What experts say it will take to solve West’s water problems

Last week, more than 400 scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers gathered at Arizona State University in Tempe for the "Transforming Water, West" convening. Organized by the ASU Water Institute, the event aimed to tackle the West's complex water problems by fostering coordinated systems, investment, and collaboration, moving beyond traditional approaches. Upmanu Lall, director of the ASU Water Institute, emphasized that water stress signals a misalignment of current systems with climate, societal, and economic realities, necessitating ambitious, coordinated solutions. The conference, held on March 20, served as a working session where participants quickly delved into discussions on infrastructure, climate adaptation, and investment strategies. Heramb Ramchandran of Sciens Water highlighted the need for implementation and collaboration across various sectors, including utilities, industry, and government. ASU President Michael M. Crow reinforced this sentiment, stating that "the old ways... simply won't work" and advocating for multiple pathways to problem-solving. The event also featured a technology showcase and a startup and investor pavilion, fostering connections between innovators and financiers. Keynote speaker Bruce Rittmann, a Regents Professor of environmental engineering at ASU, discussed reframing wastewater as an economic opportunity, proposing decentralized systems that recover energy, nutrients, and reusable water rather than relying on energy-intensive activated sludge. Palak Jauhari from Plug and Play underscored the water sector's underinvestment, noting that "a single large data center today uses about 5 million gallons of water per day," equivalent to a town's demand. Ben Thomson of Nona Technologies presented solutions, stating their technology could cut water consumption by 50%, while Heather Tugaoen, CEO of Watergenics, stressed the importance of real-time water measurement. Throughout the sessions, a consistent theme emerged: there is no single solution to the West's water challenges. Instead, progress will stem from integrating diverse technologies, public policies, and investment strategies. Jay Famiglietti, a Global Futures professor at ASU, praised the convening for bringing together diverse backgrounds to foster important conversations and partnerships, emphasizing the "amazing" opportunities for transformation through technology, especially ahead of World Water Day.