Old challenges, new technologies mark the 2026 water landscape — AWWA 2026 association outlook
- Feb 24, 2026
- Greg Kail
Water utilities in the U.S. are facing major challenges from aging infrastructure and funding gaps while adopting new technologies to improve operations. The EPA estimates nearly $1.3 trillion will be needed over 20 years to modernize water systems. Utilities are increasingly using AI and data-driven tools to manage resources more efficiently and improve service reliability. These innovations are helping address regulatory pressures and long-term sustainability concerns