Unlocking Water Security: How Advanced Technologies Are Revolutionizing Water Reuse and Conservation
In an era of growing water scarcity, utilities and businesses worldwide are turning to advanced technologies to address critical challenges in water management. A new report highlights how innovative solutions from Xylem (NYSE: XYL), a global leader in water technology, have enabled the reuse of 18.1 billion cubic meters of water since 2019—enough to meet the annual water needs of over 350 million people, according to global consumption estimates. This achievement underscores the transformative potential of water reuse, advanced treatment methods, and digital innovations in ensuring safer, more sustainable water supplies for communities around the world.
The Power of Water Reuse: Meeting Global Demand
Water reuse is emerging as a cornerstone of global water security efforts. By extending the life cycle of freshwater, businesses and utilities can conserve resources, reduce strain on natural water sources, and ensure reliable access to clean water. According to Xylem’s latest Sustainability Report, the company’s cutting-edge technologies have empowered customers to achieve significant milestones in water conservation and reuse.
For example, a global spirits manufacturer in the United States identified opportunities to reuse 3,785 cubic meters of water annually. Such initiatives not only benefit individual businesses but also contribute to broader sustainability goals by reducing reliance on freshwater sources and minimizing environmental impact.
Preventing Water Loss with Predictive Monitoring
Beyond water reuse, preventing water loss in distribution networks is another critical focus area. Since 2019, Xylem’s solutions have helped customers reduce water loss by 3.7 billion cubic meters. In Spain, a regional water utility leveraged predictive monitoring and analytics to prevent two major pipeline failures and save 25,000 cubic meters of water annually. These advancements highlight how digital tools can enhance the efficiency and resilience of water infrastructure, ensuring that precious resources are not wasted.
Protecting Waterways from Contamination
Contaminated water poses significant risks to ecosystems and public health. To combat this issue, Xylem’s technologies have prevented 10.7 billion cubic meters of polluted water from entering waterways. In the United States, an advanced treatment facility has allowed industrial companies to filter heavy metals from wastewater, minimize hazardous waste, and reduce discharges into local rivers and streams. These innovations not only safeguard aquatic environments but also support regulatory compliance and corporate responsibility.
Reducing Emissions for a Greener Future
Addressing climate change is another key priority in the quest for sustainable water management. Xylem’s solutions have helped customers cut water-related CO2e emissions by more than 6.4 million metric tons. For instance, a food manufacturer in Eastern Europe reduced its energy consumption by 33% by adopting smart ventilation technology. These achievements demonstrate the dual benefits of sustainability: protecting the planet while lowering operational costs.
Achieving Ambitious Goals Ahead of Schedule
Xylem’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond individual projects. In 2019, the company unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Goals, which encompassed several initiatives aimed at maximizing the positive impact of its technologies. Remarkably, Xylem achieved all four customer-focused goals ahead of schedule. Building on this success, the company has set a bold new target: enabling customers to reduce their annual water demand by 2 billion cubic meters by 2030.
“We work closely with our customers to advance their sustainability goals and make a positive impact on the communities where we operate,” said Claudia Toussaint, Chief Sustainability Officer at Xylem. “Our commitment to sustainability strengthens our competitiveness in the marketplace and drives meaningful progress toward global water security.”
Strengthening the Value Chain Through Collaboration
Xylem’s dedication to sustainability extends throughout its value chain. In 2024, 43% of Xylem’s supplier spending went to partners participating in the global WASH4Work initiative, which seeks to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. By fostering collaboration across industries, Xylem is amplifying its impact and promoting systemic change.
A Call to Action for Water Security
The challenges facing the global water industry are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. As Matthew Pine, President and CEO of Xylem, emphasized, “Our customers are addressing the most pressing challenges facing the global water industry. Their results demonstrate the impact of scaling proven technology solutions to strengthen water systems.”
From water reuse and loss prevention to emission reductions and contaminant removal, the examples outlined in Xylem’s Sustainability Report offer a roadmap for achieving water security. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of business operations and embracing advanced technologies, utilities and businesses can play a pivotal role in safeguarding this vital resource.
About Xylem
Xylem (XYL) is a Fortune 500 leading global water solutions company, empowering customers and communities to create a more secure world with water. Our 23,000 dedicated employees generated $8.6 billion in revenue in 2024, leveraging innovation and expertise to optimize water and resource management. Visit us at www.xylem.com and let’s develop solutions for the water industry together.
