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

The case centers on San Francisco’s challenge to the EPA’s authority under the Clean Water Act, particularly its use of vague discharge rules that lack clear numerical limits. San Francisco argues that the EPA’s reliance on generic prohibitions without quantifiable limits makes compliance difficult and could result in up to US$10 billion in additional capital expenditures.

On the other side, thirteen Attorneys General for Democratically governed states are urging the Court to preserve the EPA’s authority to set “narrative” limits, supported by scientists who claim that narrative-based limitations can be more effective in certain cases, such as nutrient discharges, by allowing more flexibility for the permit holder.

Reese and Greg dive into six key questions:

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis:

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

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

These CIPs translate utility capital needs into market opportunities for technology and equipment vendors as well as engineers and construction firms. Bluefield has detailed CIP data to help clients navigate market opportunities and make informed decisions.

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis:

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

Questions addressed in this conversation:

Looking ahead, Bluefield's water experts discuss what’s on the horizon for the water treatment chemicals market, including the potential for more M&A activity, IPOs like Solenis’ planned for 2025, and the impact of persistently high interest rates on deal flow.

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis:

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

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

Drawing from Bluefield's latest report, "U.K. Water Utilities' Road to AMP8", the discussion includes analysis of proposed business plans by U.K. water utilities.

Topics covered include:

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis:

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

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

The second half of the episode explores what's on the horizon for the water industry. Key topics include, but are not limited to:

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis:

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

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

At the time of recording this episode, Joe Biden was still the Democratic candidate for president. However, over the weekend, the political landscape shifted. Biden's sudden withdrawal from re-election certainly shakes things up, but for the water and wastewater sectors, a Democratic victory in the White House is expected to maintain the current course at the federal level. While many anticipate Vice President Kamala Harris to step up as the new candidate, the political outlook, as discussed with Greg, remains largely unchanged. The real game-changer, however, looms in a potential Trump win—promising a seismic shift that could echo the transformative policies proposed during his previous term.

Reese and Greg unpack how decisions made in the upcoming election can reshape water management in the U.S., addressing critical issues such as aging infrastructure, climate resilience, and water quality.

Greg tackles three crucial questions:

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis:

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

Topics covered, questions answered:

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis:

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

In this episode:

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis:

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

Discussed in the podcast:

1. Bluefield keeps a close eye on government funding in the semiconductor manufacturing industry because of all the capital going towards Greenfield development—and with that comes water management spend and innovative solutions (i.e., reuse) especially in areas of water stress. In Q1, there were questions around the status of government funds from the U.S. CHIPS Act and market challenges. Q2 analysis shows the slow roll out of funds to semiconductor manufacturers GlobalFoundries, TSMC, Micron, Intel, and Samsung. What is the status of the funds and how are these companies responding?

2. In the hydrogen space, although still in early development, we are seeing significant investment being poured into green hydrogen. As Bluefield follows the money, we are expecting this to drive water management opportunities. As water is a key input in hydrogen production—and nearly 2,000 projects have been announced worldwide—Bluefield is estimating US$26.3 billion to be spent on water management in this sector through 2030. 

3. Bluefield is tracking several trends in the food & beverage industry. Wastewater treatment remains a large area of spend for these facilities, increasingly stringent discharge regulations are pushing for advanced treatment. What is the impact of municipal surcharges for treatment that can range from a couple thousand dollars annually to millions? And how are companies dealing with higher operational costs and commodity prices?

4. Let's not forget about corporate sustainability. What is the reality of corporate sustainability in industrial water? Is it a driving factor in corporate water management decisions? Companies have largely been motivated to set water reduction targets and disclose water use. But what does this mean and is the goal actually meaningful? How do 'replenishment projects' work and what are attractive 'sustainable’ business models (i.e., Water-as-a-service, operation management contracts).

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis

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

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

In addition to these trends, Bluefield's Europe water experts delve into several key topics:

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

If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.

Related Research & Analysis: