Global Scans · Water · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Global demand for fresh water is expected to outpace sustainable supply by 40% in 2030. Global water demand will climb in tandem with population and economic growth. At least two-thirds of the world's population will face 'water stress' by 2025 and the number of people affected by floods could increase by a factor of three by 2100 bring significant risk of unrest and conflict. The UN Security Council will have to declare water a strategic resource of humanity and adopt a resolution to protect water resources and installations. Organizations will be expected to play their part in conserving water.

• [New] The EPA proposes six control measure options that applicable water systems could select and implement to reduce PFOA and PFOS concentrations and provide information for consumers to decrease their exposure to PFAS. Federal Register
• [New] A potentially powerful El Nino is expected to develop in the Pacific Ocean, and forecasters say it could grow into a rare super El Nino later in 2026. Boston.com
• [New] The Bridger Pipeline would cross major rivers including the Missouri and the Yellowstone, prompting fears about the potential for contamination of water sources. National Native News
• [New] Swimming in sewage-polluted water comes with its own dangers, including skin rashes, pinkeye, respiratory infections, and hepatitis. Healing Waters International
• [New] By 2050, ocean plastic will outweigh all of the ocean's fish. Conservation International
• [New] The ongoing water crisis in First Nations communities has drawn international condemnation, with human rights bodies warning that Canada's failure to ensure safe water constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights. SenCanada
• [New] Systems will benefit in their ability to achieve compliance from other EPA RealWaterTA offerings, such as Water Engineering Support. Federal Register
• [New] Taiwan will not retreat in the face of pressure after returning from a surprise trip to Eswatini that took a long route over the southern Indian Ocean to avoid airspace controlled by countries close to China. The Asia Cable
• [New] Asia accounts for over 60% of the world's irrigated land, yet suffers from low water use efficiency, creating a vast opportunity for smart technology adoption. Market Data Forecast
• [New] According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, over 60% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2030, intensifying the demand for smart urban services including automated irrigation for parks, medians, and sports fields. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Global water demand is projected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030 if current trends continue, creating an urgent imperative for conservation measures. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The World Meteorological Organization expects an El Nino event to develop in the coming months, and some scientists predict it could be the strongest this century based on high Pacific Ocean surface temperatures. Proactiveinvestors NA
• [New] The projected El Nino is likely to yield asymmetric impacts; with drought-like conditions reducing maize, rice, and wheat production in Asia and Australia and wet conditions boosting global soybean production in the Americas. ORF Middle East
• [New] For the Middle East, a lingering El Nino threatens domestic water supply, with the potential for drought-related disputes to emerge in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. ORF Middle East
• [New] Three channels: lower productivity raises wholesale grain prices, supply disruption on Amazon-basin rivers raises freight costs by up to 57% in severe events, and El Nino-driven drought in the Andes reduces hydropower output and raises regional energy costs. The Rio Times
• [New] Water scarcity intensified by climate change could actually cost some regions up to 6% of GDP by 2050. World Bank Live
• [New] Water systems built for a future where nearly 90% of 2026 host stadiums will require adaptation measures and one third will see water demand meet or exceed supply by 2050. Sustainable Brands
• [New] San Joaquin Valley farms could see 20% reductions in applied water by 2040 due to groundwater pumping restrictions stemming primarily from SGMA but also from other new environmental regulations. Valley Ag Voice
• [New] As global water stress intensifies due to climate change, economic development and regional scarcity, proactive water stewardship enables organizations to optimize resource use, enhance efficiency, maintain quality and mitigate future disruptions. TRC Companies
• [New] Investing $1.8 trillion globally in five areas (early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, improved agriculture, mangrove protection and water resilience) could yield $7.1 trillion in total net benefits by 2030. TRC Companies

Last updated: 23 May 2026