2023 was a signficant year for water in the U.S.
From milestone regulatory changes to major acquisitions, there was no shortage of industry-shaping changes. Concluding this year, PFAS management took the spotlight in 2023's top articles, while smart water management was also a major topic.
Here are 10 of WaterWorld's top articles of 2023:
1. The water sector’s major acquisitions of early 2023
Within the first quarter of 2023, the water sector had seen two multi-billion-dollar acquisitions and a handful of other multi-million-dollar acquisitions. Xylem had acquired Evoqua for $7.5 billion, Solenis acquired Diversey Holdings for $4.6 billion, and much more.
2. The outlook for water in 2023
In this article Reese Tisdale, president and CEO of Bluefield Research, made predictions about the shifting challenges and trends of 2023. Tisdale had discussed supply chain challenges, shaping energy demands, the pending Supreme Court case Sackett v. EPA and more.
3. Treatment and funding options for removing PFAS from drinking water
Experts from SL Environmental Law Group break down the treatment options to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water — as well as how water utilities can pursue polluters to cover the costs of cleanup.
4. EPA proposes MCLs for six PFAS in drinking water
The U.S. EPA announced proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for six PFAS compounds. The announcement was a significant disruption for the water sector in 2023.
5. Is seawater desalination right for California?
Energy Recovery Inc’s director of application development walks through the benefits of desalination for California, from the environmental to operational benefits.
6. Ohio EPA asserts low contamination risk from train derailment
The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio received major news coverage, bringing concerns over air and water contamination. In an Ohio EPA press conference, officials announced that water tests showed “very little contaminant levels.”
7. 3M announces $10.3B agreement for PFAS remediation
Water systems suing 3M had reached a $10.3 billion settlement over drinking water systems’ PFAS contamination — a significant milestone in PFAS remediation efforts.
8. Digital transformation roadmap for drinking water systems
Steve Green, digital water practice leader at Stanley Consultants, talks through the digitalization journey for small water utilities.
9. A Brave New World: asset management for the water sector
A look at asset management in action as a continuous and coordinated effort to best manage resources.
10. The latest technology can help achieve a deeper understanding of PFAS
Scott Pritchett of Thermo Fischer Scientific shows how the latest tools and techniques can help identify known and unknown PFAS contaminants.
