Vice President of Content Strategy for the water and energy groups Bob Crossen and Water Research Foundation CEO Peter Grevatt discuss the latest priorities shaping water research, from infrastructure management and AI-driven decision-making to contaminants of emerging concern, climate-related challenges and changing customer water use patterns. Grevatt explains how Water Research Foundation research is guided by utility needs, helping water professionals address immediate operational concerns while preparing for long-term shifts in water availability, treatment requirements and system planning. 

The conversation explores how utilities are leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to prioritize infrastructure investments, including maintenance of critical assets such as large-diameter valves. Grevatt also highlights the growing need for research related to climate impacts, changing precipitation patterns, PFAS, microplastics and the rapidly expanding demand created by data centers. These emerging pressures are forcing utilities to rethink planning assumptions and develop more adaptive strategies for future growth. 

The interview also examines Water Research Foundation’s expanding research portfolio, which includes nearly 30 upcoming projects focused on treatment technologies, nutrient reduction, workforce development and AI applications. Grevatt concludes by discussing the newly released Residential End Uses of Water study, which found that per-capita residential water use in North America has declined by more than 44% over the past 30 years, providing critical insights for future infrastructure and resource planning.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:12 – Top research trends shaping utility priorities and infrastructure planning

04:04 – Climate change, water availability and planning for an uncertain future

05:59 – PFAS, microplastics and other contaminants of emerging concern

08:03 – The rise of data centers and new demands on water systems

10:50 – Water Research Foundation’s largest-ever slate of research projects

13:15 – Key findings from the latest Residential End Uses of Water study