The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, two-thirds of the global population will experience increased water stress, with 1.8 billion facing absolute water scarcity. Urgent action is needed, especially in regions like Latin America, where 40% of drinking water is lost. Digital transformation is crucial for addressing water management challenges, with technology playing a key role in making systems smarter and more sustainable. The report by Xylem Vue outlines trends such as AI integration, improved cybersecurity, and advanced data analytics as imperative for managing water resources efficiently. Additionally, wastewater treatment innovations and smart irrigation technologies are highlighted as pivotal for sustainability in urban and agricultural contexts. Overall, 2025 represents a critical juncture for the fusion of technology and sustainable water management.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Water Stress | Two-thirds of the global population will face increased water stress by 2025. | From relative water security to significant water stress affecting a majority of the population. | In 10 years, water scarcity may become a major global crisis, impacting health and economies. | Rapid population growth and climate change leading to higher water demand and dwindling resources. | 5 |
| AI in Water Management | Growing integration of AI and operational intelligence for water management solutions. | From traditional water management practices to AI-driven solutions for optimizing resource use. | In a decade, AI could revolutionize the efficiency and effectiveness of water resource management. | Advancements in technology enabling better data utilization for water management. | 4 |
| Cybersecurity in Water Infrastructure | Increasing focus on cybersecurity to protect critical water infrastructure against digital threats. | From minimal cybersecurity measures to robust protections against rising digital threats in the water sector. | In 10 years, cybersecurity will be a standard expectation in all critical water infrastructures globally. | Rising digital threats necessitating better protection measures for critical infrastructures. | 4 |
| Non-Revenue Water Management Solutions | Digital solutions to reduce non-revenue water are becoming increasingly crucial. | From high percentages of non-revenue water to optimized systems minimizing water loss. | By 2035, significant reductions in water loss could result in greater sustainability and cost reductions. | Need for efficiency in water distribution as populations and demands grow. | 4 |
| Digital Transformation in Wastewater Treatment | Digitalization is expected to transform wastewater treatment plants into smart facilities. | From conventional treatment methods to smart, efficient wastewater management systems that enhance sustainability. | In 10 years, wastewater treatment could become more integrated within smart city frameworks, improving urban ecosystems. | An urgent need for innovative approaches to manage increasing wastewater challenges. | 5 |
| Smart Irrigation Adoption | Emerging technologies in smart irrigation practices for agriculture and urban environments. | From traditional irrigation methods to smart technologies that optimize water and energy use. | In a decade, smart irrigation will significantly alleviate water stress in agriculture and urban areas. | Climate change necessitating efficient resource management in agriculture and urban development. | 4 |
| Decision Support Systems for Flood Management | Decision support and early warning systems are crucial for managing extreme weather events. | From reactive management to proactive strategies utilizing advanced technologies for flood response. | In 10 years, integrated systems could greatly enhance resilience against flooding and extreme weather events. | An increase in extreme weather events due to climate change necessitating improved management strategies. | 4 |
| Emergence of Smart Buildings | Growing importance of smart buildings and district heating in urban sustainability. | From traditional building designs to smart, resource-efficient structures in urban planning. | Future cities are likely to feature a prevalence of smart buildings contributing to sustainability and efficiency. | Urbanization and the push for sustainability driving innovation in building designs. | 4 |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Increasing Water Stress and Scarcity | Two-thirds of the world’s population will face water stress, with 1.8 billion experiencing absolute scarcity, necessitating urgent responses. |
| Climate Change Impact on Water Resources | Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events, affecting water availability and exacerbating scarcity issues across the globe. |
| Infrastructure Vulnerability in Water Management | Poor state of water infrastructure, especially in regions like Latin America, leads to significant water loss and diminishes resilience. |
| Cybersecurity Risks in Water Sector | The increase in digital threats highlights the necessity for stronger cybersecurity measures in water management infrastructures. |
| Data Integration Challenges | Data silos and lack of integration hinder effective water resource management and utilization of available data for decision-making. |
| Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Issues | The continued prevalence of non-revenue water indicates inefficiencies in the water distribution systems that need addressing. |
| Pressure on Wastewater Treatment Plants | Population growth will increase stress on wastewater treatment plants, necessitating smarter, more sustainable management solutions. |
| Dependence on Digital Transformation | Failure to adopt digital solutions may limit progress in managing water resources and adapting to climate-related challenges. |
| Flood Management Preparedness | Severe flooding events require comprehensive strategies and technologies for resilient water management to mitigate impacts. |
| Smart Urban Development Challenges | The transition to smart buildings and District Heating and Cooling networks is crucial for urban sustainability amidst growing populations. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Increased Water Stress Awareness | Growing global awareness of water scarcity challenges impacting two-thirds of the population, leading to societal and infrastructural changes. |
| Digital Transformation in Water Management | Adoption of digital technologies such as AI and IoT for improving water resource management and efficiency. |
| Cybersecurity in Water Infrastructure | Enhanced focus on protecting critical water infrastructure from digital threats through advanced security measures. |
| Real-Time Data Utilization | Emphasis on integrating and utilizing real-time data for better decision-making and operational efficiency in water management. |
| Smart Wastewater Treatment Plants | Transitioning wastewater treatment facilities into smart systems that leverage digital tools for sustainability and efficiency. |
| Flood Management Technologies | Adoption of Decision Support Systems and Early Warning Systems to enhance response to extreme weather events. |
| Smart Irrigation Technologies | Utilization of digital solutions to optimize irrigation practices in agriculture and urban settings for sustainability. |
| Sustainable Urban Development | Integrating smart building technologies and District Heating and Cooling networks to promote energy efficiency in cities. |
| Holistic Water Management Approach | Embracing collaborative strategies between public and private sectors for comprehensive water management solutions. |
| Focus on Non-Revenue Water Reduction | Prioritizing the reduction of water loss through innovative monitoring and control technologies. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence in Water Management | Utilizing AI and operational intelligence to optimize water resource management through predictive algorithms and centralized data. |
| Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructures | Strengthening cybersecurity in the water sector to protect against digital threats through strategies like network segmentation and continuous monitoring. |
| Real-time Data Analytics for Water Loss Control | Innovations in real-time data analytics and sector management to minimize non-revenue water and enhance distribution system efficiency. |
| Digitalization in Wastewater Treatment Plants | Transforming WWTPs into smart facilities through real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation for better efficiency and compliance. |
| Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Early Warning Systems (EWS) | Emerging systems that utilize technology for adaptive and efficient water management, especially for flood management and extreme weather events. |
| Smart Irrigation Technologies | Digital transformation in agriculture and urban areas to ensure efficient management of water and energy resources through automation and remote sensing. |
| Smart Buildings and District Heating and Cooling (DHC) Networks | Innovations in buildings and energy networks driven by digital platforms to optimize resource use and improve urban sustainability. |
| AI and Machine Learning for Service Improvement | Embracing AI and machine learning to enhance water supply management and ensure high-quality service delivery amidst climate challenges. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Water Scarcity | Significant increase in global water stress, affecting two-thirds of the population and causing absolute scarcity for 1.8 billion people. |
| Digital Transformation in Water Management | The essential role of digital technologies in enhancing water resilience and efficiency in resource management by 2025. |
| Cybersecurity in Water Sector | The pressing need to strengthen cybersecurity measures due to rising digital threats in critical water infrastructures. |
| Non-Revenue Water Optimization | The importance of digital solutions to minimize water loss and enhance efficiency in water distribution systems. |
| Wastewater Treatment Innovation | Digitalization as a key driver for transforming WWTPs into efficient, smart, and sustainable facilities amid growing population and water stress. |
| Flood Management Technologies | The significance of Decision Support Systems and Early Warning Systems in addressing extreme weather and adapting water management. |
| Smart Irrigation and Urban Development | The role of smart irrigation techniques and digitalization in improving water and energy management in agriculture and cities. |
| Smart Buildings and Urban Sustainability | The integration of smart technologies in buildings and District Heating and Cooling networks to enhance urban sustainability. |
| Climate Change Impact on Water Availability | The effects of climate change on weather patterns, leading to unpredictable water availability and increased scarcity. |