Shows
The Future of WaterWhat Does a Decade of Fair Market Deals Tell Us About Water’s Future?Fair Market Value (FMV) has become a critical—yet often misunderstood—tool for addressing fragmentation across the U.S. water sector. Designed to give municipalities a clearer path and a cleaner valuation when selling assets, FMV is now shaping deal flow, policy debates, and competitive strategies nationwide.
In this episode of The Future of Water, podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield colleague Megan Bondar, who has just wrapped up analysis on FMV and its growing role as a legislated mechanism to streamline water and wastewater utility acquisitions. Bluefield's water experts get into why FMV is back...
2025-12-0937 min
The Future of WaterIs Water Reuse Going Mainstream?In this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield analyst Megan Bondar to unpack the pressures and opportunities shaping water reuse—a cornerstone of resilient water supply planning that’s gaining momentum across the U.S. Bluefield's latest analysis projects US$47.1 billion in CAPEX for municipal reuse infrastructure through 2035, highlighting a shift in how utilities and cities are thinking about long-term water resilience.
From California's drought-driven projects to saltwater intrusion along the East Coast, water reuse is expanding. In this conversation, Reese and Megan explore what’s driving this growth—and what it means for utilities, communit...
2025-11-0445 min
The Future of WaterWhat’s at Stake When Cyber Threats Target Water Infrastructure?Water systems—once considered too small or obscure to be hacked—are now squarely in the crosshairs of cyber actors. In recent months, Bluefield Research has tracked a surge of cyber activity targeting water and wastewater utilities around the world, from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) release of 32 new control system advisories to Poland’s launch of a national cybersecurity framework for water utilities.
In this episode of The Future of Water, Bluefield’s Barcelona-based Maria Cardenal and Boston-based Leigh Ramsey join host Reese Tisdale to unpack one of the most pressing—and overlook...
2025-10-2157 min
The Future of WaterHow Did Midstream Water Become a US$26 Billion-a-Year Business?Today's episode dives into one of the most critical—yet often overlooked—pieces of the U.S. energy and water puzzle: midstream water in oil and gas. Host Reese Tisdale is joined by Sophie Washington, Senior Analyst at Bluefield Research, who recently authored Bluefield's new Insight Report: U.S. Midstream Water for Hydraulic Fracturing: Market Trends, Opportunities, and Forecasts, 2025–2030.
In this conversation, Reese and Sophie unpack how the midstream water sector has evolved from a cost center into a strategic enabler for U.S. shale producers. They explore what’s driving the US$156 billion market through 2030, how water re...
2025-10-0739 min
The Future of WaterWhat Do 2025 Capital Improvement Plans Reveal About Water Utility Spending?Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse joins host Reese Tisdale to unpack Bluefield’s latest analysis of municipal utility capital improvement plans (CIPs) across the U.S. and Canada. Covering 777 utilities across all 50 U.S. states and 8 Canadian provinces, the study captures over US$400 billion in planned investment through 2034.
With five years of data (2021–2025) and more than 40,000 projects segmented across stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water, these plans are more than just documents—they’re roadmaps for billions in spending, revealing priorities, funding expectations, and regulatory pressures that shape the water sector.
Key questions addressed in this episode...
2025-09-0925 min
The Future of WaterIndustrial Water Showdown: Comparing Opportunities Across Europe and the U.S.This week, podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Boston-based Senior Analyst Amber Walsh and Barcelona-based Analyst Zineb Moumen to compare two of the world’s largest industrial water markets. With the release of Bluefield’s new industrial water forecasts and market trends analysis, they explore how the U.S. & Canada and Europe stack up across market size, growth, and opportunity.
From semiconductor fabs and data centers to food, chemicals, and power generation, Bluefield's water experts discuss the sectors driving water spend, the regulatory and incentive frameworks shaping each market, and the geographic hotspots for investment. They also...
2025-08-1245 min
The Future of WaterCanada’s New Water Agency and the 'Big Beautiful Bill': What's Next for Water Funding in North America?From bold new initiatives in Canada to proposed federal budget cuts in the U.S., major policy shifts are reshaping the water landscape across North America. In this episode, Bluefield’s water experts unpack what these changes mean for funding, regulation, and the future of water infrastructure.
Canada’s launch of a national Water Agency and CAD$650M Freshwater Action Plan marks a turning point, while in the U.S., the “Big Beautiful Bill” and EPA workforce cuts raise big questions about the direction of federal support. Bluefield's President & CEO Reese Tisdale and Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin...
2025-07-2944 min
The Future of WaterHow is Europe's Water Sector Responding to Climate and Regulatory Pressure?Bluefield Senior Analyst Antonio del Olmo joins host Reese Tisdale to share insights from Bluefield's recent research across European countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, France, and Spain. This episode explores the evolving landscape of Europe’s water sector—from climate shocks to regulatory shakeups—and what it all means for utilities, investors, and technology vendors. The conversation highlights what specific regions are focusing on, the biggest challenges they’re facing, and how water sector stakeholders are responding.
Bluefield’s water experts unpack key trends, including:
Why Europe’s seemingly mature water sector is facing a wave of disruptio...
2025-06-1750 min
The Future of WaterQuenching High Tech's Thirst: The Rising Water Demands of Data Centers and SemiconductorsIn this episode, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Amber Walsh, who shares insights from her latest research on the growing water demands of high tech. With billions in investment flowing into semiconductor fabs and data centers, these sectors are becoming major players in the water space—and are quietly reshaping infrastructure strategy from the ground up.
Bluefield’s water experts unpack key trends, including:
The increasing reliance on ultrapure water and advanced reuse systems in next-gen semiconductor manufacturing.
How the rise of artificial intelligence is intensifying thermal loads, forcing data centers to adop...
2025-06-0336 min
The Future of WaterWater Metering’s Digital Shift: Platforms, Analytics, and AI IntegrationIn this episode of The Future of Water, host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Christine Ow to explore one of the fastest-evolving segments in the water sector: metering.
Christine shares insights from Bluefield's new report, Global Water Metering Outlook: Evolving Technology Trends, Business Models, Competitive Landscape, and Leading Companies, which offers a detailed view of the US$6.8 billion global metering market. With digital transformation accelerating, water meters are no longer just endpoints—they’re becoming the digital backbone of utility networks.
The discussion highlights how business models are shifting toward subscription-based offerings, how tele...
2025-05-2051 min
The Future of WaterBig Spend, Bigger Stakes: The Next 10 Years in U.S. Water & Wastewater Treatment InfrastructureIn this episode of The Future of Water, Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to break down U.S. municipal water and wastewater treatment CAPEX forecasts through 2035.
Bluefield’s latest market model projects US$515 billion in treatment infrastructure capital expenditures, with spend expected to grow from US$37 billion in 2025 to over US$57 billion by 2035—driven by aging assets, stricter regulatory standards, and shifting service demands.
Together, Reese and Charlie dig into the methodology behind the forecast, which incorporates asset inventories for over 75,000 treatment plants, EPA data across all 50 states, and detailed spen...
2025-05-0636 minThe Future of WaterWater in Transition: Signals From the Top 50 CompaniesBluefield’s latest snapshot of the top 50 publicly traded water companies shows a sector still growing—but with turbulence under the surface. In this episode, host Reese Tisdale digs into Bluefield's Q1 2025 snapshot of the top companies in water, highlighting how they are navigating tariffs, tightening supply chains, and shifting strategies. While topline revenue growth remains strong, rising input costs and policy uncertainty are forcing companies to sharpen their focus—pruning non-core assets, streamlining operations, and zeroing in on their strongest water plays.
Meanwhile, regulated water utilities, with their steady cash flows and inelastic demand, are starting to loo...
2025-04-2226 minThe Future of WaterClarifying the Chaos in Washington: Answering Top Questions on U.S. Water PolicyPolicy in Washington is in flux—and our clients had questions. Lots of them. Following Bluefield’s recent client webcast, Uncertain Times: The State of Water Policy in Washington, podcast host Reese Tisdale and Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin reconvene to answer the questions they didn’t have time to address live. In this episode, they unpack critical developments shaping the water sector—from funding volatility and regulatory shifts to cross-border tensions and infrastructure outlooks.
Topics covered, questions answered:
Is Bluefield's market sizing number across main verticals total or annualized?
If the San Francisco vs. EPA court de...
2025-04-0855 min
The Future of WaterThe Digital Water Playbook: Who’s Investing, What’s Changing, and Why It MattersPodcast 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 Discusse...
2025-02-2547 min
The Future of WaterWhat'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...
2025-01-2842 minThe Future of WaterFrom 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...
2024-12-1041 min
The Future of WaterFlood Management Under Pressure: Europe's Response to Storm BorisWith 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 strategi...
2024-10-2927 minThe Future of WaterShow Me the Money: Where Are Utilities Investing in Water?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:
Why CIPs Matter: These plans provide a structured...
2024-09-2443 minThe Future of WaterPrivate Equity Adds Water Treatment Chemicals to Their PlaybookIn 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:
What are the basics of...
2024-09-1030 min
The Future of WaterUncharted Waters: Are U.K. Utilities Ready for the AMP8 Investment Cycle?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 ind...
2024-08-2750 minThe Future of WaterHow Will the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Shape the Future of Water Management?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...
2024-07-2335 minThe Future of WaterAnswering Ten Burning Questions about the Private Water IndustryBluefield 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:
How does Bluefield define the range (very small–very large) for water utility system sizes, especially when evaluating the relationship between system size and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations?
When the he...
2024-07-0940 minThe Future of WaterWhat's Driving Rapid Growth in U.S. Stormwater Management?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:
Market Drivers: Explore the significant factors propelling the stormwater management surge—climate change implications, stormwater pollution concerns, and the ongoing construction boom.
Key Questions Addressed:
Funding Disparities: Understand why stormwater management has historically received le...
2024-06-2545 minThe Future of WaterThree Industries Shaping Industrial Water ManagementPodcast 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 c...
2024-06-1141 minThe Future of WaterThree Industries Shaping Industrial Water ManagementPodcast 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 they way in which companies respond and address water management challenges and opportunities.
Discussed in the podcast:
1. Bluefield keeps a clo...
2024-06-1141 minThe Future of WaterEmerging Trends and Foreign Investment Opportunities in Spain's Water MarketSpain’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 wa...
2024-05-2138 minThe Future of WaterEmerging Trends and Foreign Investment Opportunities in Spain’s Water MarketSpain’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 wa...
2024-05-2138 minThe Future of WaterHow Would a Potential Schneider-Bentley Deal Shake Up the Water Sector?Update: As of 23 May 2024, deal talks between Schneider Electric and Bentley Systems have ended, with no plans to move forward with an acquisition.
Schneider Electric and Bentley have confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a potential acquisition, marking a significant development in the water industry. With Bentley's market value estimated at approximately US$16 billion, the prospective deal would provide large ramifications across various industries where both companies operate.
While both Schneider and Bentley are prominent players in the digital water realm, other companies including Cadence Design Systems and Siemens could be in the mix as well.
In t...
2024-05-0746 minThe Future of WaterHow Would a Potential Schneider-Bentley Deal Shake Up the Water Sector?Update: As of 23 May 2024, deal talks between Schneider Electric and Bentley Systems have ended, with no plans to move forward with an acquisition.
Schneider Electric and Bentley have confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a potential acquisition, marking a significant development in the water industry. With Bentley's market value estimated at approximately US$16 billion, the prospective deal would provide large ramifications across various industries where both companies operate.
While both Schneider and Bentley are prominent players in the digital water realm, other companies including Cadence Design Systems and Siemens could be in the mix as well.
In t...
2024-05-0746 minThe Future of WaterRegulating PFAS in Drinking Water: Who Will Bear the Burden?Bluefield's latest remediation forecast for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has surged to US$13.5 billion by 2030 in the wake of anticipated maximum contamination limits (MCLs) for drinking water and a significant legal settlement involving 3M in South Carolina. Now, with the EPA confirming these unprecedented contaminant limits, a fresh wave of discussions emerge, touching upon the EPA's authority, states' rights, and the subsequent course of action including the management and responsibility of biosolids disposal—who's ultimately responsible?
In this episode, Podcast Host Reese Tisdale engages in a deep dive discussion with Bluefield's Senior Research Director, Greg Goodwin (a...
2024-04-2327 minThe Future of WaterRegulating PFAS in Drinking Water: Who Will Bear the Burden?Bluefield's latest remediation forecast for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has surged to US$13.5 billion by 2030 in the wake of anticipated maximum contamination limits (MCLs) for drinking water and a significant legal settlement involving 3M in South Carolina. Now, with the EPA confirming these unprecedented contaminant limits, a fresh wave of discussions emerge, touching upon the EPA's authority, states' rights, and the subsequent course of action including the management and responsibility of biosolids disposal—who's ultimately responsible?
In this episode, Podcast Host Reese Tisdale engages in a deep dive discussion with Bluefield's Senior Research Director, Greg Goodwin (a...
2024-04-2327 minThe Future of WaterAI Opportunities and Impacts for Utility Construction Firms in WaterWhile artificial intelligence (AI) has indeed become a prevalent buzzword in many regards, capturing headlines over the past 12 to 18 months, its potential impact remains significant. There are real applications and impacts that are unfolding for AI, including those in the water and wastewater sectors. In the U.S. utility construction sector—which is facing chronic labor shortages amid historic levels of federal infrastructure investment—AI can serve as a powerful tool for increasing productivity, efficiency, and safety on worksites and in back offices alike.
In this episode, Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler who...
2024-04-0953 minThe Future of WaterAI Opportunities and Impacts for Utility Construction Firms in WaterWhile artificial intelligence (AI) has indeed become a prevalent buzzword in many regards, capturing headlines over the past 12 to 18 months, its potential impact remains significant. There are real applications and impacts that are unfolding for AI, including those in the water and wastewater sectors. In the U.S. utility construction sector—which is facing chronic labor shortages amid historic levels of federal infrastructure investment—AI can serve as a powerful tool for increasing productivity, efficiency, and safety on worksites and in back offices alike.
In this episode, Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler who...
2024-04-0953 minThe Future of WaterThe Emergence of Collaborative Delivery for WaterPublic sector water and wastewater project owners, engineering & design firms, and contractors are facing cost overruns, schedule delays, and contractual disputes that are slowing the execution and delivery of critical infrastructure.
These factors have prompted the development of new policies and project experiences, accelerating collaborative project delivery approaches. The methods include design-build, progressive design-build, construction manager at-risk approaches, and public-private partnerships.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss his recent analysis of collaborative delivery and its growing impact on water and wastewater infrastructure buildout in the U.S. Charlie outlines t...
2024-03-2626 minThe Future of WaterThe Emergence of Collaborative Delivery for WaterPublic sector water and wastewater project owners, engineering & design firms, and contractors are facing cost overruns, schedule delays, and contractual disputes that are slowing the execution and delivery of critical infrastructure.
These factors have prompted the development of new policies and project experiences, accelerating collaborative project delivery approaches. The methods include design-build, progressive design-build, construction manager at-risk approaches, and public-private partnerships.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss his recent analysis of collaborative delivery and its growing impact on water and wastewater infrastructure buildout in the U.S. Charlie outlines t...
2024-03-2626 minThe Future of WaterIIJA Project Funding Update: Where Are the Dollars Now?A number of Bluefield clients have enquired about the status of IIJA project funds. Each program stands in terms of four funding phases: appropriated, announced, obligated, outlaid. Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Isabel Kezman to discuss recent analysis of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In this episode, Bluefield's water experts speak on the pace of project activity and funding timeline from its legislation in November 2021 to now.
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...
2024-03-1241 minThe Future of WaterIIJA Project Funding Update: Where Are the Dollars Now?A number of Bluefield clients have enquired about the status of IIJA project funds. Each program stands in terms of four funding phases: appropriated, announced, obligated, outlaid. Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Isabel Kezman to discuss recent analysis of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In this episode, Bluefield's water experts speak on the pace of project activity and funding timeline from its legislation in November 2021 to now.
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...
2024-03-1241 minThe Future of WaterWhat is Private Equity's Role in Digital Water?The global private equity (PE) sector has grown thirteenfold since 2000, wielding increasing influence over critical infrastructure sectors. The proliferation of digital technologies across the water industry has opened new growth avenues for select PE investors.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Christine Ow, to discuss her recent research on the role of PE firms in the digital water segment. Our Bluefield water experts once again take a step back and define “Digital Water", and then identify some key market trends, including PE investments, key players, and outlook for the rest of 2024.
If you enjoy li...
2024-02-2731 minThe Future of WaterWhat is Private Equity’s Role in Digital Water?The global private equity (PE) sector has grown thirteenfold since 2000, wielding increasing influence over critical infrastructure sectors. The proliferation of digital technologies across the water industry has opened new growth avenues for select PE investors.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Analyst Christine Ow, to discuss her recent research on the role of PE firms in the digital water segment. Our Bluefield water experts once again take a step back and define “Digital Water", and then identify some key market trends, including PE investments, key players, and outlook for the rest of 2024.
If you enjoy li...
2024-02-2731 minThe Future of WaterWhat’s the State of Private Participation in Water?Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss recent research on Investor-Owned Utilities in water. Reese and Charlie spell out Bluefield's definition of "Private Water", followed by a dive into the market outlook, including: Utility M&A trends, what companies are paying for water systems, the influential players in the private water space, and where the market is heading through M&A, geographic shifts, and policy changes.
Reese also provides some key takeaways from Bluefield's recently published Europe Municipal Water CAPEX Forecast Report.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of W...
2024-02-1331 minThe Future of WaterWhat's the State of Private Participation in Water?Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss recent research on Investor-Owned Utilities in water. Reese and Charlie spell out Bluefield's definition of "Private Water", followed by a dive into the market outlook, including: Utility M&A trends, what companies are paying for water systems, the influential players in the private water space, and where the market is heading through M&A, geographic shifts, and policy changes.
Reese also provides some key takeaways from Bluefield's recently published Europe Municipal Water CAPEX Forecast Report.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of W...
2024-02-1331 minThe Future of WaterThe Role of 8 Japanese Trading Houses in WaterThe eight Japanese trading companies, also known as “sogo shosha”, are Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui Corporation, Hitachi Corporation, Itochu Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Toyota Tsusho, and Sojitz Corporation. Together these firms reported nearly US$600 billion in assets under management in 2023.
These companies are global, with positions in key markets geographically, and are a unique group with a number of investments in water. Bluefield President and Podcast Host Reese Tisdale and Bluefield's Senior Analyst Ethan Edwards discuss three major questions surrounding the role of these companies within water:
How are Japanese trading houses strategically positioned in the glob...
2024-01-3030 min
The Future of WaterThe Role of 8 Japanese Trading Houses in WaterThe eight Japanese trading companies, also known as “sogo shosha”, are Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui Corporation, Hitachi Corporation, Itochu Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Toyota Tsusho, and Sojitz Corporation. Together these firms reported nearly US$600 billion in assets under management in 2023.
These companies are global, with positions in key markets geographically, and are a unique group with a number of investments in water. Bluefield President and Podcast Host Reese Tisdale and Bluefield's Senior Analyst Ethan Edwards discuss three major questions surrounding the role of these companies within water:
How are Japanese trading houses strategically positioned in the glob...
2024-01-3030 minThe Future of WaterBadger Meter, Trimble Change Lanes in Digital WaterBadger Meter, a leading manufacturer of water metering products, has recently acquired the Telog brand of RTUs (remote telemetry units) and associated monitoring software from Trimble. Podcast host and Bluefield President Reese Tisdale, sits down with Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler, to shed some light on the transaction, what this signals to the water market, and who and which companies should take notice.
Badger Meter has become a poster child for an incumbent water infrastructure/equipment supplier transforming into a leading digital water market player. For Trimble, this move clarifies their position in the market, doubling...
2024-01-1642 minThe Future of WaterLooking into 2024: Key Water Trends to Watch in the EUIn this first episode of 2024, podcast host Reese Tisdale chats with two members of Bluefield's Europe team, Chloé Meyer and Keith Hays, to get their on-the-ground perspectives of key water sector trends in the EU. From water quality to reuse to circular economy, Bluefield's water experts discuss what, if any, the implications are for water management in relation to energy prices and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
This discussion addresses three major questions:
What are some of the biggest factors influencing, if not disrupting, the water sector in Europe?
What are the key challenges and opportunities in the E...
2024-01-0248 minThe Future of WaterLatest Trends in Industrial Water ManagementIn this episode, Bluefield water experts discuss key themes in industrial water from this past quarter. Podcast Host Reese Tisdale, sits down with Bluefield Senior Analyst Amber Walsh, to discuss their findings. 3 major takeaways below:
There has been a recent rise of public private partnerships for water projects and industrial companies partnering with water utilities.
Opportunities for mobile water treatment are increasing. As businesses seek to insulate themselves from water-related risks, containerized water treatment systems stand to benefit.
The impact of PFAS on the industry is growing, posing concerns for industrial facilities regarding liability.
If you enjoy...
2023-12-1230 min
The Future of WaterFrom City to City, Why Are Water Utility Rates So Variable?The Future of Water Podcast host, Reese Tisdale, and Senior Water Analyst Charlie Suse, discuss findings and takeaways from Bluefield's Water & Sewer Rate Index, published earlier this month.
Over the past 12 years, combined household water and sewer bills for a typical U.S. household has increased by a total of 54.8%, or an average of 4.1% each year. From 2022 to 2023, combined household water and sewer bills increased by 3.9%, down slightly from the 4.3% increase observed from 2021 to 2022.
On a whole, water and wastewater rates are fairly stable, not changing dramatically from year-to-year. But, from city to city, there...
2023-11-2722 minThe Future of WaterAre Take-Private Water Deals on the Rise?Two Montreal-based firms have been recently taken private. On 2 October 2023, Ember Infrastructure announced it would acquire H2O Innovation Inc., a Canadian water solutions provider. A few weeks later, LOGISTEC entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity firm Blue Wolf Capital Partners and infrastructure investment firm Stonepeak. The LOGISTEC acquisition, one of seven “take-private” water deals tracked this year, highlights the increasing role of private equity in water.
Given the large size of these deals, and the flow from public to private, Bluefield water experts discuss the takeaways from these deals. The conversation inclu...
2023-10-3127 minThe Future of WaterSaltwater Intrusion In Drinking Water Is More Common Than You May Realize. What Are the Mitigation Options?What is saltwater intrusion and how common is it? The city of New Orleans has been faced with a national emergency as a saltwater wedge had been expected to reach the area impacting the drinking water supply of 1.2 million people. If contaminated, it could be weeks or months before freshwater returns, unless there is significant rainfall, leaders say.
Most coastal regions are always under the threat of saline intrusion and, in fact, many prominent, high-population regions are facing this issue long-term. In this special episode, Bluefield's water experts discuss the what, how, and why of saltwater intrusion, t...
2023-10-0926 minThe Future of WaterHow Are Water Utilities Prioritizing Infrastructure Spend and Outsourcing Strategies?Taking a different approach on this episode, Reese Tisdale flies solo and shares some perspectives from recent analysis presented to clients by Bluefield Research's team of water experts. Three areas of discussion in this episode:
Utility Capital Improvement Plans: Bluefield’s team of water experts has dedicated significant time and resources to supporting companies with bottom-up data collection and analysis of the capital improvement plans (CIPs) of 763 large and mid-sized water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities across the U.S. and Canada.
Third Party O&M: Private participation in water & wastewater takes many forms, from system ownership and concessions to...
2023-09-1925 minThe Future of WaterAegion Adds More Deals to the ListThe Future of Water host, Reese Tisdale, talks with Bluefield's Senior Analyst Ethan Edwards about the Aegion deal, M&A, and the trenchless pipe rehabilitation market.
In this episode, the Bluefield team dives into Aegion's acquisition of Portland Utilities Construction Company (PUCC), a trenchless service provider specializing in cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) and pipe bursting. PUCC serves the municipal market in Texas and the southeastern U.S. PUCC is Aegion’s sixth deal since 2021 and has significant market share in CIPP.
Aegion has also acquired Infraspec Services, their first foray into the Canadian lead pipeline replacement ma...
2023-09-0518 minThe Future of WaterGrundfos Goes Deeper Into Digital WaterDanish pump manufacturer Grundfos has recently acquired U.K.-based telemetry and analytics firm Metasphere from private equity investor XPV Water Partners. Grundfos has in recent years, expanded its footprint from its core pump offerings for water network management and treatment toward digital offerings.
Metasphere’s specific experience with wastewater networks especially in the U.K. and Australia, will extend Grundfos’ portfolio beyond pumps and deeper into network monitoring and operations. As Grundfos is integrating not only digital solutions but also hardware solutions, the company is strengthening and expanding their offerings to water network customers such as util...
2023-08-0827 minThe Future of WaterWater Reuse Builds Momentum in EuropeIn Europe, the need for sustainable water management solutions has been magnified by last summer’s drought and record-breaking temperatures. The increasing severity of water stress remains a key driver behind the implementation of wastewater reuse. Particularly, in Southern Europe where water stress is more pronounced, the water reuse market has witnessed greater development, although with challenges associated with funding and regulations.
As a consequence, some Mediterranean countries have become notable leaders in the adoption of reuse projects, mainly focused on facilitating agricultural irrigation, and to a lesser extent irrigation of landscapes and recreational areas.
In...
2023-07-2541 minThe Future of WaterHow Real Is the Thames Water Crisis?The potential collapse of Thames Water is all over the news and has raised alarm bells on many fronts. Thames Water serves approximately 15 million people across greater London. Not a small system by any comparison, and it seems to be sinking under a £14 billion debt load, thereby requiring more money.
In this episode, Bluefield's water experts shed some light on what has led up to this crisis and discuss best possible steps for Thames Water's debt problem.
Bluefield co-founders Reese Tisdale and Keith Hays shed light on the state of the U.K. municipal water marke...
2023-07-1141 minThe Future of WaterA Review of the State of the Water IndustryIn recent weeks, both the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Black & Veatch released their industry surveys of the market. We thought it might be interesting to dig in a bit, and share Bluefield perspectives.
Bluefield's water experts discuss the survey findings and breakdown the top water industry issues: aging water infrastructure, supply chain challenges, cybersecurity, financing capital improvements, climate change, pollution. How did these industry issues rank? Were there any surprises? and which issues moved up in rankings from last year?
Bonus Content
For those not in the know, Charlie Suse, an an...
2023-06-2046 minThe Future of WaterWill Semiconductor Boom Drive Water Market Opportunities?The semiconductor market is a buzz with activity as high demand—primarily driven by consumer electronics and automotive sectors—and policy, namely the U.S. and the EU Chips Acts, come together to create a favorable environment for billion dollar investments for new semiconductor manufacturing plants.
In the wake of global supply chain bottlenecks, semiconductor manufacturers are accelerating production to meet chip quotas. The US$573 billion semiconductor industry is expected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030, primarily driven by soaring demand from the consumer electronics and automotive sectors.
Bluefield's water experts discuss where the investments are happe...
2023-05-0226 minThe Future of WaterThe EU's Sweeping Push for Corporate SustainabilityBluefield's Amber Walsh has been examining corporate sustainability, specifically focusing on how companies minimize their environmental impact, particularly in relation to their water footprint. While climate and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have traditionally been the primary focus of sustainability, water issues are gaining attention due to their financial implications and public pressure, which can affect brand perception. Policy mandates, such as those requiring reporting, are seen as a driving force for companies to address water-related risks.
The new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is discussed, highlighting its significance in increasing the transparency of corporate environmental footprints...
2023-02-1429 minThe Future of WaterXylem + Evoqua = What Does It Mean for the Water Industry?
On 24 January 2023, US-based Xylem Inc. and Evoqua announced an agreement in which Xylem will acquire Evoqua in an all-stock transaction for an enterprise value of approximately US$7.5 billion. The combination unlocks potential growth opportunities for Xylem in industrial markets and in water quality, both of which are stronger markets for Evoqua.
Pure-play water deals of this size in the water sector are infrequent, at best. Bluefield’s water experts break down the terms of the deal and analyze the benefits for Xylem, possible market signals, and integration challenges for employees and customers.
Bluefield’s Reese Tisdale...
2023-01-3129 minThe Future of WaterWhat's Behind the Rise in Private Participation in Water?Shaped by a growing demand for water & wastewater infrastructure investment and an increasingly favorable policy landscape, private participation among U.S. utilities is on the rise. Bluefield's water experts discuss their recent analysis of investor-owned utilities' strategies, highlighting M&A trends and how companies—from American Water to private equity-backed firms—are approaching the water market.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield water experts Isabel Kezman and Charlie Suse.
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 p...
2022-11-2231 minThe Future of WaterWhich Municipalities Are Driving Climate and Water Sustainability?Bluefield’s industrial water experts breakdown their recent analysis of 35 large U.S. cities with climate action plans which evaluates greenhouse emissions, energy use, reduction strategies, and water management positions. This discussion provides insight into why more U.S. cities are not developing climate action plans but also the variation in approaches for those cities with mitigation strategies— strategies that are indicators of future shifts in water management.
Reese Tisdale speaks with Amber Walsh about her in-depth analysis of municipal climate action plans and the role of water in their making.
If you enjoy listening to Th...
2022-11-0825 minThe Future of WaterTapping Water Utility Data for Business StrategiesIn this episode, our data team discusses Bluefield's utility data and details the journey to collect and inventory 747 capital improvement plans that have been scrubbed and cleaned for Bluefield clients. This discussion provides insights into what the data is, the value of the data, and how Bluefield clients are using this bottom-up, detailed information.
Reese Tisdale speaks with John Berryman and Jaime Colón.
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.
I...
2022-10-2524 minThe Future of WaterWater M&A, Recent Deals, Trends, and Outlook
The Bluefield team talks mergers and acquisition trends across the global water sector, providing insight into the slow down of deal flow activity. Reese Tisdale and Steph Aldock discusses the impacts of big deals, new market entrants, and the impact of global economic volatility. While it seems like the bottom may have fallen out of the market, positive signals are ahead.
As Reese says, “It will be interesting to see what happens with American companies going abroad because the American dollar is really strong right now.”
Key questions asked, include:
How is M&A Looking this y...
2022-10-1121 minThe Future of WaterWho’s messin’ with Texas Water Utilities
The Bluefield team discusses their take on private participation in water, breaking down the where and who is leading the way. The discussion builds off of Bluefield’s analysis of investor-owned utilities, contract operations firms, and market analysis.
What is the share of private utility ownership in the U.S.?
What is the impact of the Corix/ SouthWest Water deal and how is deal flow overall?
Why is the Texas market particularly attractive?
Who are the biggest players?
Reese Tisdale, in addition to being joined by Steph Aldock and Isabel Kezman, also sheds light on his recent attend...
2022-09-2726 minThe Future of WaterWho's messin' with Texas Water UtilitiesThe Bluefield team discusses their take on private participation in water, breaking down the where and who is leading the way. The discussion builds off of Bluefield’s analysis of investor-owned utilities, contract operations firms, and market analysis.
What is the share of private utility ownership in the U.S.?
What is the impact of the Corix/ SouthWest Water deal and how is deal flow overall?
Why is the Texas market particularly attractive?
Who are the biggest players?
Reese Tisdale, in addition to being joined by Steph Aldock and Isabel Kezman, also sheds light on his recent attend...
2022-09-2726 minThe Future of WaterWe've Been Talkin' 'bout JacksonBluefield's water experts breakdown the how and what's behind the ongoing water and wastewater crisis in the capital city of Jackson, MS. From drinking water quality issues to infrastructure funding to wastewater challenges, Reese Tisdale discusses the whole convergence of water-related challenges facing water utilities and disadvantaged communities.
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 Bluef...
2022-09-1327 minThe Future of WaterWater Sector Gatekeepers: Engineering Firms Build Out Digital Water StrategiesDigital technology is everywhere, including for water applications. A lot is happening when it comes to hardware, software, and services. Bluefield water experts dive into the role of engineering firms and discuss market challenges, strategic shifts, spinouts, recent M&A, and strategic announcements by firms active in water.
Podcast host, Reese Tisdale, leads this discussion with Senior Research Director Eric Bindler.
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’...
2022-08-3041 minThe Future of WaterWater Sector Gatekeepers: Engineering Firms Build Out Digital Water Strategies
Digital technology is everywhere, including for water applications. A lot is happening when it comes to hardware, software, and services. Bluefield water experts dive into the role of engineering firms and discuss market challenges, strategic shifts, spinouts, recent M&A, and strategic announcements by firms active in water.
Podcast host, Reese Tisdale, leads this discussion with Senior Research Director Eric Bindler.
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’...
2022-08-3041 minThe Future of WaterHow Will the Inflation Reduction Act Reshape Water Market Opportunities?The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents the biggest move by the federal government to address climate change. Not only does it support an energy transition that has been in the making for decades, it opens the door to new tech, new business models, and, for Bluefield, a pivot towards new opportunities in water.
Podcast host, Reese Tisdale, and Sales Director John Berryman take on the IRA and its potential impact on the water industry. From the power and automotive sectors to municipal utilities, approaches to water management and opportunities are forecasted to change through an energy transition t...
2022-08-1626 minThe Future of WaterThe Heat Is On: The State of the Global Water MarketUnusually hot temperatures and droughts are affecting regions all over the world from Europe, South Asia, Iraq to Mexico–particularly affecting agricultural industries. New data from the United Nations shows that the number and duration of droughts are on the rise.
Bluefield's water experts discuss how prolonged droughts will affect water consumption for municipalities, but also for the agricultural and power sectors and give their take on opportunities in water sector investment.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please clic...
2022-07-2637 minThe Future of WaterBreaking Down the Global Desalination Market
The effects of climate change, population growth, and the rise of industrialization have played a significant role in water scarcity and have had a substantial impact on water demand. Bluefield’s water experts discuss findings from their recent analysis of large scale global desalination market, project activity, ownership trends, and technology shifts. In today’s episode, Reese Tisdale is joined by Senior Analyst Isabel Kezman.
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...
2022-07-1222 minThe Future of WaterBuild America, Buy America: What Does It Mean for the Water Sector?
Bluefield’s Reese Tisdale, Eric Bindler, and Greg Goodwin discuss the Build America, Buy America Act and its implications for the water sector in the U.S. While designed to create an opportunity to increase domestic manufacturing, support the creation of jobs, and strengthen U.S. supply chains, it arrives at a time in which inflation and supply chain bottlenecks are of greater concern. Bluefield’s team seeks to lay out the challenges the bill presents and discusses if it just arrived at the wrong time.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell...
2022-06-2139 minThe Future of WaterBuild America, Buy America: What Does It Mean for the Water Sector?Bluefield’s Reese Tisdale, Eric Bindler, and Greg Goodwin discuss the Build America, Buy America Act and its implications for the water sector in the U.S. While designed to create an opportunity to increase domestic manufacturing, support the creation of jobs, and strengthen U.S. supply chains, it arrives at a time in which inflation and supply chain bottlenecks are of greater concern. Bluefield’s team seeks to lay out the challenges the bill presents and discusses if it just arrived at the wrong time.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell...
2022-06-2139 minThe Future of WaterMilestone Episode: Disruptors, Winners & Losers, and Trends in WaterIn this milestone, 50th episode, the Bluefield team looks farther ahead to talk about global disruption, potential winners & losers, and critical trends shaping the future of water.
Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield's Steph Aldock, Keith Hays, and Eric Bindler.
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 Waterl...
2022-06-0738 minThe Future of WaterMilestone Episode: Disruptors, Winners & Losers, and Trends in Water
In this milestone, 50th episode, the Bluefield team looks farther ahead to talk about global disruption, potential winners & losers, and critical trends shaping the future of water.
Podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield’s Steph Aldock, Keith Hays, and Eric Bindler.
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 Water...
2022-06-0738 minThe Future of WaterSix Trends Shaping the Longer-Term Outlook for WaterBluefield's water experts discuss key trends shaping water infrastructure, investment, and strategies over the next three to five years, framing the longer-term market outlook for the water sector. Bluefield's Sales Director John Berryman and Senior Reserach Director Eric Bindler join Podcast host Reese Tisdale on this discussion.
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 Resea...
2022-05-0341 minThe Future of WaterSix Trends Shaping the Longer-Term Outlook for Water
Bluefield’s water experts discuss key trends shaping water infrastructure, investment, and strategies over the next three to five years, framing the longer-term market outlook for the water sector. Bluefield’s Sales Director John Berryman and Senior Reserach Director Eric Bindler join Podcast host Reese Tisdale on this discussion.
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 Blue...
2022-05-0341 minThe Future of WaterIs a Market for Residential Water Reuse Developing?
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Industrial Water Analyst Amber Walsh to discuss recent analysis on residential water management and reuse. A new group of firms, globally, are emerging to capture household greywater for non-potable applications. But they are also doing so through key, if not critical, partnerships. In this episode, Reese and Amber discuss residential reuse — the market landscape, emerging players, and business models.
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...
2022-04-1926 minThe Future of WaterDigital Water Trends and Market Review
2021 was a positive year for the water market, overall, with record levels of deals, but the digital water market saw mixed results in M&A and in the VC space. Podcast host, Reese Tisdale, hosts Bluefield’s discussion on key trends that impacted digital water in 2021 and opportunities identified expected for the year ahead.
Although, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and growing geopolitical tensions pose downside risks, economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and large-scale infrastructure stimulus funding packages across key global water markets should provide strong tailwinds for digital water providers.
If you enjoy li...
2022-04-0523 minThe Future of WaterA Closer Look at IIJA and State Revolving Funds
On 8 March 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a memorandum to guide collaborative implementation with state, local, and tribal partners of US$43 billion in water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The EPA’s memo outlines requirements and recommendations for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). From disadvantaged communities to state revolving funds, industry players have been awaiting guidance on changes to the well-established program.
In this episode, Podcast host, Reese Tisdale, and Bluefield’s Greg Goodwin and Eric Bindler, discuss federal funding for water infrastructure and address key questions that ha...
2022-03-1535 minThe Future of WaterLooming Energy Crisis to Squeeze Water & Wastewater UtilitiesThe conflict between Russia and Ukraine (and the world) will have cascading effects on international energy markets, particularly those more heavily reliant on natural gas, let alone Russian natural gas. The water sector is at risk to energy markets, globally, and is now being compelled to adopt more energy efficient tools and solutions.
This episode, discusses what this conflict might mean for water & wastewater utilities going forward. Host, Reese Tisdale, is joined by Bluefield’s Keith Hays to discuss the potential impacts and changes going forward for water. Not only do they discuss EU constraints on natural ga...
2022-03-0136 min
Deeper ConversationsBluefield University Student Ministry - “Going Further”In our first episode of our brand new podcast “DEEPER CONVERSATIONS” we set a foundation in talking about BUSM (Bluefield University Student Ministry) a college student ministry team founded in Bluefield, VA. We discuss the stories of how God has orchestrated this team “for such a time as this.” You’ll be invited deeper into the heart of what God has been doing on our team and in our community. Hearing from some of our BUSM TEAM Mason West (Director of Student Ministry), Ana Barros (Worship & Prayer Leader), Mark Clary (Head of Operations), & John Balthaser (Discipleship Leader)!
2022-02-2233 minThe Future of WaterIs Household Water Management Overlooked as an Opportunity?
Podcast host, Reese Tisdale, and Bluefield’s Senior Analyst Amber Walsh explore potential missed opportunities in household water management. Although domestic water or household water usage represents a small share of the pie, it could represent an enormous opportunity for water management, investment, and advanced data applications. As such, digital water vendors, technology companies, and consumer product companies are looking at opportunities for monitoring, reducing and improving home water use.
Another stakeholder who could be exploring domestic water as opportunity is the homeowner. Listen in on this interesting discussion to learn more about why we should all think...
2022-02-0130 minThe Future of WaterBottled Water Craze Raises Questions about Water Quality & Utility Strategies
In this episode, Bluefield’s Keith Hays and Eric Bindler, delves into the canned-water company Liquid Death and the growing questions about bottled water, the incredible size of the bottled water market, and potential risks to water utilities, from perception to customer erosion. At the beginning of 2022, Liquid Death announced that it landed more than US$75 million in funding to expand its footprint. Growth + Water is a good thing in many cases, but Bluefield’s water experts raise concerns facing municipal water utilities and about tap water.
If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, plea...
2022-01-1836 minThe Future of WaterDo Droughts Impact Household Water Rates?
For the sixth consecutive year, Bluefield Research has embarked upon an analysis of the water and wastewater rates in the U.S. and the impacts on residential water and wastewater bills. Bluefield’s Erin Bonney Casey shares her perspective on her recent analysis of utility water rates and potential impacts of drought on customer water bills. The analysis comes at a time when the Colorado River Basin is under significant threat, so much so that water allocations are being cut for lower basin states. A simple question to ask is, should our water rates go up based on supply an...
2021-08-3137 minThe Future of WaterA Review: State of the Water IndustryThe American Water Works Association just released its 2021 State of the Water Industry report which presents the findings of a survey of 3,021 water industry professionals. The survey is designed to identify key challenges in the water industry and their underlying drivers and causes. Despite the significant disruption in the water sector over the last year, the study indicates there is a rise in optimism among industy leaders. The Bluefield team provides their insights to frame recent industry trends, opportunities that lie ahead, and the optimism shared in the report.
Related:
PFAS, The Next Challenge for Water Util...
2021-07-2744 minThe Future of WaterThe "Amazon Effect" on WaterThe broader impact of connectivity, online commerce, and door-to-door delivery cannot be overlooked. Amazon garners the most attention, but it is not alone in shaping this new paradigm that has accelerated over the last year. From food for dinner to toilet paper, it is all being delivered in some form of packaging. Like anything, yes, anything, the impact on water usage is changing in parallel.
Bluefield’s Cullen Mitchell joins host Reese Tisdale to discuss the “Amazon effect” and its indirect impact on water for the pulp & paper sector, plastic manufacturing, and corporate sustainability.
Water news…
2021-07-1323 minThe Future of WaterWhat We Think about... When We Think about WaterRather than focus on the nuts and bolts of the water industry, Bluefield shares broader market trends that are exciting our team. In this discussion, our water experts examine seven key factors shaping the outlook of water management. From the Internet of things to the future of agriculture, the team looks at global drivers of change impacting water sector– municipal and industrial. Market forces that impacted our outlook include COVID disruption of business models, political shifts, and changing consumer behaviors.
This episode draws from Bluefield’s recent webcast.
Related:
Will Big Tech Disrupt the Wate...
2021-06-151h 00The Future of WaterTelecom Strategies Emerge at the Center of Digital WaterData and the Internet of things are giving rise to a more notable group of influential companies in water: Telecommunications firms. By providing the essential “rails” for data transmission and connectivity between utility systems, assets, and companies, telecoms are poised to increasingly leverage their unique positions at the center of the digitization of water.
While utility needs vary, municipal water utilities and industry become more sophisticated in their adoption of digital solutions, telecoms also see it as an opportunity to capture new sources of revenue – as their core services become commoditized.
As Bluefield’s Digital Water te...
2021-06-0136 minThe Future of WaterCloud Solutions Opening Door to Smaller Water Utilities
A key factor driving the rapid growth of the global digital water market is the more mainstream adoption of cloud computing, according to Bluefield Research Director, Eric Bindler. While cloud- and SaaS-based solutions were first popularized in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the water industry has only recently begun to embrace them.
Captivating industry suppliers is the potential impact cloud computing has in penetrating smaller, more technologically risk-averse utilities. The limited need for onsite servers, tech personnel, and data management capabilities throws open the door of opportunity, enabling vendors to seek growth beyond the larger utilities. I...
2021-05-1847 minThe Future of WaterCloud Solutions Opening Door to Smaller Water UtilitiesA key factor driving the rapid growth of the global digital water market is the more mainstream adoption of cloud computing, according to Bluefield Research Director, Eric Bindler. While cloud- and SaaS-based solutions were first popularized in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the water industry has only recently begun to embrace them.
Captivating industry suppliers is the potential impact cloud computing has in penetrating smaller, more technologically risk-averse utilities. The limited need for onsite servers, tech personnel, and data management capabilities throws open the door of opportunity, enabling vendors to seek growth beyond the larger utilities. I...
2021-05-1847 minThe Future of WaterVeolia and Suez Come to Terms, Redefining "Big Water"For eight months Suez has pushed back against advances from Veolia in public via press releases, poison pills, and the entertainment of other suitors. However, on the 12th of April, Veolia and Suez announced that they have reached an agreement for a merger putting an end to the disputed takeover. The deal, which closes 14 May 2021, gives Suez an equity value of about €13 billion (US$15.4 billion). The combined entity will have approximately €37 billion (US$44.5 billion) in revenues.
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield’s global water team Keith Hays, Vice President, and France-based Project Consultant Chloé Meyer to talk ab...
2021-05-0438 minThe Future of WaterWhat’s the Outlook for Fixing America’s Lead Water Pipes?It is finally “infrastructure week.” The Biden administration has proposed its US$2.2 trillion American Jobs Plan. Sure, the Biden plan is a wish list, but one thing that stands out for the water sector is the US$45 billion to tackle lead service lines. It is a well-documented, open secret that drinking water for millions of people is tainted with lead. For so long, no one has wanted to pay for this and there has been no documentation of the size of the problem, and now…. the world is bright.
Bluefield’s Reese Tisdale and Greg Goodwin discuss how big th...
2021-04-2028 min
The Future of WaterWorld Water DayIn honor of World Water Day (March 22), this episode is dedicated to raising awareness of the value of water. We took this opportunity to have a conversation to call your attention to water, what it means to you, how society can better protect this vital resource, and how Bluefield Research falls into that landscape.
John Berryman interviews Bluefield President, Reese Tisdale, about the journey of Bluefield Research, why water, how has the water sector changed since 2013, does Bluefield have a responsibility to educate on big picture water issues impacting society, and more.
2021-03-2343 minThe Future of WaterWorld Water DayIn honor of World Water Day (March 22), this episode is dedicated to raising awareness of the value of water. We took this opportunity to have a conversation to call your attention to water, what it means to you, how society can better protect this vital resource, and how Bluefield Research falls into that landscape.
John Berryman interviews Bluefield President, Reese Tisdale, about the journey of Bluefield Research, why water, how has the water sector changed since 2013, does Bluefield have a responsibility to educate on big picture water issues impacting society, and more.
Related:
We N...
2021-03-2343 minThe Future of WaterIs Texas Water Crisis a Harbinger of Climate Risk?This discussion delves into the water crisis in Texas, climate, and what climatic events could mean for sustainable water management going forward. Over the last two weeks, Texas has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. More than 14 million people have been impacted by a freeze-out that was catalyzed by a failure of the energy and power sectors. The result has been water main breaks, boil water advisories, and flooded homes.
The Texas blackout of 2021 is not a 100-year event. Bluefield’s Reese Tisdale and Erin Bonney Casey consider what has happened in the Lone Sta...
2021-03-0932 minThe Future of WaterWill a Biden Administration Really Impact Water Sector Investment?Out of the gates the new president, emboldened by a slim majority in the Senate and House of Representatives, has begun laying out a roadmap for change in infrastructure investment and environmental policy. The Biden administration has touched upon climate, lead & copper, water quality, and infrastructure and the outlook for change is positive. In this episode, the Bluefield team provides their insights on what this new administration means for water sector investment as well as the not to be forgotten headwinds we currently face—COVID, municipal budgets, and employment.
Water news…
Reese also shares his thoug...
2021-02-0932 min
The Future of WaterAre Municipalities Benefitting from Fair Market Value Legislation?
On average, Bluefield’s team of water experts tracks more than 125 utility acquisitions per year. Reese Tisdale talks to Bluefield Analyst Mariel Marchand about utility acquisitions and the impact of Fair Market Value policies and legislation on M&A activity. Bluefield’s quarterly analysis of deal flow and buyers and sellers allows for a well-rounded discussion on private water and the outlook for more activity among established, frontrunning players and new(er) market entrants.
Water news…
Reese also shares his thoughts on recent news and highlights why these headlines matter and what they could mean for th...
2021-01-2623 minThe Future of WaterThe Role of Private Equity in WaterOver the last 8 to 12 months, the number of private equity (PE) companies coming to Bluefield for support has increased exponentially. Bluefield President Reese Tisdale and Consulting Director Keith Hays discuss why private equity is turning to water, what they are investing in, and how Bluefield sees this playing out. Also discussed, the hot topic of the 2020 presidential election and how the outcome may impact the water industry.
In this podcast:
Why the water sector and shifts happening in water
Deal size, a challenge for PE firms?
Anatomy of deal origination
Outlook for PE firms in water
2020-11-1037 minThe Future of WaterPlaying Devil’s Advocate – What’s the Outlook for Municipal Water Infrastructure Investment?
Bluefield’s team of water experts discusses infrastructure investment and whether the market is heading up, down, or sideways. Some water industry pundits have said the pandemic is much ado about nothing. However, the Bluefield team doesn’t share this level of optimism, in fact, the team’s optimism at the start of the pandemic has eroded over the last six months because of extended state quarantines, remaining high unemployment, and mercurial, if not incoherent, U.S. federal guidance.
Last month, the Bluefield team presented its updated water sector forecasts in light of COVID-19, global economic uncertainty, indust...
2020-10-2630 minThe Future of WaterBreaking and Entering: Water Sector Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the issue of the day. Bluefield’s President & CEO Reese Tisdale sits down with Bluefield’s Eric Bindler, to talk cybersecurity, water infrastructure, and industry concerns.
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.
2020-06-1928 min