Global Scans · Clean Water and Sanitation · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 6. Ensure availability of water and sanitation for all.

• [New] A recent AWWA analysis titled Beyond the Replacement Era: Balancing Compounding Infrastructure Needs with Household Availability shows that drinking water infrastructure needs will exceed $2.1 trillion over the next 25 years, requiring a 168% annual increase in capital investment. Municipal Sewer and Water
• [New] Even when some withdrawn water is recycled by datacenters, large-scale withdrawals can strain aquifers and river systems, particularly in arid or groundwater-depleted regions, a recent UN report warned. The Guardian
• [New] Worldwide, three-quarters of people could face drought impacts by 2050 all while datacenters use 9.3 tn liters of water in the coming decade, enough to meet the drinking water needs of the planet's human population for over a year, the United Nations has estimated. The Guardian
• [New] Datacenters will be responsible for just 4% of the 30 tn gallons of extra water that will be needed, globally, for AI expansion by the mid-point of this century. The Guardian
• [New] The multiplying datacenters across the US are set to demand as much as 73bn gallons of water a year by 2028, up from about 17bn gallons in 2023. The Guardian
• [New] Direct cooling water consumption by US data centers reached about 66 billion liters, near 17.4 billion gallons, in 2023, and is projected to climb steeply by 2028 (LBNL, 2024, as the primary source; restated in AWWA, 2025, and Environmental Law Institute, 2026). RefIndustry
• [New] El Nino could have severe consequences for India's cities, most notably its film and financial capital of Mumbai which relies solely on seven rain-fed lakes to provide water for its more than 22 million inhabitants. The Guardian
• [New] Asia is predicted to be one of the regions most exposed, with intensifying heat and drought predicted to put major stresses on agriculture, power grids and water supplies. The Guardian
• [New] In certain water-scarce areas of the country such as California or Arizona, AI might compete for limited water resources with other use cases. Atlantic Council
• [New] The global water and wastewater treatment industry is projected to grow rapidly over the next few years, increasing from $323 billion in 2023 to $536 billion by 2030 - a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. Seven Seas Water Corporation
• [New] Around 700 million people worldwide suffer from water scarcity, a number that is predicted to rapidly increase in coming decades. ClimateCheck
• [New] Climate change has aggravated water stress and may cause significant danger to global health and productivity, and will continue to do so as global temperatures rise and weather patterns change. ClimateCheck
• [New] The increased prevalence of drought has a high potential to disrupt water sources and strain water supply in communities across America. ClimateCheck
• [New] Ensuring safe water access is critical to improving food security, reducing health risks, and supporting healthier communities worldwide. EurekAlert!
• [New] Worst affected will be people living in the Middle East, where 95% are forecast to face water shortages. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] More than half of the world's population will be affected by water shortages by 2032, causing severe health consequences, unless urgent action is taken. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Agricultural forecasters in the U.S. now expect farmers to lose more than 40% of the cotton crop, while many acres of farmland are being left unplanted because of water shortages. The Council of Industry
• [New] Google announced five AI data center water commitments, including a goal to become water-positive by 2030, local infrastructure investments, and greater transparency around water usage. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] Backed by IDE's proven innovation in water technology, the Harbour Island Desalination Facility will solve for a critical water need in South Texas and help to diversify and strengthen the overall water supply. Rutland Herald
• [New] The project, which is designed to deliver 100 million gallons of water per day to South Texas, will be the largest seawater desalination facility in the Western Hemisphere. Rutland Herald
• [New] Recent seasonal outlooks point to an elevated risk of heat and water stress across several of the world's key agricultural production areas. Elicit Plant
• [New] India is projected to increase in the forecast period due to rising awareness regarding the benefits of consuming purified water. Market Data Forecast

Last updated: 14 June 2026