The Future of Water

Today’s guest, Bluefield Analyst Megan Bondar, joins host Reese Tisdale to unpack the growing role of investor-owned utilities (IOUs) in the U.S. water sector. From calculating market share to tracking M&A activity and geographic expansion, Megan brings fresh insights into how IOUs are positioning themselves in a fragmented market of 49,000 drinking water and 18,000 wastewater systems.

Though IOUs currently serve only about 5% of the U.S. population, their influence is expanding—through acquisitions, capital investments, and shifting ownership strategies. This episode also explores how consolidation is playing out in different forms, including municipal-to-municipal deals and the...

Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo joins host Reese Tisdale to share insights from Bluefield's recent research across European countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, France, and Spain. This episode explores the evolving landscape of Europe’s water sector—from climate shocks to regulatory shakeups—and what it all means for utilities, investors, and technology vendors. The conversation highlights what specific regions are focusing on, the biggest challenges they’re facing, and how water sector stakeholders are responding.

Bluefield’s water experts unpack key trends, including:

In this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Amber Walsh, who shares insights from her latest research on the growing water demands of high tech. With billions in investment flowing into semiconductor fabs and data centers, these sectors are becoming major players in the water space—and are quietly reshaping infrastructure strategy from the ground up.

Bluefield’s water experts unpack key trends, including:

In this episode of The Future of Water, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Christine Ow to explore one of the fastest-evolving segments in the water sector: metering.

Christine shares insights from Bluefield's new report, Global Water Metering Outlook: Evolving Technology Trends, Business Models, Competitive Landscape, and Leading Companies, which offers a detailed view of the US$6.8 billion global metering market. With digital transformation accelerating, water meters are no longer just endpoints—they’re becoming the digital backbone of utility networks.

The discussion highlights how business models are shifting toward subscription-based offerings, how tele...

In this episode of The Future of Water, Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to break down U.S. municipal water and wastewater treatment CAPEX forecasts through 2035.

Bluefield’s latest market model projects US$515 billion in treatment infrastructure capital expenditures, with spend expected to grow from US$37 billion in 2025 to over US$57 billion by 2035—driven by aging assets, stricter regulatory standards, and shifting service demands.

Together, Reese and Charlie dig into the methodology behind the forecast, which incorporates asset inventories for over 75,000 treatment plants, EPA data across all 50 states, and detailed spen...

Bluefield’s latest snapshot of the top 50 publicly traded water companies shows a sector still growing—but with turbulence under the surface. In this episode, host Reese Tisdale digs into Bluefield's Q1 2025 snapshot of the top companies in water, highlighting how they are navigating tariffs, tightening supply chains, and shifting strategies. While topline revenue growth remains strong, rising input costs and policy uncertainty are forcing companies to sharpen their focus—pruning non-core assets, streamlining operations, and zeroing in on their strongest water plays.

Meanwhile, regulated water utilities, with their steady cash flows and inelastic demand, are starting to loo...

Policy in Washington is in flux—and our clients had questions. Lots of them. Following Bluefield’s recent client webcast, Uncertain Times: The State of Water Policy in Washington, podcast host Reese Tisdale and Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin reconvene to answer the questions they didn’t have time to address live. In this episode, they unpack critical developments shaping the water sector—from funding volatility and regulatory shifts to cross-border tensions and infrastructure outlooks.

Topics covered, questions answered:

In this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield colleagues Keith Hays and Chloé Meyer to unpack the rapid expansion of data centers in Spain and the growing challenges related to water and energy management. With Aragon alone seeing over €33 billion in announced investment, this conversation explores the trade-offs between hyperscale growth, resource constraints, and local response.

Key topics covered:

In Episode 114 of The Future of Water podcast, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Research Senior Analyst Ethan Edwards for a deep dive into the water landscape, focusing on the evolving role of the equipment rental sector. The conversation centers on the competitive dynamics among major rental companies such as Herc, Sunbelt, and United Rentals, with a spotlight on Herc’s recent US$5.3 billion acquisition of H&E Equipment Services.

Ethan breaks down the impact of this deal, positioning Herc as the third-largest equipment rental company in North America. He also discusses how original equipment manufacturers re...

Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield’s Analyst Christine Ow to discuss the latest developments in digital water. From Badger Meter’s expansion into wastewater to Ferguson’s growing presence in smart buildings, Bluefield's water experts examine recent acquisitions, investment trends, and the competitive landscape in the U.S. and Europe.

With the U.S. and Canada digital water market set to double by 2033, Christine and Reese take a closer look at what’s driving investment, how markets in the U.S. and Europe compare, and where the biggest opportunities lie.

Key Topics Discusse...

Spanish engineering firms have played a significant role in the global water sector, leading major desalination and water treatment projects across Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond. But recent financial pressures, acquisitions, and shifting competition are reshaping the landscape.

In this episode, host Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo about the evolving strategies of firms such as GS Inima, Acciona, FCC Aqualia, and Ferrovial. Our water experts break down the implications of GS Inima’s pending sale, how Spanish firms are navigating market consolidation, and whether they can maintain leadership amid growing co...

In this episode, Bluefield's Private Water Analyst Megan Bondar joins host Reese Tisdale to discuss the latest findings on U.S. water and sewer rates. What has changed in 2024? With Bluefield’s ninth annual analysis covering data from 50 of the largest U.S. cities, this episode explores key trends in pricing, affordability challenges, and the factors driving rising household water bills.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Mike Muroff to dive into Diehl Metering’s recent acquisition of Preventio, a software company specializing in AI-powered solutions like leak detection and predictive maintenance. This deal is not just a major step for Diehl’s digital water strategy, but also reflects broader trends in Europe and beyond.

Preventio enhances Diehl's existing capabilities, particularly within its Analytics & Services division, which focuses on water loss management and IoT solutions. This acquisition positions Germany-based Diehl Metering alongside competitors like Xylem and Itron, who have also made strides in analytics and IoT...

In this year-end episode of The Future of Water, podcast host and Bluefield President Reese Tisdale shares his reflections on the most pressing issues that shaped the water sector in 2024 and offers a forward-looking perspective for 2025. Covering a range of topics, Reese dives into global trends, challenges, and opportunities that you need to watch in the new year.

1. Germany’s Economic Challenges and the EU's Troubles

Germany, the largest economy in the Eurozone, faces mounting challenges—from slow GDP growth to underinvestment in infrastructure. These issues have ripple effects across Europe, including the water sector, as i...

In this episode, Bluefield's water experts take a closer look at industrial water markets, exploring the trends and dynamics influencing water and wastewater management across key sectors.

Reese Tisdale is joined by Amber Walsh, Senior Analyst at Bluefield Research, to unpack findings from Bluefield's recently released U.S. & Canada Industrial Water Market Forecasts report. Together, they discuss:

In this episode, Reese Tisdale sits down with Keith Hays, VP & Managing Director at Bluefield Research, to discuss major developments in the water sector that signal a broader shift toward water-centric strategies. Together, they break down the strategic moves by key players and explore their implications for utilities, industries, and technology providers.

Key topics in this discussion include:

As companies like Core & Main, Ferguson, and DXP Enterprises evolve from middlemen to essential market channels, they’re shaping the water industry through expansive networks, deep customer relationships, and a strong logistical presence. In this episode, Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Mike Muroff to dive into the crucial role that hardware, equipment, and services distributors play in the water sector. They explore how these distributors are meeting local demand in an increasingly fragmented market, where addressing specialized needs is key.

Key Insights:

With climate change accelerating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, countries across the continent are grappling with the need for resilient infrastructure. This conversation couldn’t be more timely: recently, Storm Boris brought nearly 500mm of rainfall—almost 20 inches—across Central Europe, testing current flood management defenses and highlighting critical gaps. In this episode, Zineb Moumen, an Analyst with Bluefield’s Europe team, dives into the pressing issue of flood management and flood resiliency across Europe.

Together, Zineb and podcast host Reese Tisdale explore how recent weather events like Storm Boris are shaping flood resilience strategi...

Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield’s Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin to explore the upcoming Supreme Court case: City and County of San Francisco vs. Environmental Protection Agency. The outcome of this case could reshape the balance of regulatory authority between federal and state governments, with major implications for water quality standards across the U.S.

The case centers on San Francisco’s challenge to the EPA’s authority under the Clean Water Act, particularly its use of vague discharge rules that lack clear numerical limits. San Francisco argues that the EPA’s reliance on generic prohibit...

In this episode, Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler to break down the essential role of Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) in guiding water utility infrastructure investments. As part of an annual Bluefield tradition, our analysis of nearly 800 CIPs across the U.S. and Canada reveals insights into how water utilities are planning US$345 billion in capital investments through 2032.

Eric answers seven key questions, covering everything from the basics of what CIPs are to why they are crucial for utilities. The discussion also highlights:

In this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Research's Senior Analyst, Ethan Edwards, for a deep dive into the recent US$2 billion acquisition of USALCO by private equity firm TJC—the biggest deal in the water sector this year so far. USALCO, a key player in the water and wastewater treatment chemicals market, was acquired from H.I.G. Capital, which retained a minority stake. Reese and Ethan explore the strategic importance of this deal and what it signals for the water sector moving forward.

Questions addressed in this conversation:

The U.K.'s water sector is facing a critical juncture in preparation for the upcoming AMP8 investment cycle. This cycle sets the financial agenda for the world's most privatized water market, with a proposed £104.6 billion investment.

Episode 101 features host Reese Tisdale with Bluefield Senior Research Director Chloé Meyer. In this episode, they discuss the transformative potential of AMP8, which aims to tackle aging infrastructure, enhance environmental protections, and secure a sustainable water supply. Reese and Chloé explore key challenges, opportunities, and regulatory pressures that will shape the next five years of the U.K.'s water ind...

Four years after the launch of The Future of Water podcast, milestone episode #100 has arrived! In this episode, podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by VP & Managing Director Keith Hays as they reflect on the evolution of the water sector and look ahead to its future.

Reese and Keith begin by reflecting on the most impactful events and trends over the past four years, such as the toilet paper shortage and fatbergs, the rise in demand for data centers, and the Thames Water financial crisis.

The second half of the episode explores what's on the...

With the 2024 U.S. presidential election on the horizon and U.S. President Joe Biden announcing his exit from the race, the political landscape is heating up.

In this episode of The Future of Water, Podcast Host Reese Tisdale speaks with Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin, diving into Bluefield's new white paper, "2024 U.S. Elections: Implications for the Water Industry".

At the time of recording this episode, Joe Biden was still the Democratic candidate for president. However, over the weekend, the political landscape shifted. Biden's sudden withdrawal from re-election certainly shakes things up, but for...

Bluefield water experts recently presented a private water client webcast in collaboration with the National Association of Water Companies, From PFAS to Consolidation: Key Water Market Developments Impacting Utility Strategies. In this special mailbag episode, podcast host Reese Tisdale and Senior Analyst Charlie Suse answer industry questions received from this webcast, providing in-depth insights into key water market developments.

Topics covered, questions answered:

Interest in the stormwater management market is on the rise, driven by urgent environmental challenges and infrastructure needs. Reese Tisdale is joined by Senior Research Director Eric Bindler to unpack Bluefield's latest stormwater infrastructure report. In this discussion, they dive into the nuances of stormwater management, exploring its impact across municipal water systems, transportation networks, and real estate development.

In this episode:

Podcast host Reese Tisdale talks with Bluefield Analyst Amber Walsh to get the low down on top takeaways from Q2 industrial water analysis. Industrial water markets are seeing a lot of change—from rising demand for data, the energy transition, and a focus on corporate sustainability strategies. In this discussion, Bluefield's water experts share their insights on three hot industries making waves in industrial water management + corporate sustainability, highlighting key water events and trends impacting the way in which companies respond to and address water management challenges and opportunities.

Discussed in the podcast:

1. Bluefield keeps a c...

Podcast host Reese Tisdale talks with Bluefield Analyst Amber Walsh to get the low down on top takeaways from Q2 industrial water analysis. Industrial water markets are seeing a lot of change—from rising demand for data, the energy transition, and a focus on corporate sustainability strategies. In this discussion, Bluefield's water experts share their insights on three hot industries making waves in industrial water management + corporate sustainability, highlighting key water events and trends impacting they way in which companies respond and address water management challenges and opportunities.

Discussed in the podcast:

1. Bluefield keeps a clo...

Spain’s water sector has evolved in light of the country's unique challenges such as extensive infrastructure buildout in recent decades, population boom, economic recessions, and persistent droughts. Despite these hurdles, Spain has made notable strides in areas including desalination, water management, and technology adoption.

VP & Managing Director Keith Hays and Analyst Maria Cardenal from Bluefield's Europe team sit down with Podcast Host and Bluefield President & CEO Reese Tisdale. Together, they explore three major trends shaping the Spanish water sector: digitalization, smart water management, and the circular economy.

In addition to these trends, Bluefield's Europe wa...

Spain’s water sector has evolved in light of the country's unique challenges such as extensive infrastructure buildout in recent decades, population boom, economic recessions, and persistent droughts. Despite these hurdles, Spain has made notable strides in areas including desalination, water management, and technology adoption.

VP & Managing Director Keith Hays and Analyst Maria Cardenal from Bluefield's Europe team sit down with Podcast Host and Bluefield President & CEO Reese Tisdale. Together, they explore three major trends shaping the Spanish water sector: digitalization, smart water management, and the circular economy.

In addition to these trends, Bluefield's Europe wa...

Update: As of 23 May 2024, deal talks between Schneider Electric and Bentley Systems have ended, with no plans to move forward with an acquisition. Schneider Electric and Bentley have confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a potential acquisition, marking a significant development in the water industry. With Bentley's market value estimated at approximately US$16 billion, the prospective deal would provide large ramifications across various industries where both companies operate.

While both Schneider and Bentley are prominent players in the digital water realm, other companies including Cadence Design Systems and Siemens could be in the mix as well.

In t...

Update: As of 23 May 2024, deal talks between Schneider Electric and Bentley Systems have ended, with no plans to move forward with an acquisition. Schneider Electric and Bentley have confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a potential acquisition, marking a significant development in the water industry. With Bentley's market value estimated at approximately US$16 billion, the prospective deal would provide large ramifications across various industries where both companies operate.

While both Schneider and Bentley are prominent players in the digital water realm, other companies including Cadence Design Systems and Siemens could be in the mix as well.

In t...

Bluefield's latest remediation forecast for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has surged to US$13.5 billion by 2030 in the wake of anticipated maximum contamination limits (MCLs) for drinking water and a significant legal settlement involving 3M in South Carolina. Now, with the EPA confirming these unprecedented contaminant limits, a fresh wave of discussions emerge, touching upon the EPA's authority, states' rights, and the subsequent course of action including the management and responsibility of biosolids disposal—who's ultimately responsible?

In this episode, Podcast Host Reese Tisdale engages in a deep dive discussion with Bluefield's Senior Research Director, Greg Goodwin (a...

Bluefield's latest remediation forecast for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has surged to US$13.5 billion by 2030 in the wake of anticipated maximum contamination limits (MCLs) for drinking water and a significant legal settlement involving 3M in South Carolina. Now, with the EPA confirming these unprecedented contaminant limits, a fresh wave of discussions emerge, touching upon the EPA's authority, states' rights, and the subsequent course of action including the management and responsibility of biosolids disposal—who's ultimately responsible?

In this episode, Podcast Host Reese Tisdale engages in a deep dive discussion with Bluefield's Senior Research Director, Greg Goodwin (a...

While artificial intelligence (AI) has indeed become a prevalent buzzword in many regards, capturing headlines over the past 12 to 18 months, its potential impact remains significant. There are real applications and impacts that are unfolding for AI, including those in the water and wastewater sectors. In the U.S. utility construction sector—which is facing chronic labor shortages amid historic levels of federal infrastructure investment—AI can serve as a powerful tool for increasing productivity, efficiency, and safety on worksites and in back offices alike.

In this episode, Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler who...

While artificial intelligence (AI) has indeed become a prevalent buzzword in many regards, capturing headlines over the past 12 to 18 months, its potential impact remains significant. There are real applications and impacts that are unfolding for AI, including those in the water and wastewater sectors. In the U.S. utility construction sector—which is facing chronic labor shortages amid historic levels of federal infrastructure investment—AI can serve as a powerful tool for increasing productivity, efficiency, and safety on worksites and in back offices alike.

In this episode, Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler who...

Public sector water and wastewater project owners, engineering & design firms, and contractors are facing cost overruns, schedule delays, and contractual disputes that are slowing the execution and delivery of critical infrastructure.

These factors have prompted the development of new policies and project experiences, accelerating collaborative project delivery approaches. The methods include design-build, progressive design-build, construction manager at-risk approaches, and public-private partnerships.

Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss his recent analysis of collaborative delivery and its growing impact on water and wastewater infrastructure buildout in the U.S. Charlie outlines t...

Public sector water and wastewater project owners, engineering & design firms, and contractors are facing cost overruns, schedule delays, and contractual disputes that are slowing the execution and delivery of critical infrastructure.

These factors have prompted the development of new policies and project experiences, accelerating collaborative project delivery approaches. The methods include design-build, progressive design-build, construction manager at-risk approaches, and public-private partnerships.

Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss his recent analysis of collaborative delivery and its growing impact on water and wastewater infrastructure buildout in the U.S. Charlie outlines t...

A number of Bluefield clients have enquired about the status of IIJA project funds. Each program stands in terms of four funding phases: appropriated, announced, obligated, outlaid. Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Isabel Kezman to discuss recent analysis of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In this episode, Bluefield's water experts speak on the pace of project activity and funding timeline from its legislation in November 2021 to now.

If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to...

A number of Bluefield clients have enquired about the status of IIJA project funds. Each program stands in terms of four funding phases: appropriated, announced, obligated, outlaid. Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Isabel Kezman to discuss recent analysis of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In this episode, Bluefield's water experts speak on the pace of project activity and funding timeline from its legislation in November 2021 to now.

If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to...