Water 2050: Social and Demographic Issues

I find that when people talk about water, they how feel are around it—the tranquil sense achieve as look at the ripples on a lake, crashing waves beach, or meandering bends in river. They share their joy of swimming fishing it, boating it. Rarely, however, do engineering marvel delivering water to home place business. What does tell us? AWWA's Water 2050 program is charting future year 2050. It assessing five key drivers will determine this future: sustainability, technology, economics, governance, and social demographic issues. By focusing these drivers, we can develop strategies create better rather than waiting for come us. Together combine address processes needs providing service. Yet fifth driver—social issues—is distinct from others. The first four focus systems deliver while those who drink use water—in simple terms, supplied benefits. So, what might be change by benefit 2050? In November 2022, world population reached record eight billion; could between nine billion 10 billion. Given rate growth, it clear norms order stretch fixed amount over more people. top two changes ensure enough 2050, according AWWA members, increased recycling additional conservation. Also, let's think shift where used if megatrend urbanization reverses itself? For instance, with today's ability work anywhere, continue flock big cities, reverse trend seek less crowded places live work—as long as, course, there good internet. If trends latter, current urban centers easily themselves excess capacity systems, remote communities may need quickly add capacity. both cases, delivery change. Another issue affordability sadly, only 3% members solved Within framework has (at least) sides On one hand, discussed Sustainability Think Tank report (available www.awwa.org/Water-2050-Reports), great influence sustainability utility, its infrastructure investments, cost-of-service rates. other societal but also struggle pay full solution, hopefully before pointed out report, “not comprise cost-based rate-making methodology” provide funding cannot afford As issues most significant because driver focused every day. Even still not homes, us makes them brings them. That seems like strong motivation prepared realities future.