and preventing water-borne diseases and infant mortality.
• Instituto de Projetos e Pesquisas Socioambientais (IPESA) is a Brazilian NGO comprising experts and environmental activists working to build a sustainable society that balances economic growth, preservation of natural resources and social justice. IPESA has worked extensively in Brazil to train on appropriate water management and improving water and sanitation access in rural communities.

These two organizations will play an instrumental role in ensuring that project activities are implemented in collaboration with the local communities in the following Brazilian municipalities: Luís Eduardo Magalhães, São Desidério, Santarém, São Félix do Xingu and Rio Verde. Key interventions include community upliftment and improving clean water access through the construction and rehabilitation of water supply and distribution systems, the development of water treatment systems, the promotion of effective water systems management, WASH education and training – particularly to reduce water-borne diseases and the empowerment of communities through training in financial and entrepreneurship skills.

“This World Water Week, we celebrate the power of collective action and partnerships that galvanize sustainable solutions to address water access challenges,” said Monica Ellis, CEO of Global Water Challenge. “Cargill’s global commitment to addressing critical needs in priority regions and building community resilience is commendable. As the partnership is at the core of GWC’s water stewardship programs, we are excited to be a part of these continued efforts through the expansion of our partnership with Cargill into Brazil. Brazil will form part of a growing list of countries and communities where livelihoods are being positively impacted through our partnership.”

The Cargill Currents platform is one example of how Cargill is working toward its global ambition to enable water-positive impacts across their operations, supply chains and communities by 2030, in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6. The Cargill Currents program, in partnership with GWC, started in 2021 and has implemented 13 projects in Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, India and the United States, positively impacting nearly 48,000 people to date. The newly launched projects in Brazil are expected to benefit an estimated 41,000 people with improved water access, sanitation and hygiene. By the end of 2024, Cargill Currents initial investments aim to benefit up to 150,000 people with improved WASH in priority communities and basins around the world. Additional projects are in development for Europe, North America and West Africa.

Across the world, Cargill is dedicated to effectively balancing and addressing the shared water challenges of availability, quality and access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, using an approach that is informed by local context. You can learn more about Cargill’s commitment to water here.

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About Cargill

Cargill helps the world's food system work for you. We connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and families with everyday essentials – from the food they eat, to the ground they walk on. Our 160,000 team members worldwide innovate purposefully, empowering our partners and communities as we work to nourish the world safely, responsibly, and sustainably raise feed. This includes our 11,000 colleagues in Brazil, where we have worked since 1965 to make our global vision a local reality. The possibilities are limitless, from feeds that reduce methane emissions to renewable fuels based on waste from feeds meal synergies. But our values remain the same. We put people first. We got further. We do the right thing. And that's how Cargill meets the changing needs of the people we call neighbors and the planet we call home – today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com.

About Global Water Challenge (GWC) 

Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a coalition of leading organizations deploying expertise and networks to advance global water security and achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in communities around the world. Since 2006, GWC has positively impacted over 3 million across Africa, the Americas and Asia with clean water access, and its campaigns, tools, data, and best practices reach millions more. In collaboration with multi-sector partners, GWC engages in action – catalyzing financial resources and driving innovative programming for sustainable, local solutions. For more information, please visit globalwaterchallenge.org.

Press Information 
Emily Webster – media@cargill.com 
Madeline Flamik – madeline.flamik@globalwaterchallenge.org

Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF)

Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF)

The Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF), established in 1988, is a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate sustainable development through partnerships that deliver impact at scale. GETF builds and manages high impact public-private partnerships improving the lives of over 10 million people in 65 countries through water access, sanitation and hygiene, health systems strengthening, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. Partnership platforms under GETF’s management include the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), The Coca-Cola Foundation’s signature community water initiative, the Water and Development Alliance (WADA) and Project Last Mile Partnership (PLM) both partnerships between The Coca-Cola Company and USAID. GETF serves as the Secretariat for two high-impact water coalitions – Global Water Challenge and the US Water Partnership.  For more information visit http://www.getf.org.

“Forever home.” That’s how folks from Aurora, Colorado, whom I met last week describe the houses they bought outside Denver. 

Now those dream homes are caught in what may be America's most dire urban fracking nightmare. 

Over the last year, Aurora residents have discovered, and began a grassroots challenge against, a plan to erect 174 10-story-high oil wells that stretch horizontally underground for thousands of feet. 

The project is to be built next to a pristine, vital reservoir that hugs the city’s edge and shares its name. Nearby communities without reservoirs buy their water from Aurora. The snowmelt-fed water is so clean you can drink it while you swim in it.  

That all could change fast. Civitas, an oil company whose biggest investor is the Canadian equivalent of the Social Security Administration, wants to frack under the reservoir, nearby neighborhoods, and close to a Superfund toxic waste site. (“Fracking” is the process by drilling companies inject water, sand, and toxic chemicals underground to extract oil and gas.) The entire area in the proposal is more than 33,000 acres, with one drilling pad within 3,000 feet of a neighborhood.

What started as a Facebook page grew into a full-fledged campaign involving residents and allied environmental groups pushing city, county, and state officials to stop the fracking proposal from moving forward. Residents only learned of the plan when Civitas started trying to acquire the mineral rights under their houses and common areas controlled by homeowners’ associations.

At public hearings, “it’s the suits versus the T-shirts” says Marsha Goldsmith Kamin, referring to the blue shirts she and other fracking opponents wear. Kamin and her husband learned about the fracking proposal after they moved to the area in November to be closer to their three grandchildren. Opposing the wells amounts to a full-time job for the retiree now.

In Colorado, like most Western states, access to water remains a contentious issue. As its name suggests, the leading opposition group, Save the Aurora Reservoir, leads with the threat to drinking water for much of metro Denver. 

Beyond the direct threat of fracking under and around the reservoir, the proposed wells will demand billions of gallons of water that end up so polluted they’re lost to other uses. So Aurora, which has experienced recent droughts, would see precious water used to produce fossil fuels that are accelerating climate change that can make water even more scarce.  

The fracking would worsen Denver’s poor air quality as well. The Environmental Protection Agency raised its concern about ozone levels in the Rockies’ Front Range from serious to severe last year. The proposed wells would emit thousands of tons of “volatile organic compounds” and nitrogen oxide that make up ozone. 

A nearby Superfund site, created by a now-closed US Air Force base and city and county dumping, could be an unlikely hero in the story. The EPA won’t allow fracking under the unlined landfill, and more recently has raised questions about the impact of fracking on the already-leaking site’s structural integrity. Opponents hope that federal concern will help sway regulators in Colorado.

Opponents have made progress. Civitas agreed to move five well sites. The county commission, which narrowly defeated a drilling halt, this week is considering closing loopholes to its oil and gas ordinances to ensure no development within a mile of the reservoir. US representative Jason Crow wrote to commissioners reiterating residents’ concerns.

But Save the Aurora Reservoir activists are learning how far powerful interests can tilt the playing field. Civitas needs mineral rights from fewer than half of the property owners to force fracking on the rest. While the city has a one-mile setback preventing drilling near the reservoir, opponents must fight for the same from the county. 

“We think it’s so obvious that the downside is so much greater than the upside,” says Julie Huygen, an air force veteran who moved to Aurora two years ago. “But it feels like so much of the structure—the laws and regulations and approval process—are really working against us.” 

Kamin said she’s fighting for the grandchildren she relocated for. She’s energized by her eight-year-old granddaughter’s desire to take part. “She asked me, 'If they do that to the ground, where are the prairie dogs going to go?'”

Amway's latest innovation, the eSpring Water Purifier, marks a significant leap forward in consumer health and environmental sustainability. Utilizing cutting-edge UV-C LED technology, this groundbreaking system can treat up to 1,320 gallons of water annually, effectively eliminating the need for approximately 10,000 single-use plastic bottles. With over four decades of expertise in water treatment, Amway's eSpring technology stands as the global leader in home water purification.

The newly introduced model employs UV-C LEDs to eradicate up to 99.99% of harmful microorganisms and contaminants, ensuring that the water produced is not only safe but also boasts an improved taste profile. What's more, the redesigned eSpring is engineered for efficiency, consuming 25% less energy than its predecessors. Its user-friendly 2-1-0 filter change process, requiring just 2 minutes annually without the need for tools, further enhances its appeal to consumers seeking hassle-free maintenance.

Amway's unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in the eSpring's certification by the NSF as the first water treatment system with UV-C LED technology. Additionally, the company's dedication to excellence has earned it recognition from the Water Quality Association for delivering exceptional consumer water treatment products.

New Secondary Feature

Accompanying the launch of the eSpring is the introduction of the Amway Healthy Home App, providing users with remote monitoring capabilities for their devices. This latest addition underscores Amway's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and most importantly, consumer trust. By offering cutting-edge solutions that prioritize both the health of individuals and the planet, Amway continues to set the standard for excellence in the field of water purification

Potential Impacts

The eSpring Water Purifier represents a critical step forward in ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water. By effectively eliminating harmful microorganisms and contaminants, including those often found in tap water such as microplastics and PFAS, the system safeguards the health and well-being of consumers. This is particularly vital in regions where access to clean water is limited or where water quality is a concern. Additionally, the improved taste of the water enhances the overall drinking experience, promoting hydration and contributing to better overall health outcomes.

Furthermore, the user-friendly design of the eSpring, coupled with features like the Amway Healthy Home App for remote monitoring, ensures ease of use and maintenance, making clean water more accessible and manageable for consumers of all backgrounds.

On the environmental front, the eSpring Water Purifier's impact is equally profound. By treating up to 1,320 gallons of water annually, the system effectively reduces reliance on single-use plastic bottles, thereby curbing plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on ecosystems. The elimination of thousands of plastic bottles per unit not only reduces waste but also conserves valuable resources and mitigates the carbon footprint associated with the production and disposal of plastic.

Moreover, the eSpring's energy-efficient design, consuming 25% less energy compared to previous models, contributes to overall energy conservation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with broader efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable living practices.

Overall, the eSpring Water Purifier's dual impact on people and the planet underscores Amway's commitment to holistic well-being and environmental stewardship. By providing access to clean water while minimizing environmental harm, Amway sets a commendable example for companies seeking to address pressing global challenges through innovative solutions.

It’s the haul of volunteers participating in a 10-day competition that draws over 150 people, life-jacketed rivergoers of all ages that pile into dozens of canoes to scour Hungary’s second-largest river for trash that has flowed downstream.

Since its start in 2013, participants in the annual Plastic Cup competition — which offers a prize for those who collect the most trash each year — have gathered more than 330 tons (around 727,000 pounds) of waste from the Tisza and other Hungarian waters.

“The biggest source of global waste pollution is rivers. The waste comes down the rivers, through the seas and into the ocean, where currents form it into big islands,” Tamas said, referring to collections of debris and microplastics that ocean currents gather into giant fields called gyres.

“If we can prevent this global problem on the rivers, then less will enter the oceans,” he said. “Prevention, solving it at the beginning of the pipeline is the best. If it doesn’t get into the Tisza, then we have nothing to pull out."

Volunteers in Hungary have been cleaning up the Tisza River. The event is called the Plastic Cup and is a ten-day competition to remove waste from the waterway. (Aug 1.) (AP Video/Bela Szandelszky)

Calls for addressing the global plastics crisis have become more urgent in recent years as studies conclude that exposure to such pollution can carry grave ecological and human health risks.

Carbon dioxide emissions stemming from plastic manufacturing are known to contribute to climate change, and some studies suggest that plastics, particularly when broken down into tiny pieces, can have an impact on hormones, fertility, and the endocrine, nervous and immune systems, and can carry an increased risk of cancers.

Research cited by a 2023 United Nations Environment Programme report says microplastics, tiny fragments less than five millimeters in length, have been found “in the deepest recesses of the ocean, in pristine mountain glaciers, in breast milk and human bodies.”

According to the U.N., 75% of plastic waste originates in municipal solid waste streams before being carried into the oceans, “significantly contributing to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss” such as marine and coastal wildlife becoming entangled in plastic waste, or ingesting it after mistaking it for food.

On the Tisza, volunteers disembark from their canoes and scale the steep banks of the river with yellow collection bags in hand, entering the dense vegetation and braving the thick mosquitoes, thorns and nettles as they search for waste. Some use an open-source online application as a guide, where any user can mark places they’ve discovered larger deposits of trash throughout the year.

Once their canoes are overloaded with collection bags, they offload them on waiting “mother ships” — makeshift rafts floating on pontoons of baled plastic bottles — where team members collect the bags and begin sorting through the trash.

The volunteers, who camp in a new spot each night as they make their way downriver, collect an average of 70 tons (around 154,000 pounds) of waste from the Tisza each year. The group estimates it has removed nearly 4 million plastic bottles from Hungarian waterways, and all recyclable materials — around 60% of what they collect — is sent to recycling facilities for processing, while the rest is transported to landfills.

But Gergely Hanko, a conservation engineer and project leader for the Plastic Cup, said that while much of the waste can be removed by hand from the floodplain, there is much more that remains inaccessible.

“Part of the waste is built into the sludge of the river bed. It’s obviously not a good place for it, since fish and Tisza mayflies spawn there,” Hanko said. “We know that fragmented plastic ... has harmful effects. It can get into the blood, it can get into the drinking water, it goes everywhere, into the bodies of animals.”

While the quantity of solid waste pollution has been significantly improved on the Tisza in the decade since the Plastic Cup began, the concentration of microplastics remains high, according to a 2021 study by the University of Szeged, a southern Hungarian city straddling the Tisza.

That study found that microplastics in the river are present at 3-4,000 fragments per kilogram of sediment, a figure the study’s authors said is higher than that of India’s Ganges River, often touted as one of the most polluted in the world.

Hanko says a majority of the waste on the Tisza comes from its headwaters in the Transcarpathia region of Ukraine, where a lack of landfill capacities and collection infrastructure has resulted in improper disposal that carries the waste into Hungary following floods.

Tracing the problem to the source, the Plastic Cup last year provided financial support for waste management efforts in Ukraine, which succeeded in collecting 700 tons of waste from Ukraine’s Upper Tisza in 2022.

Yet as long as single-use plastics production remains high, such pollution is certain to persist. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the world produces 430 million metric tons of plastics each year, a figure that is set to triple by 2060 at current trajectories.

Over two-thirds of those plastics are short-lived or single-use products which soon become waste, and the U.N. estimates that 19 to 23 million tons of plastic leaks into aquatic ecosystems annually.

To tackle the problem, an international forum was held in Paris in May to exchange solutions on how to end plastic pollution. The forum drew on a U.N. study that found an 80% reduction in plastic pollution is possible by 2040 by “rethinking and redesigning products, reusing, recycling, reorienting and diversifying markets and addressing demand for durable plastics.”

Eszter Hosszu, 23, came to volunteer in the Plastic Cup for the first time this year, and said she felt driven to take action by what she sees as a darkening future amid climate change and ecological damage.

“I think environmental protection is everyone’s concern, to make sure that tomorrow will be livable. I think everyone has a responsibility,” she said. “A lot can be done with events like this, if you think about how much garbage we were able to collect in just one day.”

Over the years, the Plastic Cup has expanded to clean-ups on the Tisza Lake, the Bodrog and the Maros rivers. Tamas, the competition director, says that creating similar organizations in other countries could do much to relieve the burden on the oceans.

The Plastic Cup has engaged in international cooperation with others in Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, hoping to pass on the knowledge and experience they’ve gained to help others fight against pollution in their own rivers.

Hanko, the conservation engineer, said the organization’s hope is to bring the Tisza and other waterways into a condition where, rather than taking to the water to clean them up, their natural treasures can simply be enjoyed.

“The long-term goal is not to collect garbage, but to organize long-distance canoe tours,” Hanko said. ”We want to constantly clean (the Tisza), so that in the end, all we have to do is paddle.”

Data from the World Resources Institute suggests these countries are regularly using 80% of their water supplies each year.

WRI’s Aqueduct water risk map reveals demand for water is increasing around the world and has more than doubled since 1960.

While demand for water has plateaued in Europe and the US, it is soaring in Africa. By 2050, water demand around the world is projected to increase by between 20% and 25%.

The 25 countries under the most water stress include Saudi Arabia Chile, San Marino, Belgium and Greece. The five facing the highest water stress are Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon and Oman.

Globally, about 4 billion people, or half the world’s population, are exposed to extremely high water stress at least one month a year, according to the Aqueduct analysis. By 2050 the number could be closer to 60%.

“Living with this level of water stress jeopardises people’s lives, jobs, food and energy security. Water is central to growing crops and raising livestock, producing electricity, maintaining human health, fostering equitable societies and meeting the world’s climate goals. Without better water management, population growth, economic development and climate change are poised to worsen water stress,” the report’s authors say.

According to data from Aqueduct, 31% of global GDP – worth $70tn – will be exposed to high water stress by 2050, up from 24% ($15tn) in 2010. Four countries – India, Mexico, Egypt and Turkey – will account for more than half of the exposed GDP in 2050.

The water risk research says increased water stress threatens countries’ economic growth. It also affects food production. The research says 60% of the world’s irrigated agriculture faces extremely high water stress, particularly sugarcane, wheat, rice and maize. By 2050 the world will need to produce 56% more food calories than in 2010 to feed a projected 10 billion people.

In India, a lack of water to cool thermal power plants between 2017 and 2021 resulted in 8.2 terawatt-hours in lost energy– enough electricity to power 1.5m Indian households for five years.

The report says interventions can stop water stress leading to water crises. Singapore and Las Vegas have been able to thrive even under the most water-scarce conditions, the report notes. Authorities there have saved water using desalination and other techniques such as wastewater treatment and reuse.

Political will is needed to introduce water efficiency and reduce water stress, the report’s authors argue.

The 25 most water stressed countries are: Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Botswana, Iran, Jordan, Chile, San Marino, Belgium, Greece, Tunisia, Namibia, South Africa, Iraq, India and Syria.

According to the report, water use has been increasing globally by roughly 1% per year over the last 40 years “and is expected to grow at a similar rate through to 2050, driven by a combination of population growth, socio-economic development and changing consumption patterns.

Connor said that actual increase in demand is happening in developing countries and emerging economies where it is driven by industrial growth and especially the rapid increase in the population of cities. It is in these urban areas “that you’re having a real big increase in demand,” he said.

With agriculture using 70% of all water globally, Connor said, irrigation for crops has to be more efficient — as it is in some countries that now use drip irrigation, which saves water. “That allows water to be available to cities,” he said.

As a result of climate change, the report said, “seasonal water scarcity will increase in regions where it is currently abundant — such as Central Africa, East Asia and parts of South America — and worsen in regions where water is already in short supply, such as the Middle East and the Sahara in Africa.”

On average, “10% of the global population lives in countries with high or critical water stress” — and up to 3.5 billion people live under conditions of water stress at least one month a year, said the report issued by UNESCO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Since 2000, floods in the tropics have quadrupled while floods in the north mid-latitudes have increased 2.5-fold, the report said. Trends in droughts are more difficult to establish, it said, “although an increase in intensity or frequency of droughts and ‘heat extremes’ can be expected in most regions as a direct result of climate change.”

As for water pollution, Connor said, the biggest source of pollution is untreated wastewater.

“Globally, 80% of wastewater is released to the environment without any treatment,” he said, “and in many developing countries it’s pretty much 99%.”

These and other issues including protecting aquatic ecosystems, improving management of water resources, increasing water reuse and promoting cooperation across borders on water use will be discussed during the three-day U.N. Water Conference co-chaired by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon opening Wednesday.