The Future of Water

By Bluefield ResearchBusiness Science Technology

The Future of Water episodes

March 11, 2025Herc, Sunbelt, and United: How Recent M&A Is Reshaping the Water Equipment Rental Market
In Episode 114 of The Future of Water podcast, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Research Senior Analyst Ethan Edwards for a deep dive into the water landscape, focusing on the evolving role of the equipment rental sector. The conversation centers on the competitive dynamics among major rental companies such as Herc, Sunbelt, and United Rentals, with a spotlight on Herc’s recent US$5.3 billion acquisition of H&E Equipment Services.
Ethan breaks down the impact of this deal, positioning Herc as the third-largest equipment rental company in North America. He also discusses how original equipment manufacturers rely on rental firms to distribute pumps, dewatering systems, and trench safety solutions, particularly as municipalities and industries adopt asset-light models. He highlights that rental companies are an essential channel for water equipment, especially in sectors like mining, construction, and oil & gas.
Key Takeaways:
The Water Connection: Rental companies are not just providing equipment—they're offering full-service dewatering and treatment solutions, competing directly with specialized water service providers.
Consolidation Trends: With companies like United Rentals and Sunbelt expanding through acquisitions, the rental sector is seeing increased consolidation.
Strategic Shifts: Pump manufacturers are increasingly relying on top rental companies for distribution, as exclusive supply agreements and co-branded deals help maintain steady demand and strengthen their market positions.
Looking Ahead: Ethan shares insights on how AI and connected worksites could further transform equipment rental strategies, particularly in water-related projects.
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:
Herc’s US$5.3B Acquisition: Reshaping the Water Rental Market Channel
28 min
February 25, 2025The Digital Water Playbook: Who’s Investing, What’s Changing, and Why It Matters
Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield’s Analyst Christine Ow to discuss the latest developments in digital water. From Badger Meter’s expansion into wastewater to Ferguson’s growing presence in smart buildings, Bluefield's water experts examine recent acquisitions, investment trends, and the competitive landscape in the U.S. and Europe.
With the U.S. and Canada digital water market set to double by 2033, Christine and Reese take a closer look at what’s driving investment, how markets in the U.S. and Europe compare, and where the biggest opportunities lie.
Key Topics Discussed:
Badger Meter's Move into Wastewater: Badger Meter’s US$185 million acquisition of SmartCover Systems marks a shift into wastewater asset management. What does this signal about their long-term strategy? Christine and Reese break down how this acquisition fits into Badger’s history of strategic growth, its expansion beyond metering, and its increasing focus on wastewater and potentially stormwater solutions.
Ferguson's Expansion into Smart Buildings: Ferguson’s partnership with WINT Water Intelligence marks another step in its digital water expansion. What does this mean for the company’s strategy? The conversation explores Ferguson’s push beyond hardware distribution into software solutions, how it compares to Core & Main’s digital strategy, and what this means for the broader smart buildings market.
The U.S. & Canada Digital Water Market Forecast: The U.S. and Canada digital water market is set to double from US$11.5 billion in 2024 to US$23.8 billion by 2033. What are the key drivers? This segment highlights the role of policy, funding initiatives, cybersecurity concerns, and the increasing demand for AI-driven analytics and IoT solutions.
Comparing the U.S. & Canada and Europe's Digital Water Markets: Each region has different regulatory and investment landscapes. How does this impact digital water adoption? Bluefield's water experts discuss the centralized regulatory approach in Europe versus the fragmented U.S. market, the challenges of funding and procurement cycles, and how these factors influence digital technology adoption in utilities.
What's Next for the Digital Water Market?: With market consolidation and increasing investment, what are the key trends to watch? The discussion covers the potential impact of tariffs, economic uncertainty affecting M&A activity, the rise of smart stormwater solutions, and the growing role of AI in utility decision-making.
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:
Badger Meter Uncovers Wastewater Growth
Ferguson Adds WINT to Growing Digital Water Solutions Portfolio
U.S. & Canada Digital Water Market Outlook: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts, and Forecasts, 2024–2033
Europe Digital Water Market Outlook: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts, and Forecasts, 2024–2033
48 min
February 11, 2025Will Spanish Engineering Firms Reshape the Global Water Landscape?
Spanish engineering firms have played a significant role in the global water sector, leading major desalination and water treatment projects across Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond. But recent financial pressures, acquisitions, and shifting competition are reshaping the landscape.
In this episode, host Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo about the evolving strategies of firms such as GS Inima, Acciona, FCC Aqualia, and Ferrovial. Our water experts break down the implications of GS Inima’s pending sale, how Spanish firms are navigating market consolidation, and whether they can maintain leadership amid growing competition from French and Chinese players.
Key topics include:
The GS Inima sale—why it’s happening and what it means for global desalination.
How Spain’s top water firms, including Acciona, FCC Aqualia, and Tedagua (now under Vinci), are navigating growth and consolidation.
Spain’s continued leadership in desalination and whether competition from French and Chinese firms is shifting the balance.
Vinci’s acquisition of Tedagua and the broader implications for consolidation trends in water engineering.
The future outlook—where Spanish firms are expanding next and what challenges they face.
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:
Global Desalination: Market Share and Company Rankings
Spain Municipal Water Market Overview
Leading Water Engineering Firms: Profiling Company Strategies and Trends
38 min
January 28, 2025What's the Price of Your Household Water?
In this episode, Bluefield's Private Water Analyst Megan Bondar joins host Reese Tisdale to discuss the latest findings on U.S. water and sewer rates. What has changed in 2024? With Bluefield’s ninth annual analysis covering data from 50 of the largest U.S. cities, this episode explores key trends in pricing, affordability challenges, and the factors driving rising household water bills.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
How much have water rates increased?
Household water and sewer bills have climbed 4.6% from 2023 to 2024, and surged 24% in the past five years.
What’s behind rising costs?
Inflation, aging infrastructure, and slow federal funding distribution are putting financial pressure on utilities and ratepayers.
How do rates vary across the U.S.?
The Northeast region leads with the highest monthly combined residential bill, while cities like Phoenix and Long Beach offer some of the lowest rates.
What are the affordability challenges?
In some cities, minimum wage workers must work over 20 hours per month just to cover their water bills, exceeding EPA affordability thresholds.
What strategies are utilities using?
Tiered rate structures, volumetric surcharges, and infrastructure surcharges are some of the ways utilities are addressing affordability while investing in upgrades.
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:
U.S. Municipal Utility Water Rates Index 2024: Drinking Water & Sewer
43 min
January 14, 2025Diehl Metering’s Digital Water Leap Powered by Analytics-focused Acquisition
Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Mike Muroff to dive into Diehl Metering’s recent acquisition of Preventio, a software company specializing in AI-powered solutions like leak detection and predictive maintenance. This deal is not just a major step for Diehl’s digital water strategy, but also reflects broader trends in Europe and beyond.
Preventio enhances Diehl's existing capabilities, particularly within its Analytics & Services division, which focuses on water loss management and IoT solutions. This acquisition positions Germany-based Diehl Metering alongside competitors like Xylem and Itron, who have also made strides in analytics and IoT, while marking a strategic pivot for the company as it strengthens its digital portfolio.
Economic and geopolitical shifts in Europe—especially in Germany—have also influenced this transaction. Challenges like the energy crisis and restrictive data regulations are driving demand for innovative solutions, while Diehl’s success in international markets like the U.S. and Saudi Arabia highlights the global potential for scaling Preventio’s offerings. This acquisition marks an important move in addressing critical market challenges like water scarcity and energy efficiency.
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:
Diehl Ups Digital Water Focus with Preventio Acquisition
37 min
December 24, 20242024 in Water, What Mattered the Most?
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.
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:
U.S. & Canada Digital Water Market Outlook: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts, and Forecasts, 2024–2033
Hardware, Equipment, and Services Distributors: Channel Strategies for the Water Sector
2024 U.S. Elections: Implications for the Water Industry
27 min
December 10, 2024From Pharma to Energy, What's Driving Growth in Water-Intensive Industries?
In this episode, Bluefield's water experts take a closer look at industrial water markets, exploring the trends and dynamics influencing water and wastewater management across key sectors.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Amber Walsh, Senior Analyst at Bluefield Research, to unpack findings from Bluefield's recently released U.S. & Canada Industrial Water Market Forecasts report. Together, they discuss:
Market Drivers: How federal policies like the CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act are spurring investments in water-intensive industries like semiconductors, renewable energy, and AI-driven data centers.
Market Size & Growth: Industrial water management expenditures in the U.S. and Canada are forecasted to reach US$388.5 billion from 2024 to 2030, with oil and gas leading the way, representing nearly half of the spend.
Energy Transition Impacts: The shift from fossil fuels to renewables is reshaping water use. However, potential policy rollbacks could alter the pace of the transition, impacting water demand in these industries.
Semiconductors & Critical Infrastructure: The water-intensive needs of semiconductor fabs and battery manufacturing plants are driving investments in ultrapure water systems and wastewater treatment, creating significant opportunities for solution providers.
Emerging Trends in Industry Verticals: From food and beverage to pharmaceuticals, new opportunities are emerging for water solution providers across a highly fragmented landscape.
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:
U.S. & Canada Industrial Water & Wastewater Market: Key Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030
Global Industrial Water Market Overview
42 min
November 26, 2024Strategic Moves Reshaping the Water Sector
In this episode, Reese Tisdale sits down with Keith Hays, VP & Managing Director at Bluefield Research, to discuss major developments in the water sector that signal a broader shift toward water-centric strategies. Together, they break down the strategic moves by key players and explore their implications for utilities, industries, and technology providers.
Key topics in this discussion include:
Georg Fischer’s pivot to exclusively water and flow solutions: How divesting non-core businesses and acquiring Uponor is strengthening its market position in industrial and high-value sectors like semiconductors.
Ecolab’s acquisition of Barclay Water Management: Strengthening industrial water treatment expertise with proprietary technologies and a consumables-driven revenue model.
Veralto’s investment in Axine Water Technologies: This investment underscores the sector’s shift toward digital innovation, with industrial water applications emerging as prime targets for growth.
Reese and Keith also dive into the broader trends driving these transformations, including the rise of high-tech solutions like real-time monitoring, the industrial focus on semiconductors and data centers, and the impact of major infrastructure investments. With insights on scalability, innovation, and competitive dynamics, this episode highlights how companies are positioning themselves for a water-driven future.
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:
Ecolab M&A Targets High Tech, Data Water Management
Georg Fischer Unlocks Value with Water Focus
56 min
November 12, 2024How Are Hardware, Equipment, and Services Distributors Driving Change in the Water Sector?
As companies like Core & Main, Ferguson, and DXP Enterprises evolve from middlemen to essential market channels, they’re shaping the water industry through expansive networks, deep customer relationships, and a strong logistical presence. In this episode, Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Mike Muroff to dive into the crucial role that hardware, equipment, and services distributors play in the water sector. They explore how these distributors are meeting local demand in an increasingly fragmented market, where addressing specialized needs is key.
Key Insights:
Consolidation as a Competitive Advantage: Driven by mergers and acquisitions, distributors are rapidly capturing market share. In the past decade alone, over 130 M&A deals have helped major players like Core & Main and Ferguson establish a stronghold in the US$40 billion water infrastructure market, even as the market remains fragmented.
Distributors as Essential Channels: Major distributors serve as the backbone for reaching end-users across the sector. Their extensive branch networks and customer connections make them critical in navigating local demand and providing tailored solutions.
Evolving Business Strategies: With a focus on M&A-driven geographic expansion, diversifying supply chains, and adopting digital tools, top distributors are strengthening their channels to market and positioning themselves for scalable growth.
Digital Transformation’s Role: From Core & Main’s Online Advantage platform to Ferguson’s partnership with Trimble, digital tools are redefining operational efficiencies and customer engagement. Distributors leading in digital innovation are finding ways to streamline processes, while those lagging may risk falling behind.
Environmental & Regulatory Impacts: New infrastructure initiatives, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, have heightened the importance of environmental compliance. Distributors are aligning with these standards to remain competitive, especially as extreme weather challenges continue to impact supply chains.
Resilience Amid Economic Pressures: In the face of inflation and rising interest rates, leading distributors maintain growth by focusing on the non-residential sector and employing targeted M&A and capital strategies. These approaches help bolster their regional presence and support ongoing resilience.
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:
Hardware, Equipment, and Services Distributors: Channel Strategies for the Water Sector
38 min
October 29, 2024Flood Management Under Pressure: Europe's Response to Storm Boris
With climate change accelerating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, countries across the continent are grappling with the need for resilient infrastructure. This conversation couldn’t be more timely: recently, Storm Boris brought nearly 500mm of rainfall—almost 20 inches—across Central Europe, testing current flood management defenses and highlighting critical gaps. In this episode, Zineb Moumen, an Analyst with Bluefield’s Europe team, dives into the pressing issue of flood management and flood resiliency across Europe.
Together, Zineb and podcast host Reese Tisdale explore how recent weather events like Storm Boris are shaping flood resilience strategies and investment in Europe, including traditional engineering projects and cutting-edge digital solutions. They also examine how these changes are shaping the market for engineering firms, utilities, and technology providers who are racing to keep pace with rising flood risks.
In this session, Bluefield's water experts address these questions:
How did Storm Boris challenge flood control efforts in Central Europe, and what lessons have emerged?
How is climate change influencing investment in Europe’s flood management, and where are the emerging opportunities?
What role do digital tools and technologies play in today’s flood management systems?
How are insurers and financial services adjusting to increased flood risks?
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:
Storm Boris Tests Central Europe Flood Control
Europe Lays the Foundations for the Water Sector’s Complex Future: Bluefield’s 2024 Regional Outlook
U.S. Stormwater Infrastructure Market: Key Drivers, Competitive Shifts & Investment Outlook, 2024–2030
28 min

About The Future of Water

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The Future of Water is Bluefield Research’s bi-monthly podcast examining the strategic, regulatory, and market dynamics shaping the global water sector. Spanning municipal and industrial markets, and extending from technology providers to investors, each episode focuses on the signals that matter—capital flows, policy developments, and business model shifts impacting opportunities in water.