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

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

Germany, the largest economy in the Eurozone, faces mounting challenges—from slow GDP growth to underinvestment in infrastructure. These issues have ripple effects across Europe, including the water sector, as infrastructure upgrades struggle to keep pace with economic pressures.

2. EPA’s Cybersecurity Report: A Wake-Up Call

The EPA’s report on vulnerabilities in U.S. drinking water systems highlights critical cybersecurity risks. With nearly 193 million Americans reliant on systems susceptible to high-risk threats, the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy has never been more urgent.

3. Thames Water’s Financial Challenges

The U.K.’s largest water utility is grappling with nearly £19 billion in debt, stringent regulatory oversight, and mounting public scrutiny. Reese explores the financial and operational pressures reshaping the U.K. water market and what it means for utilities globally.

4. Water Sector M&A Maintains Momentum

While the pace of transactions has moderated, 2024 saw 334 water sector deals, driven by falling interest rates and infrastructure incentives. Reese highlights the segments and companies leading the charge, from hardware & equipment to geographic expansion in key markets.

5. Companies Putting Water First

Major players like Georg Fischer, Kemira, Veralto, and DuPont Water Solutions continued to prioritize water in 2024, driving sustainability, innovation, and technological advancements. Their strategies underscore the rising prominence of water as a critical industry focus.

6. U.S. Elections: Shaping Water’s Future

The 2024 U.S. elections introduced significant implications for water policy and funding. Reese examines how shifts in political leadership could influence federal regulations, public funding programs, and private sector dynamics in the years ahead.

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