The Future of Water

Abu Dhabi’s TAQA is acquiring Spain-based GS Inima for US$1.2 billion, creating one of the most interesting moves in the global water sector this year. TAQA has long been known as a power and desalination leader in the Gulf, while GS Inima brings decades of experience managing water projects across Europe and Latin America. Together, the companies form a new global player with nearly 50 assets across 10 countries. In this episode, podcast host Reese Tisdale and Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo break down the deal and its implications for the global water sector: What does TAQA gain by acquiring GS Inima’s global portfolio? How does exposure to Europe and Brazil shift its risk profile and strategy? Why is Brazil attracting so much private investment in water, and what challenges come with it? Do GS Inima’s European projects provide a counterweight to emerging market risks? What does this acquisition signal for competition with global players like Veolia and ENGIE? If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: TAQA Expands Strategic Footprint Through GS Inima

Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse joins host Reese Tisdale to unpack Bluefield’s latest analysis of municipal utility capital improvement plans (CIPs) across the U.S. and Canada. Covering 777 utilities across all 50 U.S. states and 8 Canadian provinces, the study captures over US$400 billion in planned investment through 2034. With five years of data (2021–2025) and more than 40,000 projects segmented across stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water, these plans are more than just documents—they’re roadmaps for billions in spending, revealing priorities, funding expectations, and regulatory pressures that shape the water sector. Key questions addressed in this episode: Why did Bluefield undertake this capital improvement plan analysis? How did Bluefield approach the methodology and data gathering? What does the spending outlook look like through 2034? Which segments and utilities stand out as the biggest opportunities? What are the broader takeaways for utilities, vendors, and investors looking ahead? If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: U.S. & Canada Municipal Utility Capital Improvement Plans, 2025–2034 U.S. Water & Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure CAPEX Forecasts, 2025–2035 U.S. Stormwater Infrastructure Market: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts & Investment Outlook, 2024–2030

This week, podcast host Reese Tisdale takes the mic solo to ask a question that’s been bothering him: Why does no one care about water? Reese steps away from the usual market forecasts and company strategies to dig into the bigger picture—the hidden value of water, the cracks showing in our systems, and why the most essential resource on earth is so often overlooked. From the invisible gallons behind the food we eat and the clothes we wear, to the staggering imbalance in federal spending, to the mounting pressure from climate, infrastructure, and population growth—this episode shines a light on the urgency of water and the opportunities to adapt. Topics covered include: Why water is taken for granted in the developed world The hidden water footprint behind everyday products How clean water infrastructure investments have doubled U.S. life expectancy Cracks in the system: leaks, aging pipes, and new demands from data centers and population growth The human factor: affordability, politics, and shifting utility budgets Opportunities in reuse, desalination, digital tools, and new financing models Reese closes with a reminder: there’s no substitute for water. If climate is the shark, water is the teeth. And while the challenges are real, so too are the opportunities—making now, in a strange way, the best time to be in the water sector. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: The Future of Water: Securing One Thing We Can't Replace

This week, podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Boston-based Senior Analyst Amber Walsh and Barcelona-based Analyst Zineb Moumen in Barcelona to compare two of the world’s largest industrial water markets. With the release of Bluefield’s new industrial water forecasts and market trends analysis, they explore how the U.S. & Canada and Europe stack up across market size, growth, and opportunity. From semiconductor fabs and data centers to food, chemicals, and power generation, Bluefield's water experts discuss the sectors driving water spend, the regulatory and incentive frameworks shaping each market, and the geographic hotspots for investment. They also examine the CAPEX vs. OPEX dynamics and how companies can position themselves for success in two very different market environments. Key questions explored in this episode: How do the U.S. & Canada and Europe industrial water markets compare in size and growth? Which industrial sectors are creating the biggest water opportunities? What role do regulations and incentives play in shaping industrial water investment? Where are the geographic hotspots? Where’s the bigger opportunity: CAPEX or OPEX? How should companies position themselves for success? If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Europe Industrial Water Market Outlook: Trends, Drivers, and Forecasts, 2025–2030 U.S. & Canada Industrial Water & Wastewater Market: Key Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030 U.S. Water for Data Centers: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030

From bold new initiatives in Canada to proposed federal budget cuts in the U.S., major policy shifts are reshaping the water landscape across North America. In this episode, Bluefield’s water experts unpack what these changes mean for funding, regulation, and the future of water infrastructure. Canada’s launch of a national Water Agency and CAD$650M Freshwater Action Plan marks a turning point, while in the U.S., the “Big Beautiful Bill” and EPA workforce cuts raise big questions about the direction of federal support. Bluefield's President & CEO Reese Tisdale and Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin dig into the potential impacts for utilities, technology providers, and the broader market. Key questions explored in this episode: What’s happening in Canada, and why does it matter? What’s the status of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and what does it mean for water? How will State Revolving Fund (SRF) cuts impact utilities and the market? EPA layoffs—what does this mean for water science and regulation? If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: U.S. & Canada Water Policy Review: Key Developments and Market Outlook, H1 2025 EPA PFAS Changes Clarify Rulemaking Intent Tariffs and Beyond: Q&A Session Risk and Resiliency in the Global Water Sector

In this episode of The Future of Water, Bluefield Senior Analyst Amber Walsh joins host Reese Tisdale to break down Grundfos’s recent acquisition of Newterra and what it signals for the future of decentralized water treatment. Amber not only unpacks the deal itself—Grundfos’s fifth treatment-related acquisition since 2020—but also explores the broader competitive landscape for onsite treatment solutions. Decentralized treatment, also referred to as onsite water management, is gaining traction among industrial, and increasingly municipal and commercial, users. But why? What’s driving solutions providers like Grundfos to expand into treatment? And what does this mean for customers? We get into it all—plus the market opportunities, players to watch, and the underlying trends shaping the shift toward modular systems. Key Topics Covered: Grundfos + Newterra: Why the world’s largest pump manufacturer is acquiring a U.S.-based modular treatment firm. Strategic Expansion: A look at Grundfos’s treatment push—from Eurowater and MECO to the recent acquisition of Culligan’s C&I business. Industrial Market Growth: U.S. industrial water market projected at US$22.9B in 2025, with high-growth segments in pharma, data centers, and food & beverage. Why Decentralized?: Faster deployment, on-site reuse, risk outsourcing—meeting demands in a changing regulatory and infrastructure landscape. Who Else Is Playing?: From Saur’s 13 acquisitions since 2020 to Xylem’s Evoqua acquisition, to PE-backed firms building up treatment players—Amber outlines the rising competition. What’s Next: M&A, lifecycle services, digital integration, and a growing focus on water reuse are transforming the treatment ecosystem. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Newterra Pushes Grundfos Along Water Value Chain U.S. Water for Data Centers: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030 U.S. & Canada Industrial Water & Wastewater Market: Key Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030

Today’s guest, Bluefield Analyst Megan Bondar, joins host Reese Tisdale to unpack the growing role of investor-owned utilities (IOUs) in the U.S. water sector. From calculating market share to tracking M&A activity and geographic expansion, Megan brings fresh insights into how IOUs are positioning themselves in a fragmented market of 49,000 drinking water and 18,000 wastewater systems. Though IOUs currently serve only about 5% of the U.S. population, their influence is expanding—through acquisitions, capital investments, and shifting ownership strategies. This episode also explores how consolidation is playing out in different forms, including municipal-to-municipal deals and the rise of quasi-public entities. This episode answers key questions: Who are the IOUs in the U.S., and what’s their footprint? How are IOUs reshaping the water market through M&A? What are the capital strategies behind IOU growth? What role is private equity playing in this sector? How are regional realignments and exits redefining competition? If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Investor-Owned Utilities in Water: Market Share, Trends, and Company Rankings Nexus’s Utility Sell-Off Goes to American Water Unitil Carves Out Water Presence via Aquarion Platform

Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo joins host Reese Tisdale to share insights from Bluefield's recent research across European countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, France, and Spain. This episode explores the evolving landscape of Europe’s water sector—from climate shocks to regulatory shakeups—and what it all means for utilities, investors, and technology vendors. The conversation highlights what specific regions are focusing on, the biggest challenges they’re facing, and how water sector stakeholders are responding. Bluefield’s water experts unpack key trends, including: Why Europe’s seemingly mature water sector is facing a wave of disruption—from climate shocks and regulatory pressure to investment churn and digital transformation How cracks are emerging in energy reliability, water loss, and the digital divide across countries The role of EU directives versus national implementation in shaping infrastructure strategy Where the biggest opportunities lie across digital water, reuse, resilience, and asset renewal How French giants like Veolia, Suez, and Saur are shifting strategies to lead in this evolving landscape Why PFAS regulations, sludge treatment requirements, and infrastructure M&A may be the next big catalysts If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Italy Water & Wastewater Municipal Market: Trends, Drivers, and Forecasts The Netherlands Water & Wastewater Municipal Market: Trends, Drivers, and Forecasts Spain’s Blackouts Strain Water Utilities

In this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Amber Walsh, who shares insights from her latest research on the growing water demands of high tech. With billions in investment flowing into semiconductor fabs and data centers, these sectors are becoming major players in the water space—and are quietly reshaping infrastructure strategy from the ground up. Bluefield’s water experts unpack key trends, including: The increasing reliance on ultrapure water and advanced reuse systems in next-gen semiconductor manufacturing. How the rise of artificial intelligence is intensifying thermal loads, forcing data centers to adopt more water-intensive cooling technologies—and driving new investment in water management. The emergence of Water-as-a-Service models and public-private partnerships, as firms like Intel, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services rethink how they finance and manage water infrastructure. This episode offers a clear view of how data centers and semiconductor fabs are becoming central to the conversation around water strategy—and why utilities, investors, and vendors should be paying close attention. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: U.S. Water for Data Centers: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030 U.S. & Canada Industrial Water & Wastewater Market: Key Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030 Investment Pours into Spain Data Centers

In this episode of The Future of Water, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Christine Ow to explore one of the fastest-evolving segments in the water sector: metering. Christine shares insights from Bluefield's new report, Global Water Metering Outlook: Evolving Technology Trends, Business Models, Competitive Landscape, and Leading Companies, which offers a detailed view of the US$6.8 billion global metering market. With digital transformation accelerating, water meters are no longer just endpoints—they’re becoming the digital backbone of utility networks. The discussion highlights how business models are shifting toward subscription-based offerings, how telecom players are entering the space, and how leading vendors are leveraging analytics and AI to create new value for utilities and customers alike. Key topics covered: The shift from traditional meter replacement cycles to subscription-based models The entry of telecom players supporting smart meter rollouts, especially in Europe How vendors are integrating analytics and artificial intelligence to deliver more than just water measurement Market-specific trends, including policy shifts in the U.S., AMP8 in the U.K., and funding in Spain Why static and ultrasonic meters are gaining traction in mature markets as costs decline If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Global Water Metering Outlook: Evolving Technology Trends, Business Models, Competitive Landscape, and Leading Companies Metering-as-a-Service to Find Market Niche Europe Digital Water Market Outlook: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts, and Forecasts, 2024–2033

In this episode of The Future of Water, Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to break down U.S. municipal water and wastewater treatment CAPEX forecasts through 2035. Bluefield’s latest market model projects US$515 billion in treatment infrastructure capital expenditures, with spend expected to grow from US$37 billion in 2025 to over US$57 billion by 2035—driven by aging assets, stricter regulatory standards, and shifting service demands. Together, Reese and Charlie dig into the methodology behind the forecast, which incorporates asset inventories for over 75,000 treatment plants, EPA data across all 50 states, and detailed spending breakouts by project type, utility size, and asset category. They also explore: Why nearly 80% of investment will go toward upgrades and rehab rather than new builds Why mid-sized utilities represent a key growth opportunity for infrastructure and technology providers How the Southern U.S.—especially Texas and Florida—is both a growth engine and a high-risk investment zone The uneven and uncertain rollout of IIJA funding, with only 14% of appropriated funds distributed so far If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: U.S. Water & Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure CAPEX Forecasts, 2025–2035 U.S. Water & Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure CAPEX Data

Bluefield’s latest snapshot of the top 50 publicly traded water companies shows a sector still growing—but with turbulence under the surface. In this episode, host Reese Tisdale digs into Bluefield's Q1 2025 snapshot of the top companies in water, highlighting how they are navigating tariffs, tightening supply chains, and shifting strategies. While topline revenue growth remains strong, rising input costs and policy uncertainty are forcing companies to sharpen their focus—pruning non-core assets, streamlining operations, and zeroing in on their strongest water plays. Meanwhile, regulated water utilities, with their steady cash flows and inelastic demand, are starting to look a lot more attractive. In a landscape shaped by tariffs, inflation, and bond market pressure, this might just be the moment where “boring is beautiful.” If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Top Companies in Water: Financial Signals and Market Trends, Q1 2025 Water Mergers & Acquisitions: Trends and Deal Flow, Q1 2025

Policy in Washington is in flux—and our clients had questions. Lots of them. Following Bluefield’s recent client webcast, Uncertain Times: The State of Water Policy in Washington, podcast host Reese Tisdale and Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin reconvene to answer the questions they didn’t have time to address live. In this episode, they unpack critical developments shaping the water sector—from funding volatility and regulatory shifts to cross-border tensions and infrastructure outlooks. Topics covered, questions answered: Is Bluefield's market sizing number across main verticals total or annualized? If the San Francisco vs. EPA court decision will lead to more niche requirements, will permitting get more complicated? Are Chicago’s US$15B consent decree costs included in the municipal total? Underestimated? What does a second Trump administration mean for the digital water market? Will agencies like USGS be affected too? Can you break down the US$13B in impounded funding? Which programs were impacted? Project 2025 and Mandy Gunasekara’s take on increased SRF funding—realistic or contradictory? With Russian gas returning, how does U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) outlook impact water markets? Is the Boundary Waters Treaty or International Joint Commission under threat? Are manufacturers reshoring due to political pressure? Has the federal share of water infrastructure funding declined—and where is it heading? If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Uncertain Times: The State of Water Policy in Washington U.S. & Canada Water Policy Review: Key Developments and Market Outlook, H1 2025

In this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield colleagues Keith Hays and Chloé Meyer to unpack the rapid expansion of data centers in Spain and the growing challenges related to water and energy management. Key topics covered: Why dig into this topic now? Driven by AI, global data consumption is accelerating and Spain is emerging as a major data center hub. Developers are now facing growing pressure to balance growth with limited resources like land, energy, and water. What makes Spain an attractive market for data centers? Spain offers lower energy and land costs, fast-track approvals, and strategic geographic positioning compared to more constrained FLAP-D markets. How are companies addressing growing concerns around water use? Developers are taking different approaches: Meta is revising its cooling strategies with air and dry-cooling to reduce water use, while AWS is investing in leak detection, offset projects, and local water infrastructure. How are local communities responding to exponential data center growth? While regions like Aragon are expanding rapidly, others like Lleida are pushing back over water use and long-term economic benefits. How will AI-driven growth shape future water and energy demands? AI workloads are accelerating data center demand, leading to higher energy density and cooling needs. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Investment Pours into Spain Data Centers Corporate Water Sustainability: Project Trends, Targets, and Management Approaches U.S. & Canada Industrial Water & Wastewater Market: Key Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030

In Episode 114 of The Future of Water podcast, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Research Senior Analyst Ethan Edwards for a deep dive into the water landscape, focusing on the evolving role of the equipment rental sector. The conversation centers on the competitive dynamics among major rental companies such as Herc, Sunbelt, and United Rentals, with a spotlight on Herc’s recent US$5.3 billion acquisition of H&E Equipment Services. Ethan breaks down the impact of this deal, positioning Herc as the third-largest equipment rental company in North America. He also discusses how original equipment manufacturers rely on rental firms to distribute pumps, dewatering systems, and trench safety solutions, particularly as municipalities and industries adopt asset-light models. He highlights that rental companies are an essential channel for water equipment, especially in sectors like mining, construction, and oil & gas. Key Takeaways: The Water Connection: Rental companies are not just providing equipment—they're offering full-service dewatering and treatment solutions, competing directly with specialized water service providers. Consolidation Trends: With companies like United Rentals and Sunbelt expanding through acquisitions, the rental sector is seeing increased consolidation. Strategic Shifts: Pump manufacturers are increasingly relying on top rental companies for distribution, as exclusive supply agreements and co-branded deals help maintain steady demand and strengthen their market positions. Looking Ahead: Ethan shares insights on how AI and connected worksites could further transform equipment rental strategies, particularly in water-related projects. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Herc’s US$5.3B Acquisition: Reshaping the Water Rental Market Channel

Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield’s Analyst Christine Ow to discuss the latest developments in digital water. From Badger Meter’s expansion into wastewater to Ferguson’s growing presence in smart buildings, Bluefield's water experts examine recent acquisitions, investment trends, and the competitive landscape in the U.S. and Europe. With the U.S. and Canada digital water market set to double by 2033, Christine and Reese take a closer look at what’s driving investment, how markets in the U.S. and Europe compare, and where the biggest opportunities lie. Key Topics Discussed: Badger Meter's Move into Wastewater: Badger Meter’s US$185 million acquisition of SmartCover Systems marks a shift into wastewater asset management. What does this signal about their long-term strategy? Christine and Reese break down how this acquisition fits into Badger’s history of strategic growth, its expansion beyond metering, and its increasing focus on wastewater and potentially stormwater solutions. Ferguson's Expansion into Smart Buildings: Ferguson’s partnership with WINT Water Intelligence marks another step in its digital water expansion. What does this mean for the company’s strategy? The conversation explores Ferguson’s push beyond hardware distribution into software solutions, how it compares to Core & Main’s digital strategy, and what this means for the broader smart buildings market. The U.S. & Canada Digital Water Market Forecast: The U.S. and Canada digital water market is set to double from US$11.5 billion in 2024 to US$23.8 billion by 2033​. What are the key drivers? This segment highlights the role of policy, funding initiatives, cybersecurity concerns, and the increasing demand for AI-driven analytics and IoT solutions. Comparing the U.S. & Canada and Europe's Digital Water Markets: Each region has different regulatory and investment landscapes. How does this impact digital water adoption? Bluefield's water experts discuss the centralized regulatory approach in Europe versus the fragmented U.S. market, the challenges of funding and procurement cycles, and how these factors influence digital technology adoption in utilities. What's Next for the Digital Water Market?: With market consolidation and increasing investment, what are the key trends to watch? The discussion covers the potential impact of tariffs, economic uncertainty affecting M&A activity, the rise of smart stormwater solutions, and the growing role of AI in utility decision-making. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Badger Meter Uncovers Wastewater Growth Ferguson Adds WINT to Growing Digital Water Solutions Portfolio

Spanish engineering firms have played a significant role in the global water sector, leading major desalination and water treatment projects across Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond. But recent financial pressures, acquisitions, and shifting competition are reshaping the landscape. In this episode, host Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo about the evolving strategies of firms such as GS Inima, Acciona, FCC Aqualia, and Ferrovial. Our water experts break down the implications of GS Inima’s pending sale, how Spanish firms are navigating market consolidation, and whether they can maintain leadership amid growing competition from French and Chinese players. Key topics include: The GS Inima sale—why it’s happening and what it means for global desalination. How Spain’s top water firms, including Acciona, FCC Aqualia, and Tedagua (now under Vinci), are navigating growth and consolidation. Spain’s continued leadership in desalination and whether competition from French and Chinese firms is shifting the balance. Vinci’s acquisition of Tedagua and the broader implications for consolidation trends in water engineering. The future outlook—where Spanish firms are expanding next and what challenges they face. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Global Desalination: Market Share and Company Rankings Spain Municipal Water Market Overview Leading Water Engineering Firms: Profiling Company Strategies and Trends

In this episode, Bluefield's Private Water Analyst Megan Bondar joins host Reese Tisdale to discuss the latest findings on U.S. water and sewer rates. What has changed in 2024? With Bluefield’s ninth annual analysis covering data from 50 of the largest U.S. cities, this episode explores key trends in pricing, affordability challenges, and the factors driving rising household water bills. What you’ll learn in this episode: How much have water rates increased? Household water and sewer bills have climbed 4.6% from 2023 to 2024, and surged 24% in the past five years. What’s behind rising costs? Inflation, aging infrastructure, and slow federal funding distribution are putting financial pressure on utilities and ratepayers. How do rates vary across the U.S.? The Northeast region leads with the highest monthly combined residential bill, while cities like Phoenix and Long Beach offer some of the lowest rates. What are the affordability challenges? In some cities, minimum wage workers must work over 20 hours per month just to cover their water bills, exceeding EPA affordability thresholds. What strategies are utilities using? Tiered rate structures, volumetric surcharges, and infrastructure surcharges are some of the ways utilities are addressing affordability while investing in upgrades. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: U.S. Municipal Utility Water Rates Index 2024: Drinking Water & Sewer

Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Mike Muroff to dive into Diehl Metering’s recent acquisition of Preventio, a software company specializing in AI-powered solutions like leak detection and predictive maintenance. This deal is not just a major step for Diehl’s digital water strategy, but also reflects broader trends in Europe and beyond. Preventio enhances Diehl's existing capabilities, particularly within its Analytics & Services division, which focuses on water loss management and IoT solutions. This acquisition positions Germany-based Diehl Metering alongside competitors like Xylem and Itron, who have also made strides in analytics and IoT, while marking a strategic pivot for the company as it strengthens its digital portfolio. Economic and geopolitical shifts in Europe—especially in Germany—have also influenced this transaction. Challenges like the energy crisis and restrictive data regulations are driving demand for innovative solutions, while Diehl’s success in international markets like the U.S. and Saudi Arabia highlights the global potential for scaling Preventio’s offerings. This acquisition marks an important move in addressing critical market challenges like water scarcity and energy efficiency. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: Diehl Ups Digital Water Focus with Preventio Acquisition

In this year-end episode of The Future of Water, podcast host and Bluefield President Reese Tisdale shares his reflections on the most pressing issues that shaped the water sector in 2024 and offers a forward-looking perspective for 2025. Covering a range of topics, Reese dives into global trends, challenges, and opportunities that you need to watch in the new year. 1. Germany’s Economic Challenges and the EU's Troubles Germany, the largest economy in the Eurozone, faces mounting challenges—from slow GDP growth to underinvestment in infrastructure. These issues have ripple effects across Europe, including the water sector, as infrastructure upgrades struggle to keep pace with economic pressures. 2. EPA’s Cybersecurity Report: A Wake-Up Call The EPA’s report on vulnerabilities in U.S. drinking water systems highlights critical cybersecurity risks. With nearly 193 million Americans reliant on systems susceptible to high-risk threats, the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy has never been more urgent. 3. Thames Water’s Financial Challenges The U.K.’s largest water utility is grappling with nearly £19 billion in debt, stringent regulatory oversight, and mounting public scrutiny. Reese explores the financial and operational pressures reshaping the U.K. water market and what it means for utilities globally. 4. Water Sector M&A Maintains Momentum While the pace of transactions has moderated, 2024 saw 334 water sector deals, driven by falling interest rates and infrastructure incentives. Reese highlights the segments and companies leading the charge, from hardware & equipment to geographic expansion in key markets. 5. Companies Putting Water First Major players like Georg Fischer, Kemira, Veralto, and DuPont Water Solutions continued to prioritize water in 2024, driving sustainability, innovation, and technological advancements. Their strategies underscore the rising prominence of water as a critical industry focus. 6. U.S. Elections: Shaping Water’s Future The 2024 U.S. elections introduced significant implications for water policy and funding. Reese examines how shifts in political leadership could influence federal regulations, public funding programs, and private sector dynamics in the years ahead. If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: U.S. & Canada Digital Water Market Outlook: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts, and Forecasts, 2024–2033 Hardware, Equipment, and Services Distributors: Channel Strategies for the Water Sector 2024 U.S. Elections: Implications for the Water Industry