Perspectives on water treatment and desalination trends to combat climate change

Across the country, municipal water agencies are struggling with aging infrastructure. Agency budgets are stretched to their limits and federal funding initiatives will be critical in allowing projects to move forward. Repair and rehabilitation projects are at the top of many agency agendas, and a greater emphasis is being put on asset management programs and digital solutions.

Climate change and drought are also significant challenges facing our municipal water supply. With traditional water supplies stretched to the limit in many areas of the country, agencies are looking at all possible alternative water supplies, from brackish and seawater desalination to potable reuse to increase the resiliency of their water supply portfolios. As we look to these alternative water supplies, however, emerging contaminants are becoming a growing challenge.

Climate change has led agencies to look at water in a more holistic way, an Integrated Water Management or One Water approach, which results in the advancement of resilient solutions. Integrating digital innovations into water utility systems continues to gain traction in the industry. The use of machine learning software and real time water quality monitoring in water treatment and desalination systems are expanding rapidly, allowing agencies to do more with less, and make timely critical decisions to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the communities they serve.

As we see emerging contaminants like PFAS, microplastics, and others come under more scrutiny and new regulations put in place, robust water treatment systems are being required to ensure the protection of public health.

I am excited to make a greater impact by connecting with clients and colleagues across North America and leveraging our amazing talent and client-focused mentality in the water market. As a key component of our overall strategy moving forward, helping to promote and grow our North American water business is both an honor and a privilege.

Mark Donovan has provided full scale system design, operations support, and treatment process improvement/optimization services to municipal and industrial water treatment facilities worldwide. He has also worked closely with regulators to exchange ideas and achieve the ultimate goal of protecting public health. Mark has 25 years’ experience in the water treatment system process design, specializing in membrane filtration and desalination and is active in several water market organizations, including serving as the Chair of CalDesal.