Bluefield Research

While there’s plenty of debate about whether artificial intelligence (AI) will replace jobs, the technology's potential to transform the #watersector is undeniable. AI can optimize water management and help utilities tackle key industry challenges including #climatechange, urbanization, and workforce shortages. Bluefield Research was pleased to partner with Arcadis to compile case studies from utilities around the world, highlighting the operational improvements reported from #artificialintelligence. Based on our analysis, here are some examples of how AI can help deliver sustainable value for #waterutilities: 1?? Optimized data management paired with automated meter reading increases revenue capture. 2?? Algorithms impacting anomalies, optimizing detection and repairs reduce non-revenue water. 3?? Asset management decision-support tools can extend asset life and guide more efficient investments. 4?? Plant operational decisions leveraging asset analytics (e.g., flow, #waterquality) lead to cost-effective decisions. 5?? Pump programming analytics powered by AI cut energy costs significantly. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02Y-FDn0 Eric Bindler, Christine Ow, Keith Hays, Esteban Azagra, James P. Cooper, PE ??, Tanya McCoy-Caretti ??, Greg Osthues

The Build America, Buy America (#BABA) program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (#IIJA), is reshaping strategic considerations for companies serving the U.S. water industry. BABA incentivizes the use of American made building materials and products within infrastructure projects. BABA goes further than previous sourcing requirements by expanding both the scope of goods that are subjective to these requirements as well as the type of projects that are impacted. Prominent #waterindustry players are setting distinct examples in their strategies, illustrating how compliance with BABA can enhance competitive advantage in the #waterinfrastructure sector. Here are three examples: - The Wilo Group, headquartered in Germany, has rapidly expanded its U.S. presence through strategic acquisitions of U.S.-based Scot Pump, A Wilo Brand and Weil Pump, A Wilo Brand, and American-Marsh Pumps, A Wilo Brand, aimed at building a robust, BABA-compliant portfolio. - Swiss-based Sulzer has adopted a different approach, leveraging existing U.S. facilities to build specialized production lines tailored for high-demand, BABA-compliant products. - Pentair, with deep roots in the U.S. #watermarket, benefits from a vast domestic production infrastructure that aligns closely with BABA mandates. Build American Policy Compliance Altering U.S. Water Supply Chains –– New Research Note from Bluefield (available to U.S. & Canada #MunicipalWater Corporate Subscription Clients): https://hubs.ly/Q02YKRcB0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #FutureofWater Podcast "Build America, Buy America: What does it mean for the #watersector?": https://hubs.ly/Q02YKY9t0 For more #waterpolicy analysis: https://hubs.ly/Q02YKzbH0

Last week, Bluefield’s Europe team—Dovil? Vai?iūnait?, Maria Cardenal, and Zineb Moumen—was honored to attend a 'Women in Water' presentation in Barcelona. The speakers discussed challenges and solutions for #watersustainability, covering topics such as #drought resilience, reclaimed water planning, water circularity, and the increasing regulatory pressures on industries like #pharmaceuticals to manage water impacts responsibly. At Bluefield, we’re proud to support and amplify the work of women leading change in the #watersector. Learn more about our women team members: https://hubs.ly/Q02YdkVT0 #WomeninWater Joana Tobella Brunet, Nuria Campa?a, Marina Gaton

With the 2024 #election results in, #waterindustry executives are now weighing the potential impacts of a Trump presidency. What might this mean for the regulatory landscape? Bluefield's White Paper, 2024 U.S. Elections: Implications for the Water Industry, outlines key shifts ahead. "The central focus of Trump administration’s actions will likely be on means to accelerate permitting, slow the rollout of climate-related policies, and scale back environmental programs." Expect efforts to chip away at policies through administrative avenues and judicial challenges, especially targeting #PFAS regulation and other #waterquality measures. ?? Download the complimentary White Paper to understand what’s at stake for the water sector under this new administration. https://hubs.ly/Q02Y47Q20

Don't miss our last client webcast of 2024 -- The Future of Water is Digital: Pinpointing Market Opportunities in North America and Europe On November 20th at 11 AM EST: Our team of water experts will dive into our new North America and Europe’s digital water forecasts, highlighting the unique and shared drivers behind tech investments in these regions. We'll cover key trends like cloud adoption, #AI, and #cybersecurity, and explore the competitive landscape—identifying growth opportunities and spotlighting both established players and agile startups. Key questions addressed by this webcast: 1. What are the overarching and region-specific drivers behind utility digital water adoption? 2. What is the high-level growth outlook for the digital water market in North America and in Europe, and where are the key pockets of opportunity for both legacy and emerging #digitaltechnologies (e.g., #SCADA, #metering, AI)? 3. What are the primary similarities and differences between the digital water markets in North America and Europe, as well as across individual states, countries, and subregions? 4. How are emerging trends such as cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity shaping the market landscape? 5. How has the #digitalwater competitive landscape evolved over time in each region, and who are the top players to watch moving forward? Register to save your seat: https://hubs.ly/Q02XhkgN0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ More analysis of global digital water markets: https://hubs.ly/Q02Xhl0-0 Bluefield corporate subscription clients have access to our full webcast series across key topics: https://hubs.ly/Q02XhjTN0

While we await the poll results, it's clear that this U.S. presidential election will have significant impacts on the water industry—regardless of the winning candidate. Check out our latest white paper via Aquatech, where we break down what this election could mean for #waterfunding and infrastructure priorities under either administration. https://lnkd.in/evANijhX

We're looking forward to our very own Greg Goodwin, Senior Research Director at Bluefield Research, speaking at the #CWAAnnualSummit on Thursday, November 7th. Greg will be part of the "Securing the Future of Infrastructure" panel, where he’ll discuss the impacts of the 2024 U.S. elections on the #waterindustry and what it means for future investments in #waterinfrastructure. Greg will be speaking alongside panelists including Jonathan Reeder (Wells Fargo), Anne Serewicz, (C.L. King & Associates), and moderator by Marty Kropelnicki, (California Water Service). Book a meeting with Greg at this conference here: https://lnkd.in/euf75_i8

??#HappyHalloween from Bluefield Research! Have you ever thought about #wateruse in candy production or for growing pumpkins? Did you know that Halloween candy, especially chocolate, has a high #waterfootprint? Producing just 1 kilogram of chocolate takes about 17,000 liters of water. With cocoa farming relying heavily on #water, candy production places added pressure on water-scarce regions. https://hubs.ly/Q02WrbqW0 Halloween's iconic pumpkins are water-intensive crops. Illinois, the top pumpkin-producing state, uses an estimated 127,200 megaliters of water for pumpkin cultivation annually, largely for irrigation. That’s a major seasonal water expense! https://hubs.ly/Q02WrbFF0 To see how the water footprint compares across foods, check out this handy water calculator: https://hubs.ly/Q02Wr9RJ0 Today, as you bite into your Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, let's remember and appreciate the #valueofwater in helping facilitate this holiday. The Bluefield team wishes you a fun, safe, and sustainable Halloween! ????

California reservoir levels are higher than their low point during the drought in 2022 but many are below 80 percent capacity, according to the California Department of Water Resources. https://hubs.ly/Q02Wj45G0 In an effort to combat future droughts and #waterstress, California is setting the pace for long-term U.S. water strategy with new conservation mandates, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable water use. By 2027, urban water suppliers will face tailored conservation targets based on local conditions, focusing on #waterreuse and advanced treatment technologies. "California stands as another example of a region facing severe droughts and implementing successful #watermanagement strategies," says Reese Tisdale, President & CEO of Bluefield Research. Learn more about what the state is doing in an effort to combat future droughts: - California’s new regulations represent a departure from the one-size-fits-all mandates of the past. - The financial landscape of California’s water management is set to transform significantly. - A critical component of California’s long-term #waterstrategy will need to be an emphasis on water reuse, advanced treatment technologies. Read Bluefield's full perspective here: https://hubs.ly/Q02WhYJM0 To connect with Bluefield at next week’s 2024 California Water Association Annual Summit (#CWAAnnualSummit), schedule a meeting with Greg Goodwin, our Senior Research Director. https://hubs.ly/Q02Wjh4Z0

We’re thrilled to have Maria Cardenal from our Europe team representing Bluefield Research at the #DigitalWaterSummit in Bilbao! On November 12th, Maria will be speaking on the evolving landscape of #digitalwater technologies, spotlighting essential trends, competitive dynamics, and market forecasts for the sector. Key topics from Maria's presentation will include the accelerating adoption of #IoT, advanced sensors, and data-driven decision-making in water. Digital water players have significant opportunities to grow through strategic partnerships and innovative tech. However, #cybersecurity and financial constraints remain pressing challenges as the sector gears up for strong growth in the decade ahead. Planning to attend? Schedule time to connect with Maria here: https://lnkd.in/eHkWrY9T?