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The Ripple Effect: When Action Becomes Change

Cast an object into a body of water and watch the ripples expand and integrate with other ripples. In our work and life, we can create our own ripples and they interact with one another in complex ways. As our water community contends with the challenges and opportunities facing our water future, it encourages us to grow and expand our knowledge, know-how and creativity beyond the precedent. Let’s learn from each other and dive into the big questions facing the sector. For example, what are we doing to implement greener solutions in water infrastructure and ensure the resilience of our water, wastewater and stormwater systems? How are we combatting the increasingly frequent impacts of climate change and preparing for emergencies and disasters? From addressing cybersecurity threats, water procurement and asset management to upholding water equity, source protection and public health for all - there is much to consider. 

This is a time to dig deeper and highlight the experts, knowledge-keepers and innovators working in the field. How are we caring for our water, and what is changing in industry? What new knowledges, traditions, technologies and techniques are we connecting with? What does the future of water require from all of us?

Infrastructure is an evergreen topic in the water and wastewater industry. It is the constant and physical component of the water industry that ties together entire systems, facilities, technologies and services to provide reliable, safe and clean drinking water to populations. While infrastructure serves a practical purpose that demands maintenance and upkeep, it also sparks discussion on what is possible and can best serve the public in the long- and short-term.

In this issue, we want to look at the inherently interconnected approach to water infrastructure in our sector. From master planning, consultation and asset management to on-the-ground facility and system upgrades, climate resiliency implementation and constructability – what is our water community doing to address emerging infrastructure challenges? How can we continue to safeguard our water supply in the face of extreme weather events, climate change, growing populations and aging assets? How is our water community guiding the vision and implementation of water infrastructure projects? Share with us the stories, research, data, and lessons learned regarding the state of water infrastructure and what is on the horizon.