IDRA Global Connections | Summer - Fall 2024

Summer - Fall 2024

IDRA GLOBAL

NEW US EPA REGULATIONS HAVE SIGNIFICANT REQUIREMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT

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BEYOND THE TECHNOLOGY: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PFAS DESTRUCTION

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FOREVER CHEMICALS & THEIR IMPACT

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WE NEED TO CREATE A CIRCULAR WATER ECONOMY THAT MAXIMISES EVERY DROP

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CONNECTIONS Ensuring Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

Hon. Bruno Pigott. Acting Assistant Administrator for Water at

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

COVER STORY:

INTERVIEW WITH THE HON. BRUNO PIGOTT, ACTING

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR WATER AT THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

ʞ NEW US EPA REGULATIONS HAVE SIGNIFICANT REQUIREMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER

ʞ BEYOND THE TECHNOLOGY: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PFAS DESTRUCTION

ʞ FOREVER CHEMICALS & THEIR IMPACT

ʞ WE NEED TO CREATE A CIRCULAR WATER ECONOMY THAT MAXIMISES EVERY DROP

ʞ FIRST OF ITS KIND: A PIONEER 140 MMY DESALINATION PLANT AUTOMIZED ITS MEMBRANE PROTECTION TO SAVE MILLIONS

ʞ SCOTT SHAWYER, CARRYING THE BE WATER POSITIVE MESSAGE, BECOMES THE FIRST CANADIAN TO FINISH THE NEW YORK-VENDÉE SOLO TRANSATLANTIC YACHT RACE

IDRA Global Connections is published quarterly. The views expressed in articles contributed to IDRA Global Connections are not necessarily the views of the International Desalination And Reuse Association. IDRA assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or artwork.

IDRA NEWS

ʞ IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024

ʞ REGISTRATION

ʞ SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES

ʞ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

ʞ EXHIBITORS TO DATE

ʞ NOMINATIONS PERIOD FOR THE IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024 INDUSTRY & USTAINABILITY AWARDS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED

ʞ IDRA REYKJAVIK SUMMIT ON WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE OCTOBER 2025

ʞ IDRA ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION OPEN FOR TERM 21, 2024-2026

ʞ IDRA AND AWS SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO ENHANCE WATER STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY

ʞ IDRA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD UTILITIES CONGRESS 2024

ʞ IDRA ATTENDS KEY EVENTS AT NEW YORK CLIMATE WEEK DURING UNGA79

ʞ YLP WEBINARS

ʞ IDRA / AFFILIATES/ PARTNERS UPCOMING EVENTS

ʞ IDRA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Dear Members and Colleagues,

A lot has happened since our last issue of IDRA Global Connections. I am pleased to share that our collective efforts are significantly impacting the water sector, particularly in advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship. From Bali to Singapore, Edinburgh to Stockholm, and most recently, Abu Dhabi World Utilities Congress and at New York Climate Week, the global conversation continues to emphasize the urgency of addressing water scarcity. As we move toward key global events such as the upcoming UN COPs and the IDRA World Congress 2024, one message is clear: collective action is more critical than ever.

Our progress in developing strategic partnerships demonstrates IDRA’s commitment to collective action to reduce the environmental footprint of desalination and water reuse solutions and empower end users to restore and replenish nature, enabling adaptation to climate change. By focusing on cutting-edge technologies, resource efficiency, and responsible innovation, we’re on track to deliver long-term results for communities and the planet.

In this issue of Global Connections, we are proud to feature insightful contributions addressing the serious problem of PFAS contamination.

Our cover story highlights the work of Hon. Bruno Pigott, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water at the EPA, USA, as he shares his perspective on water stewardship, drawing from his extensive experience in the sector.

Additionally, we have executive viewpoints from industry leaders, including:

•The Honorable Christian Holmes, Senior Advisor & Global Water Expert at BCG

•Mr. Gavin Scherer, Global Initiative Leader - PFAS Commercialization at AECOM

•Mr. Conrad Hopp, Manager - Strategic Initiatives at Aqueous US Vets

•Mr. Farid Saleh Al-Awlaqi, Chief Executive Officer, Generation at TAQA Group

•Mr. Ben Gido, Chief Screen Technologist and Head of R&D, Filtersafe

•Mr. Nick Maloney, Yachtsman / Professional Sailor, Canada Ocean Racing

In line with our mission to build water security, we are thrilled to move forward with the upcoming IDRA World Congress: Addressing Water Scarcity, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, under the esteemed leadership of Chairman H.E. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, and with the full backing of key UAE government stakeholders. Their support underscores the significance of this global effort, and we are honored to collaborate with them in curating the Congress’s ministerial, thematic, leaders, and technical programs.

Taking place from December 8th to 12th, 2024, this groundbreaking event will spotlight cutting-edge innovations in desalination and water reuse, combined with crucial business insights and policy frameworks to address global water scarcity. The Congress offers a unique platform for stakeholders across the spectrum—governments, industry leaders, innovators, and the scientific community—to collaborate on sustainable solutions that will shape the future of water management worldwide.

We’re also thrilled to report that the IDRA Industry and Sustainability Awards program has received 60 nominations. The winners will be honored during the prestigious Gala Dinner at the IDRA World Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi on December 11th, 2024.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting developments on the horizon. Mark your calendars for the IDRA Reykjavik Summit on Water and Climate Change 2025, from October 12-15, 2025, held under the patronage of H.E. Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, the Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate, Iceland, held at the iconic Harpa Opera House, one of the most striking landmarks of Reykjavik, Iceland. This summit will convene global leaders, experts, and innovators to explore the critical nexus of water management and climate change, leading into the Arctic Circle Assembly 2025 as a pre-event. We will soon announce a call for sessions and case study abstracts to

develop this program and continue the important discussions held at the Seville Summit 2023 and those that will happen at the IDRA World Congress 2024.

IDRA is also proud to be affiliated with several key conferences in 2024 that will help drive the political will needed for adaption to climate change through water reuse and desalination solutions:

• Cairo Water Week, hosted under the patronage of H. E. Minister Hani Al Sewilam, Minister for Water Resources Egypt, in collaboration with the UN IFAD and IDRA, focused on desalination for agriculture.

• UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29), November 2024, Baku

• UNCCD 16: Conference to Combat Desertification, December 2024, Riyadh

Additionally, we’re excited about our partnership with the XPRIZE Water Scarcity initiative, a $119M competition backed by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative to revolutionize seawater desalination technologies. IDRA is proud to play a role in promoting this five-year endeavor, which demonstrates our leadership in tackling global water issues.

Lastly, as we move forward, I encourage you to participate in the IDRA Board of Directors Term 21 elections. Voting is now open and will remain so until November 13, 2024. Your vote is crucial in shaping the leadership guiding us through these critical times. The results will be announced on November 26, with the newly elected board members officially transitioning into their roles at the IDRA World Congress in Abu Dhabi on December 12, 2024.

See you soon!

Sincerely,

Shannon K. McCarthy Secretary General, IDRA

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members,

As we are close to concluding another outstanding IDRA World Congress, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. As a community of solution providers, we are navigating complex challenges, embracing innovation, and strengthening our collective mission to address water scarcity and deliver clean, sustainable water solutions to communities worldwide. The strides in water reuse have allowed us to reclaim and recycle water at unprecedented

scales and quality, helping alleviate the stress on our freshwater sources. Thoughtful water reuse, conservation efforts, and innovative desalination techniques aim to prioritize environmental sustainability. Innovation remains at the heart of our progress. Whether it's reducing the energy footprint of desalination or developing advanced filtration systems and further automating control measures for optimized performance and better managed non-revenue water. The water sector is witnessing remarkable breakthroughs, and the IDRA continues to push the boundaries

in the integration of sustainable practices into these innovations, which is key to building long-term resilience in water management.

Looking ahead, the IDRA World Congress in Abu Dhabi offers a powerful platform to reflect on these critical topics and explore solutions that will define the future of water. This event, proudly hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and supported by leading government stakeholders, will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers from around the world. It will be a unique opportunity for members to engage with cutting-edge research, exchange knowledge, and forge partnerships that will drive progress in water reuse, desalination, and contamination removal.

I have immense confidence in the future of this association. The IDRA’s role in addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable solutions has never been more relevant, and I am certain that we will continue to uphold our legacy of excellence.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the association’s shared mission, and let us carry our lessons and successes into the future as we strive to secure clean, safe, and sustainable water for all.

Warm regards, Fady

Juez

IDRA President, Term 20

Hon. Bruno Pigott , Acting Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Ensuring Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation Infrastructure and Services Globally

Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you come to work on water policy issues? What was your path to the role you’re in today?

R. For over 85 years, my family has been lucky to own property on the shores of Lake Huron in Northern Michigan. I grew up spending summers playing with my brother and sisters on those beaches and swimming in that clear, cold water. We explored the wetlands and their natural bounty. I spent countless hours casting my reel in nearby streams.

These memories ground me and motivate me to work to protect our treasured waters for current and future generations. It fueled my work everywhere I’ve lived. When I first graduated from college, I worked on Capitol Hill for three Congressmen, including Dennis Eckart, who served as the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee for Antitrust, Deregulation and Ecology and sponsored the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1983 and the worked on the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1987.

In Iowa, I worked on environmental issues both locally and globally. I served as President of a local environmental organization and as an elected city council member and at the same time worked on global environmental issues at a private foundation.

In Indiana, I worked at the Department of Environmental Management for 21 years, where I served in a variety of positions including leading the Office of Water Quality and serving as Commissioner.

Today I am proud to work with staff and for an Administrator who puts science, public health, and environmental protection first at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Government works best when it benefits all of the people. This is my north star I work with environmental, industry, municipal, and agricultural organizations nationally to protect and enhance the environment.

Water reuse is becoming increasingly important as a strategy for water management, especially in droughtprone regions. What are your views on the current water reuse regulations in the US, and are any new initiatives or revisions planned under your leadership?

In many areas, water supplies are threatened by climate-related drought. Water reuse is a key strategy to ensuring a consistent supply of clean and safe water. Potable and non-potable water reuse projects will fill critical water demand for agricultural irrigation, industrial processes, and drinking water supplies. Since the EPA does not require or restrict any type of reuse, states are paving the way for innovative water reuse practices.

In 2023, more than $1 billion in federal funding was made available for water reuse-related infrastructure projects

EPA supports these state-led efforts through a wide range of activities. For example, the EPA has delivered technical assistance to help states develop water reuse regulations and permitting approaches, and developed valuable resources like the REUSExplorer tool, which summarizes current state water reuse regulations and guidelines. As part of EPA’s mission to provide states with the latest science, the Agency plans to release a State of the Science report to help state regulators develop treatment targets that protect public health and safely implement water reuse.

And EPA is investing in climate-resilient infrastructure. In 2023, more than $1 billion in federal funding was made available for water reuse-related infrastructure projects, and over $120 million has been allocated for research since the start of a National Water Reuse Action Plan.

Additionally, EPA has funding programs available to assist communities with water reuse efforts such as our Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program. Since its creation, EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program has announced over $20 billion in financing towards water infrastructure projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 150,000 jobs, and $2.5 billion of that has gone specifically to water reuse projects. For example, in 2022 EPA closed a low interest WIFIA loan with the Helix Water District in San Diego County to expand water reuse opportunities and help the community manage its challenges with drought.

The EPA has recently implemented various PFAS regulations. Can you tell us a bit about those regulations? How do you plan to ensure that water

utilities nationwide effectively report and manage PFAS levels, especially in rural and underserved communities? How does the EPA think about regulating PFAS in municipal and industrial wastewater? Biosolids?

Safe drinking water is fundamental to healthy people and thriving communities. The science is clear: exposure to certain PFAS is linked to significant harmful health impacts. PFAS exposure over a long period of time can cause cancer and other illnesses that decrease quality of life or result in death. That’s why in April 2024 EPA established the first-ever nationwide, legally enforceable drinking water standards to protect communities from PFAS in their drinking water. This signature action will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and prevent tens of thousands of illnesses.

EPA’s new PFAS rule contains provisions that require water utilities nationwide to first test to determine whether certain PFAS is in their drinking water and at what levels. EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to this rule may have to take action to reduce PFAS to meet these new standards. And if a water system finds PFAS, our

rule allows drinking water systems the flexibility to determine for the best way to reduce PFAS levels. The rule also provides flexibility to small drinking water systems. For example, once a system determines that a small system does not have regulated above the new standards, then our rule allows for reduced ongoing monitoring frequencies.

WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures and irrigation products have helped save 8.7 trillion gallons of water since 2006

EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration have prioritized investments in water infrastructure- especially for small, rural and disadvantaged water systems. Addressing PFAS in drinking water is part of that investment. EPA is providing significant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the SRF programover $20 billion available to water systems for drinking water infrastructure work including addressing PFAS. And nearly half of that funding is to be provided in the form of grants to disadvantaged communities.

All of this work is part of EPA’s comprehensive effort to address PFAS through the PFAS

Strategic Roadmap. The agencies three overarching goals are to restrict PFAS from entering the environment in the first place; to remediate PFAS contamination where it is found and hold polluters accountable for their actions and to research PFAS to strategically address public health and environmental risks.

As Acting Assistant Administrator, how do you plan to promote innovative water management solutions that can help address both current and future water scarcity challenges?

With climate change affecting our weather and well-being, saving water and energy is more important than ever. EPA’s WaterSense program makes it easy for consumers and businesses to save water and energy with labeled products, programs, and homes. WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures and irrigation products have helped save 8.7 trillion gallons of water since 2006, with 1.2 trillion gallons saved in 2023 alone. WaterSense and its more than 2,200 partners have also helped consumers save $207 billion on water and energy bills.

How is the EPA addressing the impacts of climate change on water resources, particularly in terms of protecting water quality and ensuring reliable water supplies?

Over the last few decades, climate change wasn’t seen as a water issue.

Today, however, many Americans experience climate stress first as water stress – from flooding in coastal and inland communities to drought across the South and West to unpredictability that impacts everyone from water utilities to farmers to ecosystems.

EPA is tackling climate stress head-on with its Climate Action Plan, launched in 2022. The plan lays out three clear goals, to improve the resiliency of our nation’s water infrastructure; to protect our nation’s waters from the damaging effects of climate change; and to advance the adaptative capacity of the water sector for all communities and decisionmakers.

Right now, we have a transformational opportunity through the BidenHarris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which offers $50 billion to ensure that future investments in water infrastructure plan for future climate conditions.

ʞ For example, EPA is implementing the federal flood risk management standard to ensure the infrastructure we fund is resilient to future conditions, and highlighting opportunities for communities impacted by historic drought.

ʞ EPA is also reaching more water systems and communities with technical assistance programs.

ʞ And EPA is supporting ecosystem and nature-based solutions such as our

Geographic, National Estuary and Gulf Hypoxia Programs, which collectively received nearly $1.9 billion in funding, to prioritize projects that increase communities’ adaptive capacity, or have climate mitigation co-benefits.

ʞ We’re working to track projects with climate impacts and encourage programs, states, and communities to explore alternatives to gray infrastructure, like nature-based solutions.

ʞ Since 2020, EPA has contributed $36.6 million in research dollars for water reuse through the STAR program, Small Business Innovation Research program, and National Priority award program for various reuse-related topics that seek to improve water quality and reliability, including

enhanced aquifer recharge, viral pathogen and surrogate approaches for assessing treatment performance in water reuse, readying small systems for reuse, and decentralized wastewater treatment for non-potable reuse.

ʞ In 2023, EPA closed $418 million in WIFIA loans for projects that support water reuse, resulting in 400 million gallons per day in water recycled, recharged or redirected for beneficial uses.

We know ensuring global access to clean water is a collaborative effort rooted in the foundation of any initiative. Therefore, could you share your thoughts on the importance of water security and collaboration's vital role in achieving long-term

water sustainability? Do you work with other governments outside the US to share best practices?

In the U.S., President Biden and Vice President Harris have elevated and prioritized water like never before in the history of our country. They have made water central to their administration— both domestically and in our international work.

We have found that engaging at the local level to better understand place, time, and people, is essential to effective and durable water solutions

They understand that water is a solution to strengthen public health, advance environmental justice, provide sustainable economic opportunity, and to address the climate crisis. And over the past few years, we’ve seen the global community join this challenge and continue to elevate and mainstream water across the global agenda.

EPA is actively engaged on water issues on a global level. EPA led productive discussions at the World Water Summit

in Indonesia as well as at World Water Week in Stockholm to devise strategies to ensure every person can have a secure water future. Technical assistance is a topic that is central to the White House Action Plan on Global Water Security, that Vice President Harris announced in 2022.

This effort is investing $5 billion to help ensure equitable access to water and sanitation infrastructure and services globally.

Technical Assistance is also central to U.S. AID’s work under the U.S. Global Water Strategy, which is helping 22 million people access safe drinking water and 22 million people access proper sanitation. As a government, we have found that engaging at the local level to better understand place, time, and people, is essential to effective and durable water solutions.

And we look forward to doing more of this work to advance a more equitable water future for the world.

Ensuring equitable access to clean water is a key concern. How do you plan to address water quality and access disparities, particularly in marginalized and low-income communities?

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is incredible because nearly half of the funding from this investment is provided as grants or forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equity and justice.

Congress intentionally structured it this way to provide a pathway for underserved communities that might otherwise not be able to access traditional loans to address their water infrastructure needs. However, despite the influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support clean water, we know there is more to do to make sure all communities receive it. Many communities across America—in rural, urban, and suburban settings, and small to large sizes— continue to struggle to address water infrastructure needs and obtain funding. That is why EPA has invested in providing water technical assistance, or WaterTA.

How do we change the odds for small and disadvantaged communities in accessing funding, specifically Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds? How do we change the odds for disadvantaged communities that rely on systems that are poorly designed, non-existent, or in a state of failure? The answer is to provide technical assistance.

Over the last two years, EPA has embarked on the most ambitious TA effort that we have ever seen to make sure this funding is accessible to all communities and address this gap. Through WaterTA, EPA has worked tirelessly to make sure everyone gets their fair share of federal investment in infrastructure to address water quality and access disparities.

The ethos of technical assistance is simple: show up, roll up your sleeves, listen to the community, build trust, and support community leaders each step of the way.

As we speak, EPA is supporting about 2,000 domestic communities, tribes, and territories across the U.S. with addressing drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater challenges.

Public awareness and education are crucial for successful water management. What are your plans for increasing public engagement on issues like PFAS contamination, water reuse, and conservation?

Communities around the country have learned that if we are to effectively employ water reuse, public education must come first and must not stop. That’s why, through the National

Water Reuse Action Plan, EPA engages with leaders across the water sector to foster communication and provide tools to ensure consistent, clear public messaging.

At the state level, EPA helps convene regular summits on water reuse, where state regulators identify common needs and best practices, such as risk communications and public engagement, to implement within their state’s water management strategies.

With thoughtful planning, reuse provides a reliable source of water that can augment local supplies and help to mitigate the impacts of drought.

At the federal level, the EPA is expanding communications with trusted medical professionals to build public confidence and improve perception about the safety of highly treated recycled water. For example, the agency has been collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop reuse-related communication materials, including an outreach plan

that provides public health information about community water reuse and a website for medical professionals about water reuse safety and benefits.

Public education must be an ongoing practice. It cannot be a check the box exercise. It must be conducted in a variety of ways.

What do you envision as the most significant challenges and opportunities in U.S. water policy, and how do you plan to steer the EPA’s Water Division to meet these challenges? In addressing climate change and water scarcity, what do you think the US needs to do that it’s not doing today to ensure it has a sustainable water future?

There are increasing pressures on our nation’s water resources: communities are unable to keep up with the demand from growing populations, droughts threaten the reliability and quality of water, and water-intensive industries, such as data centers and semiconductor manufacturing, stress local supplies. States are increasingly turning to water reuse to help address these urgent challenges and create a reliable

alternative water supply. To advance reuse planning and implementation, targeted assistance is critical for infrastructure funding, technical and communication support for new projects, including identification of potential health risks and mitigation measures, matching appropriate treatment with the intended end-use, and research on treatment processes and ways to lower cost and energy consumption. I am helping to steer the EPA to collaborate strategically across the government and water sector to develop and share tools and resources that build capacity to support the safe implementation of water reuse.

I also believe that there is untapped potential in our philanthropic and private sector partners to move us closer to a sustainable water future. The private sector has a real opportunity to provide financing options beyond what government can provide. The combination of public and private investment can be gamechanging in communities that have a legacy of disinvestment. The best part – it not only benefits the environment but creates a path for greater economic opportunity.

How can the IDRA and its members help the United States sustainably increase water supplies in waterscarce regions?

With thoughtful planning, reuse provides a reliable source of water that can augment local supplies and help to mitigate the impacts of drought. However, communities face unique challenges and are at different stages of reuse familiarity and implementation.

The IDRA and its members can play a critical role in supporting communities as they develop safe and resilient water supplies by fostering informationsharing as reuse practices advance and become more widespread. For example, IDRA could use its platform to showcase examples and stories of how water reuse can address different challenges, share findings from convenings about key reuse topics and priority needs with the EPA and others, and help identify instances where desalination and reuse may be wellsuited for communities based on factors like geography, cost, and energy demand. These collective efforts can help demystify reuse and illustrate how it can benefit different communities and circumstances to create a more resilient water future.

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

NEW US EPA REGULATIONS HAVE SIGNIFICANT REQUIREMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER

By The Honorable Christian Holmes, Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group

This year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency US EPA issued several regulations governing the treatment of certain per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and the management of wastes containing PFAS. These regulations profoundly change the United States approach to PFAS regulation.

There is considerable knowledge exchange between countries on matters which represent a global public health and environmental threat such as PFAS. While the regulations pertain specifically to the United States, in light of the International Desalination and Water Reuse 2024 World Congress, other countries in their ongoing efforts to treat water, manage wastewater, desalinate and reuse water, may find relevance in the USEPA approach to PFAS regulation and management.

PFAS are a very large group of synthesized chemical compounds. The first PFA was made

in 1938 by bonding fluorine and carbon atoms, forming one of the strongest single bonds in organic chemistry. This compound demonstrated strong resistance to heat, oil, and water. The carbon- fluorine bond became a platform for the creation of nearly 15,000 PFA compounds. These compounds are found in such products as firefighting foams, stain resistant textiles, and heat resistant kitchenware.

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals” are mobile, persistent, and bioaccumulative.

The two most common and studied PFAS are Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS). According to USEPA, studies show that PFOA and PFOS persist and bioaccumulate in humans and animals. Nearly all people in the United States have measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood. EPA states that PFAS exposure over a long period of time can cause cancer and other illnesses that decrease quality of life or result in

death. PFAS exposure during critical life stages such as pregnancy or early childhood can also result in adverse health impacts.

In addition to the final CERCLA rule, EPA issued a separate policy that states EPA will focus enforcement on parties who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment

PFAS pollution can have disproportionate impacts on small, disadvantaged, and rural communities already facing environmental contamination. Communities throughout the United States have demanded from state governments and the federal government the setting of enforceable PFAS standards for PFAS in drinking water and accountability for those who have polluted the environment with PFAS. To that end, in April 2024, EPA issued a

regulation, pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which sets enforceable drinking water standards for several PFAS.

EPA set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) at 4.0 parts per trillion individually for PFOA and PFOS. EPA concluded that this standard will reduce exposure from these PFAS in drinking water to the lowest levels that are feasible for effective implementation. EPA found that decades of research show some chemicals, including some PFAS, can combine in mixtures and have additive health effects, even if the individual chemicals are each present at lower levels.

In that regard, EPA regulated through a Hazard Index (HI), mixtures of four PFAS: PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS., and set MCLs of 10 parts per trillion.

In the regulation, EPA identified best available technologies (BATs) which have been shown to reduce PFAS to regulated levels. EPA also allows

for other treatment technologies not identified as BAT if they can remove PFAS to the regulatory standards. EPA designated granular activated carbon (GAC), anion exchange resins (AIX), and high-pressure membranes (nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) as BAT. Entities subject to the rule must comply with the standards by 2029.

Regarding accountability, EPA issued a rule in 2024 to designate two widely used PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. This rule is intended to help ensure that polluters pay to clean up their PFAS contamination. Because PFAS are now classified as hazardous substances, PFAS are subject to a “polluter pays principal“ where, for example, even if an organization in good faith hires a third party to send their wastes containing PFOA and PFOS to a landfill, the

organization can be held accountable for 100% of the remediation costs of the landfill should it become abandoned.

In addition to the final CERCLA rule, EPA issued a separate policy that states EPA will focus enforcement on parties who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment, including parties that have manufactured PFAS or used PFAS in the manufacturing process, federal facilities, and other industrial parties. Regarding the water sector, EPA through its enforcement policy provided additional clarity on the Agency’s intent not to pursue certain parties such municipal landfills, water utilities, community water systems, publicly owned treatment works (POTWS), municipal separate storm sewer systems and publicly owned/operated municipal solid waste landfills This decision holds with the argument made by water utilities that they are not generators of PFAS but rather are passive receivers of PFAS, i.e., they cannot control PFAS in the raw water and untreated waste water

before it reaches them for treatment. According to AWWA, this decision, however, does eliminate the possibility of parties, which are potentially responsible for waste remediation in abandoned landfills, from suing utilities as a source of PFAS contamination, as well as arrangers of disposal of hazardous substances.

Managing Through Uncertainty

Public and private sector entities face numerous challenges in implementing present and future potential new rules setting PFAS standards for not only drinking water but also waste water and industrial water streams and, possibly, brines. These challenges include:

ʞ Laboratories qualified to test for PFAS in drinking water and soils may not have the treatment volume capacity to process significant increases in PFAS testing needs. In the United States, individual State level PFAS guidance and rules already requires testing. Demands on labs for PFAS testing will be compounded by testing requirements to implement the drinking water rule, as well as testing of PFAS classified as a hazardous substance which are sent to treatment, storage and disposal facilities.

ʞ The implementation of the new PFAS water standards will be costly. The American Water Works Association AWWA said in its comments on the prosed drinking water rule setting the 4PPT standards, that the rule would

require more than 5,000 water systems to develop new water sources or install advanced treatment technologies. Another 2,500 water systems in states with established standards would need to adjust their existing PFAS treatment systems. An AWWA commissioned study estimated that the cost of the drinking water rule could range from more than $2.5 to $3.2 billion annually. The costs for the treatment of present and potential new PFAS in drinking water and potential treatment of PFAS in municipal wastewater and industrial water will be enormous.

ʞ The potential regulation of PFAS in treated wastewater could significantly increase treatment costs. A study by National Association of Clean Water Agencies NACWA reported estimated costs in the state of Minnesota to remove PFAS from wastewater to be between $14 and $28 billion over 20 years.

ʞ Disposal costs of certain wastes containing PFAS may also increase. Because certain PFAS are now classified as hazardous wastes, drinking water utilities will now have to send PFAS contaminated treatment residuals, such as ion exchange resins, membranes and granular activated carbon, as well as coagulation and softening residuals, to hazardous waste treatment facilities which are far more expensive than nonhazardous waste landfills.

ʞ For the desalination sector, the implications of these rules include desalination facilities having to potentially treat at 4PPT source raw ground water and sea water contaminated with PFAS. Potentially, the new rule classifying certain PFAS as a hazardous substance could affect the management and disposal of desalination brines containing PFAS regulated as hazardous substances. Regulators will seek to ensure that PFAS classified as hazardous wastes do not leach into groundwater, surface water, seawater, or soils. This might also pertain to levels of PFAS concentration in diluted brines released to seawater. Potentially, utilities may turn increasingly to desalination as an option to provide drinking water, particularly when their raw water source has regulated PFAS concentrations which are less than regulated level.

ʞ The numbers of PFA compounds to be regulated in drinking water and classified as hazardous substances may well increase. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that once every five years, per the EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule UCMR, the EPA issue a list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems Some may eventually be regulated as drinking water contaminants. PFAS make up 29 of the 30 contaminants in the most recent UCMR list.

ʞ PFAS treatment technologies have to address a wide range of factors affecting PFAS (classified as non-hazardous or hazardous) in treatment remedy selection. As noted by the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council , these factors include: the wide-ranging chemical and physical characteristics of PFAS can affect the treatment effectiveness of co-contaminants, including total organic carbon, natural organic matter, minerals, and anions which can significantly affect remediation; changes in naturally occurring processes or remedial actions for other (commingled) contaminants, such as chlorinated solvents and petroleum hydrocarbons, can affect PFAS distribution and mobility in groundwater.

Looking to future generation and exchange of knowledge by and between countries, there is a great deal to be learned and applied regarding such critical matters as PFAS regulation; the fate and transport of PFAS in both the environment and the human system; the impact of PFAS on human health and the environment; and approaches which can be taken either to mitigate and/or eliminate PFAS from the human system and environment; sustainable “green chemistry” alternatives to PFAS; and cost effective treatment technologies which do not create byproduct contaminants.

About the Author

The Honorable Christian Holmes is a Senior Advisor and Global Water Expert to Boston Consulting Group. He has served at the US Environmental Protection Agency USEPA as the first Chief Financial Officer in USEPA’s history, Assistant Administrator for Administration and Resources Management, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response, and Deputy Assistant Administrator for Federal Facilities Enforcement. He was also the Global Water Coordinator at the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID). He served as Executive Director for Environment, Health and Safety at Tenneco Inc, a global manufacturing and energy company.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences “Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)” https://www.niehs.nih. gov/health/topics/agents/pfc

Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry ATSDR Understanding PFAS Exposure and Your Body https://www. atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/PFAS-exposure-and-yourbody.html

USEPA Fact Sheet PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation https://www.epa.gov/system/ files/documents/2024-04/pfas-npdwr_fact-sheet_ general_4.9.24v1.pdf

National Institute for Environmental Health Services NIEHS web site Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) https://www.niehs.nih. gov/health/topics/agents/pfc

April 30, 2024 USEPA Presentation PFAS Drinking Water Regulation and Treatment Methods

PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation https:// www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/26/202407773/pfas-national-primary-drinking-water-regulation

Discretion and Settlement Policy Under CERCLA FROM: David M. Uhlmann to Regional Administrators and Deputy Regional Administrators Regional Counsels and Deputy Regional Counsels April 19, 2024.

AWWA letter to USEPA Administrator, May 30, 2023 https://www.awwa.org/Portals/0/AWWA/Government/ AWWA-Comments-on-Proposed-NPDWR-for-PFAS-exclAppendix-E.pdf

Correcting PFAS Myths: Misperceptions Risk Higher Clean-up Costs for Water Ratepayers, National Assoociaion of Clean Water Agencies NACWA https://www.nacwa.org/docs/ default-source/resources---public/water-coalition-factsheet-202307-v1-2.pdf?sfvrsn=8694c161_2

USEPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule

Interstate Technology Regulatory Council PFAS Treatment Technologies https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/12-treatment-technologies/

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

BEYOND THE TECHNOLOGY: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PFAS DESTRUCTION

By Mr. Gavin Scherer, Global Initiative Leader - PFAS Commercialization, AECOM

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as a critical environmental concern due to their widespread use, persistent nature and ability to bioaccumulate. The pervasive presence of PFAS in various products, from firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and cosmetics to fast food wrappers, has raised significant concerns about their potential health effects. As regulatory pressure intensifies to prevent entry or re-entry of these chemicals into the environment, the need for effective PFAS destruction technologies becomes increasingly urgent. While innovative solutions are emerging, a holistic approach encompassing multiple treatment stages is essential to achieve optimal results.

The Challenge of PFAS Destruction

The destruction of PFAS poses unique challenges due to their exceptional durability and resistance to degradation. Traditional methods like incineration often involve significant greenhouse gas emissions and may not completely eliminate PFAS. This has spurred the development of alternative technologies that aim to break down these persistent contaminants more efficiently and sustainably. DE-FLUORO® is one such technology that offers a demonstrated solution at commercial scale.

Electrochemical Oxidation: A Promising Solution

Electrochemical oxidation (EO) has emerged as a promising approach for PFAS destruction. By applying an electrical current across an electrochemical reactor bearing contaminated liquid, EO can effectively break down the

carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS molecules into basic minerals thus rendering them harmless.

DE-FLUORO® is a patented EO process designed to remove and destroy PFAS from contaminated liquids without creating hazardous byproducts. Unlike traditional methods that merely separate or concentrate PFAS, the core of the DE-FLUORO® process involves a proprietary electrode housed within the electrochemical reactor that is durable, low-cost, and highly

effective in selectively and sequentially breaking down PFAS. This technology has been rigorously tested and developed across seven years through bench trials, field pilots, and large-scale demonstrations into full scale commercial programs in the United States, Europe, and Australia.

This process can be achieved in a modular, containerized system that can be deployed as a standalone on-site solution or integrated with existing treatment systems and capable of running off solar energy due to low energy consumption, making it suitable for deployment in various and remote locations, with the following key benefits:

ʞ Effective PFAS removal and destruction: DE-FLUORO® has been demonstrated to effectively remove and destroy a variety of PFAS compounds, including those found in AFFF, wash waters, groundwater, landfill leachate, and industrial wastewaters.

ʞ On-site treatment: DE-FLUORO® offers an on-site treatment solution, reducing the need for transportation and disposal of hazardous waste.

ʞ Environmental sustainability: The technology is environmentally friendly, and solar applications provide an alternative to traditional, highly energyconsuming and greenhouse gas-emitting incineration methods.

ʞ Modular and flexible: DE-FLUORO® systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of each project and be incorporated with multiple treatment stages for efficient PFAS removal and destruction.

ʞ Cost-effective: The technology offers a cost-effective solution for PFAS treatment and eliminates the need and cost of transporting hazardous waste offsite to limited destruction or disposal locations.

A Fully Integrated PFAS Removal & Destruction Solution

Effective PFAS treatment often requires collaboration between industry experts, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders. By working together, it is possible to develop tailored solutions that address the specific needs of each contaminated site.

While PFAS destruction technology is crucial, it is only one component of a comprehensive treatment process. In reality, destruction is the final and most critical stage in the PFAS treatment process. The volume requiring destruction depends on an effective, well-orchestrated sequence of pre- and post-treatment steps — This is essential to ensure an effective, efficient and economical treatment that meets the site objectives.

But what does this multi-step process look like in practice — and how do you get it right?

DE-FLUORO®’s integrated PFAS removal and destruction approach provides a model for helping clients meet stringent regulations and leave communities safer and cleaner by destroying PFAS and thus preventing its re-entry into the environment. This is achieved by designing a tailored treatment train that removes PFAS from the impacted water and concentrates the PFAS in advance of destructive treatment in DE-FLUORO®.

the DE-FLUORO® technologies EO treatment or a combination of EO and final stage polishing to efficiently and cost-effectively achieve levels that meet the site objectives.

Following the separation and concentration of the PFAS waste, the following steps are designed to reduce or destroy the PFAS concentrate via

This integrated PFAS removal and destruction approach, combining separation and concentration steps with DE-FLUORO®’s PFAS-focused destruction technology, is an effective treatment model and has been demonstrated in the field on a variety of client sites. In these programs, DE-FLUORO® has mobilized to PFAS-impacted sites for coupling with concentrating technologies. These include where a secondary foamate derived from surface water and groundwater was treated

using an on-site surface-activated foam fractionation (SAFF) system.

During this program, the destruction efficiency of each concentrate was evaluated by testing for targeted PFAS and total organic fluorine (TOF). In addition, we analyzed for select anions, total organic carbon, and metals. Simultaneously, we monitored operational parameters: pH, temperature, current, and voltage.

The SAFF derived concentrate achieved a 98% reduction of TOF and up to 99% reduction of regulated PFAS, making it suitable for final polishing steps, such as Granular Activated Carbon or a renewable Ion Exchange Resin prior to discharge – resulting in a successful and tailored treatment train that offers a fully integrated PFAS removal and destruction solution.

The Future of PFAS Separation and Destruction

As research and development continue advancing, new technologies and approaches for PFAS destruction will likely emerge. However, it is essential to maintain a focus on the broader context and recognize that a holistic approach is key to achieving long-term success. Combining innovative technologies with a comprehensive understanding of the treatment process, it is possible to address the challenges posed by PFAS contamination and create a safer and healthier environment for future generations.

About AECOM & Aquatech

AECOM, the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, and Aquatech, a global leader in water and process technology, have an agreement to accelerate the deployment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) destruction technology. Aquatech will use the seven years of AECOM’s research, bench testing, piloting and large-scale demonstration

About the Author

Gavin Scherer has over 25 years of consulting experience in environmental and contaminated land assessment and remediation. Gavin has led teams in both Australia and New Zealand, including Australia’s largest Geosciences and Remediation Services team, the Australian Department of Defence client account, as well as Australia and New Zealand’s PFAS

programs and its extensive industry knowledge, including over 2 decades of supporting the industry in response to PFAS to bring DEFLUORO® to the commercial marketplace.

Read more: https://www.aquatech.com/ blog/aecom-and-aquatech-to-deliver-pfasdestruction-with-de-fluoro-technology.

Response Teams. Currently, Gavin leads AECOM’s Global PFAS Commercialization strategy, in his role of Global Innovation Leader, which includes focusing global teams on developing, trialing and bringing to market a ‘world first’, onsite, cost-effective PFAS destruction solution, known as DE-FLUORO®.

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

FOREVER CHEMICALS & THEIR IMPACT

By Mr. Conrad Hopp, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, AqueoUS Vets

If you have flossed, eaten take out, cooked, worn a raincoat, or—heaven forbid—had to put out a fire, then you have benefited from one of the many applications of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their environmental persistence, PFAS is linked to adverse health effects including decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, and increased risk of certain cancers. The ubiquity of PFAS has led to its discovery in surface and groundwater on every continent (see Figure 1), including the Arctic and Antarctica—two regions with no anthropologic sources. So ingrained in

society is PFAS that 98% of Americans’ have it in their blood.

PFAS pollution occurs through primary or secondary sources (see Figure 2). Primary sources include manufacturing of PFAS & related products (i.e., cosmetics, textiles, metals, microelectronics, petroleum & coal products, etc.), or from using Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF), commonly used to put out fires at airports, military facilities, or industrial sites. Secondary sources include wastewater effluent & biosolids, and landfill leachate.

Figure 1: sum of concentration of 20 PFAS subject to EU guidelines in surface, groundwater, and drinking water samples. Image source: Ackerman Grunfeld, Diana, et al. (2024)

Figure 2: primary and secondary sources of PFAS in the environment. Image source: AE2S. Available at: https://www. ae2s.com/perspectives-and-insights/pfas/

The Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Globally, the U.S. leads the charge on establishing regulations targeting PFAS. On April 10th, 2024, US EPA published legally enforceable drinking water standards for five individual PFAS and combinations therein. Nine days later, US EPA designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The drinking water ruling protects communities impacted by pollution today, and the CERCLA ruling requires clean-up action at sites with historic pollution. Table 1 outlines drinking water standards and guidelines for various countries. While numerically the U.S. has set the lowest drinking water standards, one could argue that the European Union’s proposed ban on PFAS is stricter as it requires a complete re-engineering of an extensive range of products, including PVDF membranes.

Table 1: Simplified comparison of select global drinking water standards and guidelines

a – the USEPA has also set a limit on PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and HFPO-DA compounds and on their collective concentrations. b – value is the sum of PFOS & PFHxS when both are present.

c – ‘Sum of PFAS’ is a subset of PFAS substances that contain a perfluoroalkyl moiety with three or more carbons (i.e. –CnF2n–, n ≥ 3) or a perfluoroalkylether moiety with two or more carbons (i.e. –CnF2nOCmF2m–, n and m ≥ 1).

Some states in the U.S. have taken further measures to prevent PFAS pollution. For example, Michigan established an industrial pre-treatment program (IPP) for facilities discharging PFAS; Maine banned the land application, sale, and distribution of

soil amendments to prevent PFAS from contaminating agriculture; and Illinois banned the incineration of PFAS to prevent potential atmospheric re-contamination.

Available Treatment Technologies

The best available technologies for PFAS removal are granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange (IX), and RO; of the three options, GAC and IX—collectively referred to as media filtration—are the gold standard because of reliability and cost effectiveness. A GAC system is shown in Figure 3.

Foam fractionation (FF), a technology that separates PFAS by leveraging their hydrophobic properties, is considered a promising emerging technology for wastewater with high concentrations of PFAS where media filtration

may become costly due to frequent media exchanges. Table 2 outlines common PFAS treatment technologies.

Table 2: Summary of available PFAS treatment technologies. (P) = proven & (E) = emerging.

Technology

IX (P)

GAC (P)

PFAS Feed/Conc. Advantages

Liquid: low-medium concentration

Liquid: low-medium concentration

RO (P)

FF (E)

Destruction (E)

Pyrolysis (E)

Liquid: low-high concentration

Liquid: medium-high concentration

Liquid: High-very high concentration

Solid: Biosolids

Small footprint, long media life

Versatile, cost-effective

Removes ALL contaminants

Cost effective at high concentrations

Disadvantages

Struggles w/ interference ions

Shorter media life, struggles with NOM, limited selectability

Brine volumes, cost

May require polishing & treatment of foam fraction

Mineralization of PFAS CAPEX, energy costs, scaleability.

Lower emissions compared to incineration, syngas recovery

Complex, high CAPEX & OPEX

Figure 3: GAC system installation at Tucson, AZ

PFAS & Wastewater Reuse

Reducing the concentration of PFAS from wastewater effluent is critical for protecting public health in water reuse schemes. Because of the strength of PFAS bonds, biological treatment methods employed at wastewater plants are ineffective at degrading PFAS— concentrations are often higher in wastewater effluent than the influent, associated with the biotransformation of pre-cursor compounds.

The results from Michigan’s IPP show that point-source reduction of PFAS works. Media filtration or FF paired with a destruction technology may be used to reduce downstream concentrations such that polishing technologies may be economically employed centrally at the wastewater plant, if required at all.

A well administered IPP ideally eliminates the need for treating PFAS in biosolids; however, in areas where PFAS concentrations come from domestic sources (i.e., use of cosmetics), treatment of biosolids via pyrolysis may be considered.

About the Author

Conrad Hopp serves as the Manager of Strategic Initiatives at AqueoUS Vets, the leading provider of PFAS treatment technology in the U.S. In this role, he oversees portfolio partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate development. With a strong background in the emerging contaminants market, Conrad has a proven track record of success as

PFAS & Desalination

Though RO effectively rejects PFAS from surface and groundwater, concentrated PFAS in brine must be managed. Non-destructive methods include evaporation or deep well injection, both of which pose re-contamination risks that must be considered.

Emerging destruction technologies completely demineralize PFAS and end any future liability. Electrochemical oxidation, plasma treatment, and supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) have been explored for the treatment of waste brines and are often coupled with near-ZLD approaches. Of the three, the former two are best suited for treating RO brines as SCWO may struggle with salts, but further investigation is required to prove performance at scale.

Managing Through Uncertainty

There is no silver bullet for managing PFAS. The best solution ultimately depends on site specific factors and regional health and safety concerns. Working with a partner that understands these complexities is critical to ensuring any PFAS removal project is a success.

the leader of the Advisory Services team at BlueTech Research, a global provider of water technology market intelligence. Before joining BlueTech Research, Conrad co-founded an advanced wastewater treatment company, where he managed operations, business development, and successfully raised venture capital for research and development efforts.

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

WE NEED TO CREATE A CIRCULAR WATER ECONOMY THAT MAXIMISES EVERY DROP

By Mr. Farid Al Awlaqi, Chief Executive of Generation, Taqa

Access to safe and clean drinking water is one of the most basic human rights. And life as we know it is dependent on water. And yet, about 29 per cent of the world's population, approximately 2.4 billion people, live in water-stressed countries, with 26 per cent of the world's population lacking access to safe drinking water.

Safeguarding it and ensuring adequate supply for future generations must be a priority for all countries and governments. Water insecurity also has significant economic consequences, with the problem causing an estimated $470bn of losses annually.

As CoQ28 preved - with the unprecedented UAE Consensus - global collaboration and collective action across governments, financia! institutions and technology leaders will form a critica! part of ensuring universal access to clean water.

Climate change is exacerbating water stress across the globe, lowering the availability of fresh water and furthering the need for water production methods such as desalination, as seen in the increasing number of desalination projects showing up in unexpected regions in Europe, the UK and North America.

As temperatures rise and populations grow, demand for potable water is also increasing at a rapid rate. This is especially pertinent for the Middle East and North Africa, home to seven of the top 10 most water stressed countries in the world. Even regions that are historically not as prone to water stress are facing prolonged heat waves and droughts dueto rising temperatures. Failure to adequately address the growing water crisis increases the threat of intensifying conflicts to heightening food insecurity and health crises.

Given the scarcity, the region's top priorities are researching, developing and implementing innovative technologies as well as the sustainable management of water.

Based on current policy, the lnternational Energy Agency (IEA) predicts the demand for desalination will increase its share of final energy consumption in the Middle East to 10 per cent in 2030 and 15 per cent in 2040, up from 7 per cent today.

As we stand on the precipice of a potential water crisis, there is a greaturgency to act

The scaling up of development of renewable energy and other efficient technologies is critica! to reduce the current policy forecast.

As the largest producer of desalinated water in the UAE, Taqa is acutely aware of the increasing demand and committed to meeting that demand through sustainable water solutions. As such, we are further strengthening our desalination capabilities in alignment with the UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed Water lnitiative, which aims to address water scarcity globally by accelerating the development of sustainable solutions through awareness, innovation and action.

Desalination through reverse osmosis is a much more efficient technique than thermal based ones such as multi-stage flash desalination that are also energy intensive. Combining reverse osmosis with renewable energy further reduces the carbon intensity of water production significantly and demonstrates potentially carbon-free sustainable water solutions.

About 50kms north of Abu Dhabi, the Taweelah Reverse Osmosis independent water plant, which is now operational, is an example of how reverse osmosis technology can be implemented at scale - it is the largest such RO plant in the world and vital to meet the UAE's water needs. This and other such upcoming plants can be models for countries in the region and beyond facing similar challenges.

Although desalination is important to tackle the water crisis, it is not the only one. Effective water management practices extend beyond producing desalinated water.

They must include efficient distribution throughout the network; reduced consumption through awareness raising and adoption of new technology; and the recycling of wastewater for reuse. By integrating these practices, we can create a circular water economy that maximises every drop and ensures sustainable water use, benefiting people and the environment.

The Middle East isn't the only region facing the issue of access to water. lt is an issue every

country faces. A report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water found that the world potentially faces a 40 per cent shortfall in fresh water supply by 2030, with severe shortages in water-constrained regions.

The only way in which countries across the world can meet the growing demand for water is through multilateral action, with collaboration across governments, industries and the financia! community.

The UAE has established itself as a global leader in developing large-scale affordable desalination and water treatment solutions, with the adoption of the public-private partnership model enabling companies such as Taqa to blend private international capital and technological expertise to deliver water technologies at scale without delay.

About the Author

Farid Al Awlaqi heads TAQA’s Generation business, a position he has held since July 2020. In this role, he oversees and develops the company’s global power and water generation portfolio.

He previously served as Senior Vice President in the energy platform at Mubadala Investment. He has held various roles during his career, from operations to business development, investment and asset management.

Knowledge sharing platforms such as the World Utilities Congress next week, the lnternational Desalination and Reuse Association World Congress, along with highlevel forums such as the World Economic Forum and CoP-29 later this year, will play a crucial role in advancing progress in tackling water scarcity and scaling up desalination efforts globally.

As we stand on the precipice of a potential water crisis, there is a great urgency to act. The region's proactiveness in championing desalination technology offers a glimpse into a future where water scarcity can be mitigated sustainably.

lt is a collective journey that requires the collaboration of nations, industries, and communities to safeguard our most precious resource.

Mr. Al Awlaqi sits on the board of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TAQA Morocco, and is a Board member of Sohar Aluminum.

He holds a Sloan Masters from the London Business School and a Masters of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering from the Imperial College of the University of London. He is also a prize winner from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

FIRST OF ITS KIND: A PIONEER 140 MMY DESALINATION PLANT

AUTOMIZED ITS MEMBRANE PROTECTION TO SAVE MILLIONS

By Mr. Ben Gido, Chief Screen Technologist and Head of R&D, Filtersafe

As the desalination market reaches maturity, the opportunities for innovative ways to reduce OPEX begin to dwindle. New and existing desalination plants need to look for any opportunity to reduce their costs and maximize their slim operating margins. The only non-automatic process in desalinationplantsisalsotheonethathasnotseensignificantinnovation-cartridges.Filtersafeis proud to deliver an alternative innovative technology: a patented automatic micronic screen filter for protection of RO membranes was chosen for a 140 MMY desalination plant, currently under construction.

Innovation for OPEX saving

For the last few decades, cartridge filters have been a part of practically every desalination plant, despite their many environmental and economical drawbacks. These non-degradable, consumable candles contribute the largest share of solid waste produced by a desalination plant, with substantial environmental impact. Cartridge procurement and the need for skilled labor to manually replace them every few months add to the toll of their overall operational expenses (OPEX). But still, the most expensive aspect - both financially and environmentallyis the energy and pressure that is wasted to get water pushed through these thick candles.

As it turns out, all these aspects of OPEX can be dramatically reduced by replacing cartridges

with an automatic technology: a fine micronic screen filter that can protect RO membranes while automatically cleaning itself every two hours. The most significant benefit of frequent self-cleaning is that the differential pressure is not allowed to build up, thus energy is saved. By itself, this energy saving can amount to millions of dollars. Additional savings are also realized by eliminating the need for consumables and reducing the manpower required for the manual replacement of cartridge filters.

RO Protection

The main task of the cartridge is to protect the RO membranes from any escaped media or debris. Such blockages can cause operational malfunctions or mechanical damage to the front membrane. While cartridges do provide

some improvement to water quality, typically reducing 0.2-0.3 SDI units, they are not designed to handle the burden of significant water treatment.

In a properly designed and well-maintained desalination plant, various upstream water treatment stages (primarily UF or MMF) are responsible for improving water quality to a satisfactory level of SDI < 5, while cartridges are tasked with polishing, and protecting the RO.

Remarkably, an efficient, non-compromising RO protection can be achieved with a fine stainless-steel mesh, rather than a thick spooled PP candle. The comparable ability of the screen to protect RO membranes has been proven by the results of pilot systems stationed in three desalination plants on the Mediterranean coast, and operating over the last seven years (Figure 1).

The hydraulics of energy savings

The high-precision weaving of stainless-steel wires forms an absolute barrier against escaped media and other solid particles. This removal of these solids occurs through a sieving or straining mechanism, while even particles smaller than the filtration degree are removed due to a thin filtration cake that forms on the fine mesh. In contrast, cartridge filters separate solids through mechanisms of interception and adhesion and therefore are constructed of a thick bulk of melt-blown PP wires and fibers with no distinct pore size.

The StSt fine screen is weaved for absolute

Figure 1. SDI results from a pilot automatic screen operating in a desalination plant (June-July 2024)

Figure 2. Cross section of a cartridge candle vs. a StSt screen. The hydraulic superiority of the screen is obvious.

solid removal while maintaining optimal water passage. The strict barrier detains solids but allows for a smooth passage of water and offers far superior hydraulic properties compared to the thick bulk of a cartridge candle.

A "fresh new" cartridge candle will cause about 0.2-0.3 bar of head-loss under nominal flow rates. Over its lifetime, solids and biofilm are continuously being accumulated and dP builds up. There is no way to restore the hydraulic properties of the cartridge except by disposing of it and replacing it with a new one. Since this process must be done manually, with associated costs for consumables and labor, there is the tendency is to replace cartridges as infrequently as possible—typically not before head loss of 1.2-1.5 bar (as illustrated in Figure 3). If only there was a "magic trick" to keep the differential pressure low, some significant energy savings could be made.

Fortunately, the fine screen filter can be automatically cleaned (flushed), and its hydraulic properties can be restored to those of a "fresh new" filter within 2 minutes. Initially, the fine screen causes only about 0.020 bar of head loss (just 7-10% of the initial head loss over cartridges). The straining mechanism leads to a relatively faster increase in dP while solids are being sieved and the filtration cake forms on the screen surface, but then the system automatically triggers a short flushing sequence every 2 hours, or when the dP reaches 0.2 bar.

A patented self-cleaning mechanism (nozzleX® EverClear™) removes 100% of the filtration cake, “magically” restoring the low dP of a screen. As a result, on an annual average, the screen filter consumes only 10% of the energy that is otherwise wasted on cartridge filters.

Figure 3. Illustration of pressure lost over the two alternatives for RO protection

RO Pre-treatment nominal capacity 32,000 m3/h. 140 MMY plant-sized

Adding up the numbers

The real saving potential of replacing cartridges once and for all with an automatic screen can be demonstrated using numbers from a real SWRO desalination plant, currently under construction. Designed for 140MMY, this plant is the first commercial-scale platform to benefit from the energy savings of the automatic RO protection screen solution.

About the Author

Ben Gido is an environmental engineer, dedicated to innovative environmental solutions. Ben is the Chief Screen Technologist and Head of R&D at Filtersafe, a leading company in the maritime section of ballast water treatment. Since 2016 Ben has been leading groundbreaking research, piloting in various desalination plants, and developing an automatic

Patented innovation

As a leading innovator in water filtration technology, Filtersafe recently announced the submission of a patent for its revolutionary membrane protection solution. This patent covers a system that utilizes automatically maintained screen filters. Thus, by eliminating the need for disposable cartridge filters, and their associated energy requirements and solid waste, Filtersafe is promoting a more economical and environmentally friendly desalination process.

solution for reliable protection of RO membranesrecently patented by Filtersafe. Passionate about the Water-Energy Nexus, Ben is also lecturing a course of Water & Environment at the Hebrew University in Israel and is involved in innovations of Water-from-Air technologies at H2Oll, and Agro-voltaic innovation at Bing Klima.

Table 1. Energy savings by a fine screen

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EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

SCOTT SHAWYER, CARRYING THE BE WATER POSITIVE MESSAGE, BECOMES THE FIRST CANADIAN TO FINISH THE NEW YORK-VENDÉE SOLO TRANSATLANTIC YACHT RACE

By Mr. Nick Moloney, Yachtsman / Professional Sailor, Adventurer

The last time that I shared an insight with the IDRA members, I was in final preparations for my first ever solo transatlantic yacht race, a 3,100 nautical mile course from New York (USA) to the region of Vendee (France). This race represented a monumental challenge for me, personally and professionally. It was a passage that would take me more than 2 weeks to complete and was riddled with challenges and setbacks.

A few hours before the start, I shared my feelings with my team ashore. I was excited and stressed. I had trained hard and knew the boat well. I wanted to get going. I texted my coach: “I am ready for this.”

At 2pm (EST) on 29 May, my fellow competitors and I aimed our bows eastward, towards France and became gradually engulfed by the remoteness of the North Atlantic ocean.

Early Challenges

As a fleet, we faced early meteorological challenges with a major wind transition

on days 3 and 4, further complicated by the influence of the warm water flow in the Gulf Stream. The first few days were exhausting for the whole fleet.

As we clawed our way towards the end of day four, my competitors were flooding their social media channels with expressions of frustration. “I have never seen anything like it. The world is upside down. I am tearing my hair out!” commented Charlie Dalin, one of the fleet’s best weather strategists, who was vying for the race lead. A few days later he said, “The weather doesn’t correspond to anything. Weather systems are not where they are supposed to be.”

© Nick Moloney / Be Water Positive.

We, as sailors, are at the mercy of nature, witnessing these changes firsthand and are deeply affected by them.

There is a strange reassurance, even comfort, in learning that my competitors had been yelling to the sky, shaking their fists at the wind gods, while I was doing my best to not let negative thoughts grow wings. We had worked hard on both my physical and mental preparation for this race and I focused on attacking the race with determination and energy. I was rewarded by a good period in the top 10 ranking, including a stint in 4th position among the 28 starters.

Physical and Mental Toll

Sleep became a rare luxury. Securing even three hours in fragmented catnaps over a 24 hour period felt like an accomplishment. Yet, despite

the exhaustion, I found myself oddly relishing the challenge. In preparation for the race, I had focused on training not only my body but also my mind to embrace discomfort. However, there were moments when my thoughts drifted to the undeniable reality of climate change. The unseasonably violent storms that had delayed the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre Race the previous year, our brutal winter training, and the strange weather we encountered on this race— all of it pointed to the changing face of the planet. This awareness fuelled my commitment to the Be Water Positive purpose and the role that the team and I are playing in communicating this message. We, as sailors, are at the mercy of nature, witnessing these changes firsthand and are deeply affected by them.

© Nick Moloney / Be Water Positive.

A Day of Setbacks

Day six of the race brought a series of unforeseen challenges that pushed me to my limits. It began with an autopilot failure while I was below deck, causing the boat to veer wildly and end up pinned on its side. For a brief, disorienting moment, the mast was horizontal, the deck was vertical. Righting the boat required immense effort amongst heightened risk on my safety.

Just hours later, one of my most essential pieces of equipment—a mechanical device at the base of a sail—exploded. This device, crucial for not only controlling the sail but also attaching one of the three corners of the sail to the boat, shattered into pieces, leaving me scrambling to manage 300 square meters of high-tech fabric flapping wildly in the wind. To share some

perspective, the surface area of the sail is larger than a tennis court. Despite my best efforts to haul it in, part of the sail ended up in the water. After cutting the halyard to retrieve the sail and using all of my strength to wrestle the mass of wet sail cloth onboard, I was physically exhausted.

But the setbacks didn’t end there. As I attempted to charge the boat's batteries using the engine, the propeller shaft briefly engaged, triggering a penalty for an unintentional breach of race regulations. This "insult to injury" penalty is cleared by not progressing beyond two waypoints established by the race organisation, remaining stationary on the course for a period of 70 minutes.

By the end of this gruelling period, I had lost only one position in the fleet. I took this as

Nick Moloney /

The race was more than a competition; it was a journey of personal growth, resilience, and connection to nature. And while I faced incredible challenges, I have come away s tronger, more confident, and deeply motivated to continue pursuing this dream.

a small victory in the face of an intense and challenging day. I used the forced downtime to regroup, clearing the debris and broken parts strewn across the boat and finding a semblance of order. With a more reliable autopilot setting, I was able to get some much-needed rest and begin the long road to recovery.

Lessons in Resilience

Difficult days aren’t uncommon in the world of offshore solo sailing, but the rapid succession of setbacks tested my endurance in ways that I hadn’t fully anticipated. Maintaining peak physical fitness had always been a priority for me, but this race reaffirmed just how crucial it is to prepare for the unexpected. Each setback

brought new lessons, reinforcing my belief that resilience is as much mental as it is physical.

It took me 15 days, 1 hour and 42 minutes to cover the 3,100 nautical miles that separated New York from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. My participation marks an important performance milestone in my project and longer term goals. By crossing the finish line in 4th in the non-foiling class (22nd overall) I also became the first Canadian to complete this race.

Reflections from the Finish Line

Standing on the pontoons in Les Sables d’Olonne, I reflected on the journey. The race had been a test of endurance, patience, and determination. The days

© Jean-Louis Carli / Alea.

at sea blended together, but each brought new challenges and moments of self-discovery. I had trained hard, set specific goals, and exceeded my own expectations. More importantly, I had found a sense of belonging—not only among the best solo offshore racers in the world but also within myself, connected to the ocean and its rhythm.

I now know what it feels like to race solo across an ocean. It is a profound, humbling

About the Author

Nick Moloney is an Australian yachtsman / professional sailor, adventurer. He has competed at multiple world elite level sailing events including the America's Cup and is currently engaged as the coach and double handed sailing partner to Scott Shawyer and Canada Ocean Racing . Nick has circumnavigated the globe three times under sail; the 1997-98 Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as The Ocean Race), established a new outright World Sailing Speed Record for the fastest circumnavigation under sail in 2002 (the Jules Verne Trophy) and Around the World Solo in the 2004-5 Vendee Globe Race. His career boasts 15 X

experience that I will treasure. The race was more than a competition; it was a journey of personal growth, resilience, and connection to nature. And while I faced incredible challenges, I have come away stronger, more confident, and deeply motivated to continue pursuing this dream. This race has ignited a fire within me to keep pushing boundaries, to keep racing, and to keep exploring the limits of what’s possible.

various World Sailing Speed Records and 1 X Guinness World Record for becoming the first/fastest and still the only person to have windsurfed non-stop and unassisted across the notorious Bass Strait in a time of 22 hours and 11 minutes. In 2000 Nick was awarded the prestigious Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his achievements in sailing. He is the author of 'Chasing the Dawn' and the recipient of career highlight documentary 'Sea of Dreams'. Nick is currently based in the UK and is continuing his search for adventure and new records as a brand, lifestyle and values ambassador. www.nickmoloney.com

IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024

ADDRESSING WATER SCARCITY

International Desalination and Reuse Association

8-12 DECEMBER 2024

ADNEC CENTRE – ABU DHABI

IDRA WORLD CONGRESS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

REGISTRATION

Join us at the IDRA World Congress 2024 by securing your spot through the Registration portal. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this pivotal event, where global leaders and experts will come together to discuss innovative solutions for water security. Your registration includes access to technical sessions, networking events, the exhibition, and special gatherings such as the welcome reception, gala dinner, and plant tours. Be a part of the future of water management and contribute to the global effort to address water scarcity and climate resilience.

Register Today!

SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES

For organizations looking to showcase their expertise and connect with global leaders in desalination, water reuse, and sustainability, the IDRA World Congress 2024 offers exclusive Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities. These packages provide a unique platform to elevate your brand, engage with key stakeholders, and contribute to the global conversation

on water security. Whether through high-visibility sponsorships or exhibition space in the heart of the event, your organization will have the chance to network, promote innovative solutions, and be part of a global initiative shaping the future of water management.

Contact us at sponsorships@idrawater.org

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Titanium Sponsor

Leader Summit Diamond Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Premium Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

I&S Awards Program Sponsors

Thematic Session Sponsor

Technical Session Sponsor

EXHIBITORS TO DATE

MEDIA PARTNERS

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

SUPPORTING ASSOCIATION PARTNERS

IDRA AFFILIATES

NOMINATIONS PERIOD FOR THE IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024 INDUSTRY & SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the public and private entities that have submitted nominations for the IDRA Industry & Sustainability Awards Program.

The IDRA World Congress 2024 Industry & Sustainability Awards Program honors outstanding contributions within the water sector, recognizing the most innovative and impactful achievements over the past two years in addressing water scarcity.

We are pleased to announce that we have received over 60 nominations. These

will now be forwarded to the esteemed IDRA World Congress 2024 Industry & Sustainability Awards Committee for thorough evaluation.

The prestigious awards will be presented during the Gala Dinner at the IDRA World Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024.

We look forward to celebrating the industry's groundbreaking achievements and innovations at this highly anticipated event.

Award Categories| Recognizing Excellence in Desalination and Water Reuse to offset Water Scarcity

INDUSTRY AWARDS

1. The Excellence in Public-Private Partnership Award

2. The Pinnacle of Innovation Award for Most Innovative Utility in Water Management

3. The Breakthrough Innovation Award for Most Innovative Company in Desalination Technology

4. The Visionary Leadership Award for The Most Progressive Disruptive Policy in Water Reuse

5. The Excellence in Water Reuse Performance Award

SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

1. The Resilience Excellence Award for The Most Resilient City

2. The Nexus Innovation Excellence Award for The Most Innovative Water-Energy Nexus Project

3. The Global Sustainability Leadership Award for Best Implementer of UN SDG 6: Water for All

4. IDRA Award for Lowest Carbon Footprint in Desalination

5. The IDRA Resilience in Action Award for Circular Water Resources

6. The IDRA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Award

7. The IDRA Water Positive Achievement Award

FIRST GLOBAL HACKATHON FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER DESAL & REUSE

Innovate to Reduce Water Scarcity Innovate for Impact!

Participate in the First Global Hackathon for Sustainable Water Desal and Reuse and be part of a groundbreaking event that seeks to tackle one of the world's most urgent challenges: water scarcity.

Why Participate?

›››Recognition and Awards: Gain acknowledgment for your innovative solutions

››› Networking Opportunities: Connect with leaders in the field at the World Congress.

››› Patent Exploration: Potential to secure patents for developed ideas.

››› Resource Access: Leverage resources to further develop your concepts.

Who can Participate?

›››Anyone passionate about sustainability and innovation!

How to get started:

Register Now: Click the "Register Now" button to sign up for the hackathon. You can register as an individual or a team (Hackathon Journey will provide more info).

Prepare: Read the guidelines and problem statements to get ready for the hackathon.

Engage: Join group chats or collaboration platforms to communicate with your teammates and prepare for the hackathon.

7 December 2024, Saturday

Addressing water scarcity

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

IDRA BUSINESS AND INNOVATION FORUM AND XPRIZE WATER SCARCITY PRIZE SUMMIT AT SIWW

IDRA was honored to participate in the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) and reconnect with colleagues from our long-term partner, Singapore National Water Agency (PUB), including Michael Toh, Daniel Geoffrey Stephens, Maurice Neo, Ryan Yuen, and Ong Key Wee, among others. We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration with PUB and appreciate everyone who contributed to the success of the IDRA Business and Innovation Forum, held in partnership with XPRIZE Water Scarcity. Special thanks to Mohammed Almaghrabi, Adrian Sym, Lauren Greenlee, David Locke, Elizabeth Guyman, Gustavo Saltiel, Rajesh Balasubramanian, and our corporate members Gavin van Tonder (ENOWA NEOM), Thomas Altmann (ACWA Power), Steven Lam (Gradiant), Hattie W. (Harbin ROPV), John Webley (Desolenator), Yvan Treal (SUEZ), Devesh Sharma (Aquatech), Manuel Martínez Martínez (Almar Water Solutions), and Helge Daebel (Emerald Technology Ventures) for driving

forward critical conversations on water security.

IDRA also participated in the XPRIZE Water Scarcity Prize Summit at SIWW on June 20, 2024. This summit presented a detailed overview of the $119 million, 5-year global competition aimed at revolutionizing seawater desalination to ensure reliable, sustainable, and affordable access to clean water. The event featured technology fast pitches from competing teams, interactive discussions with prize partners, and an engaging Q&A session, bringing together leading experts and innovators in the water security sector.

We look forward to continuing these important conversations at the IDRA World Congress 2024, from December 8-12, hosted by the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi. A special thanks to our hosts PUB and SIWW, and to XPRIZE and the IDRA team for organizing the event.

SAVE THE DATE:

IDRA REYKJAVIK SUMMIT ON WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE

OCTOBER 12 - 15, 2025

HARPA OPERA HOUSE, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Climate change is intensifying both droughts and floods, making effective water management and the provision of clean water among the most urgent global challenges. Additionally, water losses due to underinvestment in municipal, industrial, and agricultural infrastructure are exacerbating water scarcity worldwide.

The IDRA Reykjavik Summit on Water and Climate Change, taking place in October 2025, will be held in the iconic Harpa Opera House in Reykjavik, Iceland—one of the world’s most stunning and environmentally conscious countries. This summit will bring together

global leaders, experts, and innovators to address the intersection of water management and climate change.

As an NGO with membership from public and private sector water leaders, holding consultative status at the United Nations ECOSOC, provisional status with the UNFCCC, and membership in the UN Special Framework for Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG), hosted by the UN FAO Land and Water Division, IDRA is uniquely positioned to lead discussions on unconventional water resource solutions that enhance resilience, long-term water security, and climate adaptation.

Held under the auspices of the Iceland Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Reykjavik Summit will focus on adapting to climate change while exploring synergies between mitigation and adaptation. Key topics will include:

ʞ Decarbonizing the water sector

ʞ Unconventional water resources for long-term security

ʞ Environmental stewardship

ʞ Integrated water resource management

ʞ Solutions for food security, industry, and municipal water needs

The program will feature high-level thematic sessions alongside a peer-reviewed technical program, emphasizing real-world case studies and innovations.

IDRA will soon announce a call for sessions and a call for case study abstracts on various water and climate change adaptation topics. A peer review panel will evaluate all submissions.

Mark your calendars for this pivotal event and stay tuned for more details as we shape the agenda for addressing water and climate challenges globally.

For more information and updates, visit www.idrawater.org

IDRA ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION OPEN FOR TERM 21, 2024-2026

The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) proudly announces the nominees for the 2024-2026 Board of Directors, Term 21! All Class I and II members are eligible to cast their vote until November 13, 2024.

The election results will be announced on November 26, 2024. The newly elected board members will officially assume their roles on December 12, 2024, following the conclusion of the IDRA World Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The IDRA Board serves a two-year term and plays a critical leadership role in association governance and mission implementation to promote sustainable desalination and water reuse solutions worldwide to offset water scarcity. Board members serve as ambassadors of IDRA, to elevate the organization's profile and role. To learn more about IDRA visit idrawater.org.

Ruan Gouling Chair Professor, School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University

Pedro Almagro Water CEO, Lantania

Paola Bertossi CEO, Fisia Italimpianti

Jose Diaz-Caneja CEO-Infrastructure, Acciona

Silvio Oliva Consultant

Miguel Angel Sanz President, MS Water Consult

Yvan Treal Commercial Coordination Director, SUEZ Engineering and Construction

Jad Daoud Director, Projects Investments/Funding, Future Pipe Industries

Mohamad Jaroudi Managing Director, Future Pipe Industries

Marshall Davert Chief Innovation Officer, Stantec

Jon Freedman Global Head - Policy & External Stakeholder Engagement, Veralto

Nizar Kammourie CEO-Infrastructure, SAWACO Water Group

Doug Eisberg Global Business Development, Avista Membrane Treatment Solutions, Kurita

Naoll Cyrille Mary Senior Officer, Waer and Environment Engineer, International Finance Corporation

Mohammed A. AL Sheikh President's Deputy for Local Content and Strategic Partnerships, Saudi Water Authority

Imad Makhzoumi Chairman & CEO, Enoia Engineering Holding Group

Veronica Molina Garcia

Global Marketing & Innovation Director, Industrial Waetr & Energy, Dupont Water Solutions

Cosin CEO, Almar Water Solutions

Obeid Vice President, Veolia Middle East

Jantje Johnson Founding Partner & CTO, Orangeboat

Sharma CEO, Aquatech

Devesh

Johnny

Carlos

IDRA AND AWS SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO ENHANCE WATER STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY

The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) and the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at Singapore International Water Week during the IDRA Business and Innovation Forum. IDRA and AWS will conduct joint educational activities, such as webinars and developing joint training modules, to help their respective communities understand the intersection of desalination, reuse, and stewardship. These efforts highlight the benefits of adopting a systemic approach to water stewardship and sustainability.

IDRA will support the AWS Secretariat and Technical Committee in understanding

how desalination and reuse can be effectively addressed in the revision of the AWS Standard, while AWS will support the IDRA World Congress 2024 by providing the perspective of major water users engaged in water stewardship and the implementation of the AWS Standard.

Their ongoing cooperation will include knowledge sharing and exploring co-convening events to promote increased water security.

IDRA and AWS will endeavor to communicate a unified message on the relationship between desalination, reuse, and stewardship.

IDRA is excited to collaborate with AWS to advance the important role of water reuse and desalination solutions in supporting water stewardship and sustainability goals. This partnership will allow us to leverage our collective expertise and resources to drive meaningful change

Shannon K. McCarthy, SecretaryGeneralofIDRA

We are very pleased to partner with IDRA to help connect our respective communities in pursuit of a shared goal of water security. By combining our expertise and networks, we can help establish an environment in which innovative technology can be successfully applied, water stewardship behaviors can be adopted at scale and water resilience can become a reality for the millions of people who are currently experiencing water stress

Adrian Sym, CEO of AWS

IDRA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD UTILITIES CONGRESS 2024

From September 16 to 18, 2024, the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA), represented by its Secretary General, Shannon McCarthy, played a pivotal role at the World Utilities Congress, hosted by IDRA member TAQA Group. During the Congress, McCarthy participated in two high-level sessions and a critical roundtable, addressing global water security challenges and sustainable solutions in light of increasing water demand.

On Monday, September 16, McCarthy joined renowned industry leaders in the Global Leadership Panel: Safeguarding Water Security. The panel featured:

ʞ Sabrina Soussan, CEO of SUEZ

ʞ Eng. Khaled Alqureshi, CEO of Saudi Water Partnership Company

ʞ Farid Saleh Al-Awlaqi, CEO of Generation, TAQA Group

ʞ Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi, Managing Director & CEO of SWS Holding

ʞ Philippe BOURDEAUX, CEO - Africa, Near and Middle East, Veolia

ʞ Moderator: Hebah Abbas, Chairwoman of Kuwait Water Association

The discussion centered on the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, investment, and technology to address the alarming projection that by 2030, global water demand will exceed supply by 40%,

leaving 1.6 billion people without access to safe drinking water. McCarthy emphasized IDRA’s perspective on the critical role of water reuse and desalination in mitigating this global challenge.

Later that day, McCarthy took part in the Climate, Water & Food Security: Adaptation and Resilience Measures panel, which focused on strategies to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and food security.

On Tuesday, September 17, McCarthy co-hosted the Water Security Roundtable alongside Farid Saleh Al-Awlaqi, CEO of Generation at TAQA Group. The roundtable

which included participation by many high-ranking officials and experts, including Chairman H.E. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, former Egyptian Minister for Water Resource, H.E. Mohammed Abouzeid, explored the roadmap to achieving water security through technology and investment. The discussion highlighted the need for public-private collaboration to fund innovative solutions that ensure access to water worldwide.

IDRA’s participation in the World Utilities Congress underscored its commitment to advancing sustainable desalination and water reuse technologies, as well as promoting international cooperation to tackle long-term water challenges.

IDRA ATTENDS KEY EVENTS AT NEW YORK CLIMATE WEEK DURING UNGA79

Shannon McCarthy, Secretary General of the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA), participated in Climate Week held alongside UNGA79, attending various events hosted by IDRA members and partners. These discussions addressed some of the most pressing global challenges at the intersection of water, food, and climate security.

One of the key forums, "Food and Water: Securing Vital Resources", was co-hosted by IDRA corporate member Almar Water Solutions, the Spanish government, Community Jameel, Chatham House, and MIT J-WAFS. The event included a keynote by CEO, Carlos Cosin, of Almar Water, and brought together global leaders, policymakers, and academics to explore the

crucial linkages between water stress, food insecurity, and internationalinstability. The conversation highlighted how water scarcity and inadequate food supply, exacerbated by climate change, can fuel migration and conflict, ultimately threatening global stability.

Another significant event was the Dynamo Energy Transition Summit, which featured a panel titled "From Water to Energy: Technologies that Will Shape the Road to Net Zero", with a focus on desalination. The panel included prominent speakers such as David Crane, Undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, and Farid Al Awlaqi, CEO of Generation at TAQA. The discussion, moderated by Mona Dejani from Baker Botts, explored innovative technologies

at the water-energy nexus, crucial for achieving net-zero goals. Other panelists included Roeland Baan, President and CEO of Topsoe, who contributed insights on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Additionally, IDRA participated in the CEO Water Mandate for Corporate Water Stewardship, which included the launch of the Net Positive Water Impact Initiative, hosted by Jason Morrison, CEO of the Pacific Institute, and presented by Greg Brill. This forum focused on the importance of corporate water stewardship, particularly in 100 water-stressed basins worldwide. The session provided an overview of collective progress in advancing positive water actions globally and locally, with participation from IDRA corporate members such as Dupont, Acciona, Sacyr, and Kurita.

In another key session, “Water Resilience Through Collective Action: Connecting Business and Governments on an Integrated Water & Climate Agenda”, hosted by IDRA strategic partner the Alliance for Water Stewardship, Adrian Sym, Chief Executive,

led discussions on bridging the gap between business and government to address water resilience and climate challenges through collaborative actions.

IDRA’s participation in these events at Climate Week underscores the association’s commitment to gathering insights and fostering collaboration to address the intertwined global challenges of water and food security. These issues remain central to IDRA’s mission of promoting sustainable water solutions on a global scale.

The critical topics discussed during Climate Week will also be explored at the upcoming IDRA World Congress 2024, set to take place in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 12, 2024, and at the IDRA Water and Climate Change Summit in 2025. These events will continue the dialogue on solutions to water, food, and climate challenges.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of these important global discussions— register now: https://wc.idadesal.org/ registration-2024/.

webinars

IDRA Young Leaders Program (YLP) conducted three online webinars in June, July, and September 2024. These webinars were designed to engage participants in discussions about cutting-edge topics in the water industry, including desalination and water reuse technologies. Each session featured expert speakers who shared valuable insights and fostered meaningful dialogue among attendees, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in sustainable water management. To learn more about the IDRA Young Leaders Program, please visit: https://idadesal. org/about/young-leaders-program/

Webinar 1:

From Lab to the Field - Accelerating Commercialization of Desalination Technologies

June 12th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

This webinar focused on the commercialization of advanced desalination and water reuse technologies. It featured distinguished members of the YLP, who shared their insights and strategies for bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and successful market implementation.

Dr. Antonella De Luca Head of Competence Center Environmental Solutions, Omya International AG

Mr. Carem Habayeb BD and Sales Manager, FEDCO

Mr. Francisco José Jara Lead Process Engineer

Dr. Jungbin Kim Assistant Professor, Wenzhou-Kean University

webinars

Webinar 2:

Fostering Innovation in Water Technology and Resource Recovery July 24th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

Innovation is the driving force behind sustainable water management. IDRA’s YLP dedicated this webinar to exploring groundbreaking desalination and reuse technologies. It served as a catalyst for the next generation of innovations in the water industry.

Dr. Christine

Process Engineer & Senior Researcher, Cologne Membrane Lab, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Webinar 3:

Bridging Disciplines for Collaborative Water Solutions among young professionalsJuly 24th, September 16th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

Water management today demands a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. Join the IDRA YLP Committee as they bring together young professionals from diverse fields to explore how experts can work together to advance desalination and water reuse. This is a unique opportunity to engage in cross-sector discussions and cooperative problem-solving with emerging leaders in the water industry.

Dr.

Global Desalination and Municipal R&D Leader, DuPont Water Solutions

Mr. Jan-Hendrik Imholze

Desalination Expert, Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG

Ms. Mariam Ouda PhD candidate, Khalifa University (Moderator)

Mr. Daniele Strongone General Manager EMEIA & APAC, American Water Chemicals

Kleffner

Ms. Kamakshi Sharma Director of Marketing & Strategy, Aquatech

Ms. Mariela Cuartucci Sales Engineer, NX Filtration (Moderator)

Mr. Rory Weaver Director of Marketing and Business Development, FEDCO

Mr. Angel Abajas European Sales Manager, Desalination, Energy Recovery

Guillem Gilabertoriol

IDRA / Affiliates/ Partners Upcoming Events

CAIRO WATER WEEK 2024

WATER AND CLIMATE: BUILDING

RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

IDRAParticipating

13-17 October 2024

Cairo, Egypt

ACCADUEO

IDRAParticipating

27-28 November

Bari, Italy

UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE (UNFCCC COP 29)

IDRAParticipating 11-22 November 2024

Baku, Azerbaijan

UNCCD 16: CONFERENCE TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION

IDRAParticipating

2-13 December 2024

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024

8-12 December 2024

ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE

AMTA MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION

IDRAAffiliate

24-27 February 2025

Long Beach Convention Center

Long Beach, California USA

WATEREUSE 2025 SYMPOSIUM

IDRAParticipating

16-19 March 2025

Tampa, Florida

EDS DESALINATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, CLEAN WATER AND ENERGY

IDRAAffiliate

27-30 April 2025

Alfandega Congress Centre, Porto, Portugal

AUSTRALIA WATER ASSOCIATION OZWATER CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

IDRAAffiliate

20-22 May 2025

Adelaide Convention Centre, Australia

AEDYR XIV INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

IDRAAffiliate

24-26 June 2025

Tenerife, Canary Islands

IDRA REYKJAVIK SUMMIT ON WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE

12-15 October 2025

Harpa Opera House, Reykjavik, Iceland

IDRA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

www.aquastill.nl

AQUASTILL

Aquastill - Sustainable Thermal Desalination powered by genset waste heat or solar heat. Produce more potable water with less energy or with less brine Aquastill is the global technology leader in the field of membrane distillation (MD). Our innovative technology can desalinate water on a medium (1000 m3/day) scale, at competitive costs and with minimal impact on the environment. Using waste or solar heat to power the process sustainably. With Aquastill you can desalinate water while reducing your carbon footprint. Aquastill is a partner that operates in the delta of science, technology and business. Combining renewable energy with a unique patented technology achieves results that only Aquastill can offer. Results based on the largest amount of test projects in this new field. Over forty successful installations show capacities for clean water generation that are out of this world.

MANN+HUMMEL WATER & FLUID SOLUTIONS SPA

mann-hummel.com

MANN+HUMMEL is a leading global company in filtration technology. Under its two business units Transportation and Life Sciences & Environment, the Ludwigsburg-based Group (Germany) develops intelligent filtration and separation solutions that enable cleaner mobility, cleaner air, cleaner water, and cleaner industry. Thus, the company makes an important contribution to a clean earth and the sustainable use of limited resources. In 2023, over 22,000 employees at more than 80 locations generated a turnover of EUR 4.7 billion. The portfolio comprises fuel, oil and air filters for combustion engines and industrial applications, filtration solutions for electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, simulation technologies and filter media, as well as membrane technologies for municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment and use in sensitive process applications such as food production or biotechnology. Furthermore, the family-owned company, founded in 1941, offers air and molecular filtration technologies for vehicle interiors, building filtration, as well as industrial applications and cleanrooms.

IDRA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

www.veralto.com

Imagine a world where everyone has access to clean water, safe food and medicines, and trusted essential goods. That is the tomorrow Veralto is creating today. Veralto is a $4.8B global leader in essential technology solutions. Our industry-leading companies are building on a long-established legacy of innovation and customer trust to create a safer, cleaner, more vibrant future. Veralto’s Water Quality companies— Aquatic Informatics, ChemTreat, Hach, McCrometer, OTT HydroMet, Sea-Bird Scientific, Trojan Technologies, and XOS—help customers manage, treat, purify, and protect the global water supply, from municipal and wastewater treatment facilities to lakes, rivers, watersheds, and oceans. And our Product Quality and Innovation companies—Esko, Linx, Pantone, Videojet, and X-Rite—help protect the world’s food, medicine, and essentials by enabling customers to track and authenticate the billions of goods that travel the global supply chain every day. Veralto is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, with 300+ locations worldwide. Our global team of 16,000 associates is guided by the Veralto Enterprise System and united by a powerful purpose: Safeguarding the World’s Most Vital Resources™.

www.medisun.energy

TAWZEA specializes in Management of industrial cities, operation and maintenance of Water and WasteWater facilities, and is one of the first companies that have been successful in the privatization of thewater sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general and the industrial cities in particular.

TAWZEA - INTERNATIONAL WATER DISTRIBUTION CO.

VERALTO

IDRA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

GI AQUA TECH

giaquatech.de

GI Aqua Tech is a strategic partnership company between several multinational companies and research centers to provide innovative solutions for wastewater management by offering a new generation of wastewater treatment technology in industrial, gray water, and petroleum industries. We strive for our products to make a breakthrough in wastewater and pollution management solutions and create new broad markets by providing intelligent products for wastewater treatment that are economical, cost-effective and achieve financial profits and real development. We aim to develop markets that attract new partners, customers, and those wishing to fulfill humanitarian and environmental benefits.

learningcc.org

CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI

The City of Corpus Christi Learning Institute is a corporate university exclusively for employees of the City of Corpus Christi. We are a division of the City of Corpus Christi’s Human Resources Learning and Organizational Development department. Launched in June 2014, the Learning Institute provides educational and organizational development programs for over 3,000 working professionals in the City of Corpus Christi. This institute is the realization of the City of Corpus Christi strategic goal to grow our own leaders and develop exceptional professional development opportunities and programs to keep the City at the forefront of municipal service and meet the growing demand for competent, well qualified, customer focused workforce professionals.

MEDISUN PLANET

www.medisun.energy

At its core, MediSun is a technology-driven company. It uses an innovative technology called ReverseElectrodialysis (RED), a type of Salinity Gradient Power (SGP) to turn saltwater to generate electricityfrom the salt content. MediSun Is Earth Centric. We’re Here To Help The World.