How are water and wastewater utilities reacting to the threat of climate change? A recent survey of 100 utilities in North America and Europe reveals that 75% of respondents intend to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2040 or earlier. Almost half have set a net-zero emissions goal, and 42% have set an emissions reduction goal.

Smart application of technology can not only help utilities manage water far more efficiently and affordably but can also enable operators to become more resilient and reduce emissions.

In Europe, 31% of respondents plan to install more energy-efficient technologies. Some are leveraging digital solutions, with 29% looking into advanced metering infrastructure and leak detection solutions, and 24% turning to treatment system optimization technologies. Similarly in North America, 35% of respondents plan on implementing plant or asset optimization technologies to advance decarbonization goals.

A real-time decision support system enabled the Buffalo Sewer Authority to maximize existing infrastructure and create a smart, sustainable sewer system. Source: Xylem

With 37% of North American respondents citing resilience to extreme storms and floods as a major concern, advanced digital solutions are also helping water managers improve operational and environmental outcomes at an affordable cost. One example is the Buffalo, New York, Sewer Authority, which saved $145 million by deploying a smart sewer system that reduced polluted water flowing into its rivers during storm events. This action resolved a longstanding problem without spending on new infrastructure.

Many utilities ranked process emissions — such as methane and nitrous oxide — close to last in their priorities for action, despite their significant impact, showing that a better understanding of this issue and technological innovation are needed to tackle total water-sector emissions.