Atlanta’s journey to 2050: Rising to the challenge of resilient Water infrastructure
At a glance
As Atlanta looks toward 2050, water resilience stands out as one of the city’s most urgent and complex challenges. This episode of the My City in 2050 series explores the vulnerability of aging infrastructure and the need for bold, forward-thinking solutions. In this conversation, Khalid draws on deep experience with Atlanta’s water systems to explore how the city can move from reactive crisis response to long-term leadership in water security.
Key highlights
A candid, forward-looking conversation about Atlanta’s water future, blending realism with ambition. The discussion features real stories, expert insights and practical examples of how infrastructure, technology and partnerships can transform water security for a growing city. It highlights both the progress made and the work still to be done, calling for community engagement, innovation and bold commitments to realize Atlanta’s vision for 2050.
Working toward a resilient water future
Atlanta’s water infrastructure is a mix of old and new, with some pipes downtown dating back more than 130 years. As the city has grown, it has integrated other water infrastructure and now serves more than a million people. The challenges are significant: aging transmission mains that break unexpectedly, treatment plants running at capacity and residents struggling with low water pressure.
Modernizing this vast system is a monumental task. Full replacement isn’t realistic in the short term, but phased upgrades and prioritizing the most critical assets can make a real difference. Funding remains a hurdle. Atlanta’s municipal option sales tax helps, but long-term resilience will require creative solutions, including public-private partnerships with region-based industry stakeholders.
Technology offers hope for a more reliable future. Smart sensors, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance can help detect issues before they become crises. Examples from around the world show what’s possible: Toronto’s Ashbridge’s Bay wastewater treatment plant used a design-build-operate model to cut costs and timelines by 25%, while Singapore’s public utility achieved nearly 30% citywide water reuse through real-time monitoring and recycling technology. Washington, DC’s environmental impact bond tied $25 million in funding directly to green infrastructure performance.
Atlanta can learn from these successes, adapting best practices to local needs and constraints. As Khalid notes, “There are examples around the world which could be replicated successfully in Atlanta.”
As Atlanta attracts new businesses, especially data centers and other high-demand users, balancing industrial needs with residential water supply is critical. Solutions like industrial water reuse can help balance economic growth with community access to clean water.
Looking ahead, the vision for 2050 is a climate-ready water system supported by healthy watersheds, restored floodplains and robust infrastructure. Conservation, stewardship and innovation must become part of daily life, city planning and industry practices. By 2050, every Atlantan should benefit from a secure, sustainable water supply—no matter where they live.