Protecting water at its source has emerged as the leading concern for the water sector, according to the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) 2024 State of the Water Industry (SOTWI). This marks a notable evolution in priorities, as source water protection surpasses aging infrastructure as the top challenge identified by water professionals.
The report, based on responses from more than 2,400 water professionals, reflects a growing recognition of the fundamental importance of safeguarding water quality at its origin to ensure the continued availability of safe, affordable, and reliable water supplies.
“If we don’t have safe and reliable sources, we don’t have the ability to support public health,” said AWWA Source Water Protection Committee Chair Raven Lawson. “Just as we recognize threats to aging infrastructure, we now more readily recognize and understand threats to our source waters.”
This year’s survey showed:
- 61.3 percent of utilities are actively implementing or developing source water protection plans.
- Aging infrastructure remains a top concern, with 81 percent of utilities implementing capital improvement plans.
- PFAS contamination is ranked as the top water quality concern, driving the need for prevention strategies.
- Cybersecurity is a growing threat, with 49 percent of utilities investing in cybersecurity measures.
- Drought, water scarcity, and extreme weather events are increasingly impacting water resources.
- Attracting and retaining skilled workers is a persistent challenge.
- Balancing affordability with infrastructure investment remains a pressing concern, with 73 percent of utilities planning rate increases.
“AWWA’s water professionals are navigating this complex landscape through collaboration, education, and investments in people and technology,” said Pat Kerr, AWWA Immediate Past President. “We are focused on moving water forward to ensure reliable and sustainable access to safe drinking water the world over in 2050 and beyond.”
Since 2004, AWWA has published the annual State of the Water Industry report based on survey results to help water utilities, service providers, regulators, and researchers identify and prepare for challenges, opportunities, and trends impacting the water community.
The full report and a corresponding executive summary are available on AWWA’s State of the Water Industry resource page.
Source: American Water Works Association
