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 mass deployment of sensors, including Event Duration Monitoring, at all UK storm overflows creates opportunities for digital solutions to improve the way water quality is both managed and subsequently communicated to communities. CIWEM
• [New] England's National Drought Group announced on Thursday that it will switch from monthly to weekly meetings, saying that drought conditions are continuing to intensify despite the recent rain. BBC Weather
• [New] There are renewed warnings that threats to food and water security in the Pacific arising from a stronger than usual El Nino climate pattern will compound the shocks emanating from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre
• [New] Weather risk is compounding, as El Nino, heat, drought and low water on European rivers and the Panama Canal threaten feedstock and agricultural supply and costs. Kemiex AG
• [New] While flood insurance remains broadly accessible, rising claims and a growing protection gap highlight fiscal risks, with an estimated £1.6bn to £2.2bn per year needed to keep flood risk levels steady, plus £0.9bn to £2.6bn annually for drought resilience measures. / UK Green Central Banking
• [New] Asia-Pacific is one of the most vulnerable regions with drought and wildfire risks, potentially impacting Palm Oil in Southeast Asia or grains in India and Australia. Kemiex AG
• [New] Caused by Pacific Ocean temperatures that are more than 2 degrees Celsius warmer than normal, it will raise global temperatures and disrupt weather patterns around the world. Atlantic Council
• [New] Attacks targeting critical infrastructure could have serious real-world consequences, including disruptions to hospitals, electrical systems and water treatment facilities. KDBC
• [New] The potential economic consequences are significant: the African Development Bank estimates that a Super El Nino could result in a US$ 10 billion to US$ 20 billion hit across African countries, with impacts extending to food and water security, infrastructure and economic activity. African Mining Market
• [New] The scale of planned investment in water infrastructure across England and Wales is creating a substantial delivery opportunity, but workforce availability is emerging as an important constraint on how effectively that capital can be deployed. DirectorsTalk Interviews
• [New] Water companies must have improved 75% of storm overflows by 2035, and 100% by 2045. / UK CIWEM
• [New] Drought is expected to increase in frequency, duration, and intensity at both regional and global scales, resulting in increased environmental security risk. Drought.gov
• [New] Experts at institutions ranging from Zurich Insurance to Tavoni's think-tank estimate 2026's flash drought is likely to deal a short-term economic blow to Europe of at least €50bn, which could rise significantly if the water shortages drag on. Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen
• [New] Falling fish populations and reduced seafood production could undermine food security for billions of people around the world who depend on the ocean as an important source of nutrition. ScienceDaily
• [New] If you run anything that depends on water, power or agricultural supply here - and in Colombia that is most businesses - the planning horizon that matters is December to March, and the time to plan for it is now, while reservoirs are still above 70%. The Rio Times
• By 2030, global water demand will exceed supply by approximately 40%, underscoring the urgency of robust water management solutions. Persistence Market Research
• The U.S. Department of Energy finalized standards requiring over 50% of newly manufactured electric storage water heaters to use heat pump technology by 2029. Persistence Market Research
• Industrial water utilities are expected to register the fastest growth, expanding at a CAGR of 13.9% between 2026 and 2033, driven by sustainability commitments, water reuse initiatives, and rising freshwater costs across manufacturing, mining, and power generation industries. Persistence Market Research
• In the United States, enforceable drinking water limits of 4 nanograms per liter for PFOA and PFOS are already in place, with compliance required by 2031. Smart Water Magazine
• AI-powered data centers are becoming significant consumers of electricity and water, with demand expected to increase substantially by 2030. GCC BUSINESS WATCH

Last updated: 12 September 2026