The Weekly Dive #18

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The US’ first grid-connected wave energy test facility is deployed. Spring and Microsoft collaborate on water innovation. Why we won’t solve the climate crisis without fixing water. Fundings flowing in California, Texas, and New York. Hypnotizing footage shows ‘Doomsday’ Glacier is melting from below. Two new forms of salt water have been discovered and could rewrite fundamental chemistry. PFAS is found on all continents except one, Antarctica. Solar powered yachts making waves. This week, we are highlighting Udi Tirosh, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – What will water, climate, and pandemic preparedness look like in the future? Scientists brief the UN.

This week’s quote:

“Be like water making its way through cracks. Adjust to any object in your path and you shall find a way to flow around or through it.”

— Tao Te Ching

What’s New with Our Portfolio Companies?

Sigma Planning Corp. purchased 67,833 shares of 374Water, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCWO)

The investment fund purchased 67,833 shares of the company’s stock at approximately $192,000.

What’s New with Water Innovations?

The US’s first grid-connected wave energy test facility is coming 

PacWave is a US Department of Energy-funded, grid-connected, full-scale test facility for wave energy conversion technologies. It’s the first of its kind in the US, and construction is well under way.

Spring collaborates with Microsoft and Impact X on water innovation

The Impact X-Venture Studio has been launched to support entrepreneurs across Europe.

Watch the Fully Solar-Powered Yacht ‘Tesla of the Seas’ Travel the Ocean

Solar-powered yachts are making waves in a traditionally diesel-chugging industry.

Pew Launches Tool To Advance Marine Protected Areas In High Seas 

This new tool helps decision-makers and the public zero in on priority areas for protection.

What’s New in the Industry?

Liquid asset: why we won’t solve the climate crisis without fixing water

Understanding the relationship between water and climate is vital to addressing the climate crisis.

Texas approves $5.7M for flood resilience project

Texas approved financial assistance through the Flood Infrastructure Fund for the City of Pasadena to improve its wastewater plants’ flood resilience.

California awards $15 million for water supply, stormwater capture projects 

The state awarded funding to support stormwater capture, groundwater recharge, and water supply.

New York State approves $33M for drinking water projects 

The state approved low-cost financing and grants for eight drinking water infrastructure projects.

What’s New in the Science?

Hypnotizing Underwater Footage Shows Rapidly Melting Cracks Below ‘Doomsday’ Glacier 

New footage has revealed Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier is shrinking from below in a way scientists hadn’t expected – with melting happening rapidly along the cracks and crevasses in its base.

Sea Ice Surrounding Antarctica Hit a New Record Low, Putting Ice Shelves at Risk

With a couple more weeks likely left in the melt season, the extent is expected to drop further before reaching its annual minimum.

Two New Forms of Salt Water Could Rewrite Fundamental Chemistry 

Two newly discovered forms of frozen salt water could help scientists resolve the Solar System’s ice-encrusted moons’ mystery.

‘Forever Chemicals’ Have Been Found in Animals on Every Continent Except One 

Animals are contaminated with hazardous forever chemicals on every continent except Antarctica.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: Udi Tirosh

Udi resides in Tel-Aviv by the shores of the Mediterranean Sea where he is an executive and entrepreneur in advanced technology focusing on breakthrough water desalination and treatment technologies.

He founded and headed the Water Reuse Business Unit at IDE Technologies – leading the business case for advanced methods of membranal purification of treated wastewater. He later led the Product Management team at Fluence Corp. (ASE: FLC), promoting market adaptation for new membrane-based products for sewage treatment and seawater desalination. Udi has implemented advanced water technology pilot installations and water treatment projects in China, Philippines, India, Spain, Taiwan, Norway and USA.

Thank you Udi for your work and leadership improving the access to quality  water around the world and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

Scientists Brief UNGA on Water, Climate, and Pandemic Preparedness 

The briefings contribute to the UN 2023 Water Conference in March and the SDG Summit in September 2023, as well as to several negotiating processes related to transformation currently underway in the UNGA.

The Weekly Dive #17

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After building the world’s first grid-level “big battery”, South Australia is planning the world’s largest electrolyzer and H2 power plant. Promising water startups are highlighted by Imagine H2O and Xylem. Biden-Harris administration announces $2B for PFAS and $728M for Colorado River drought. Clay could be the solution to global warming. Why is Europe’s groundwater drying up? This week, we are highlighting Jaron Rothkop, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – The EU is considering a “universal ban” on PFAS.

 This week’s quote:

 

“There is a path from me to you

that I am constantly looking for,

So I try to keep clear and still

as water does with the moon.

What’s New with Our Portfolio Companies?

O.C. Sanitation to demo tech that kills ‘forever chemicals,’ turning waste into water, clean energy 

O.C. Sanitation officials have partnered with our portfolio company 374Water to bring a supercritical water oxidation unit capable of treating up to 6 tons of wet sludge per day, to the Fountain Valley facility as part of a demo project.

What’s New with Water?

South Australia plans world’s largest electrolyzer and H2 power plant

The state that built the world’s first grid-level “big battery” is striking out on an even more ambitious green energy project: the world’s biggest hydrogen power station.

Imagine H2O Announces This Year’s Water Innovators

Imagine H2O’s Accelerator will support international startups to solve the global water crisis.

Start-ups join Xylem Innovation Labs Accelerator to help solve critical issues 

Industrial treatment, regulatory compliance, digital workforce and water system sustainability.

Proven PFAS Removal Solution Now Available In The US 

An innovative, chemical free system that successfully removes up to 100% of priority PFAS compounds.

What’s New in the Industry?

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2B In Funding To Address Emerging Contaminants Like PFAS In Drinking Water

“Too many American communities, especially those that are small, rural, or underserved, are suffering from exposure to PFAS and other harmful contaminants in their drinking water”

Biden-Harris Administration Delivers $728 Million to Address Drought

To provide clean, reliable drinking water to communities and support water conservation in the Colorado River Basin.

California awards $46M for drought resilience

The state awarded grants to nine projects to improve water supply reliability, groundwater recharge, and water use efficiency.

Despite $15B Lead Line Replacement Effort, Water Systems Need More 

“We’re replacing poisonous lead pipes that go into 10 million homes and 400,000 schools and childcare centers”

What’s New in the Science?

WHY IS EUROPE’S GROUNDWATER DRYING UP? NEW SATELLITE DATA REVEALS MORE 

A new satellite study from the Graz University of Technology has corroborated data from 2020 revealing that Europe’s groundwater supplies are on the verge of drying up.

Researchers find that clay could be the solution to global warming 

The atmospheric level of carbon dioxide is almost double what it was prior to the Industrial Revolution.

Warming seas are carving into glacier that could trigger sea level rise 

New research provides a startling look at how warmer oceans are gouging the Thwaites Glacier.

Researchers use water treatment method to capture acids from ag waste

Electrodeionization is one way to capture the acids and other useful components.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: Jaron Rothkop

Jaron is Director at 501CTHREE.ORG, a non-profit dedicated to driving content and innovation around global, energy, water, health and shelter solutions. 501CTHREE’s first project in the pipeline are deployable water filtration systems in water crisis areas such as Flint, Michigan.

Jaden Smith, Drew FitzGerald, and Jaron demonstrated a more sustainable approach to bottled water through their company JUST Water. In 2016, after donating water to Flint with JUST Water, Drew, Jaden, and Jaron decided to engineer a solution that would provide water without all the plastic. While coming up with an alternative to single-use plastic water bottles in Flint, WaterBox.org was created, a new type of nonprofit for a younger generation focused on Energy, Food, Water, and Shelter solutions. Under Jaron’s leadership Water Box brought together a team of passionate and experienced innovators addressing the problems that climate change and resource scarcity have on communities of color. Water Box integrates innovation and storytelling to bring attention to the solutions that will help us build a cleaner, more sustainable, and more hopeful future. Water Box was awarded Fast Company’s Innovation Of The Year Award in the social good category.

Previously, Jaron was President of The Last Kilometer, a nonprofit focused on clean energy policy and technology. From 2012-2016, Jaron was President and CTO of ZeroBase Energy, a leading designer and manufacturer of solar hybrid power systems and clean energy microgrids for governments and commercial/industrial customers. From 2012-2016, Jaron was an investment advisor to Pegasus Capital, LLP a private equity fund manager focused on global resource scarcity.

Thank you Jaron for your work and leadership supporting communities to access clean drinking water and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

EU considers ‘universal’ ban on PFAS compounds 

If successful, the restriction will become one of the largest chemical bans in EU history, though the proposal will face intense opposition from affected industries and chemicals manufacturers.

The Weekly Dive #16

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Philippe Cousteau joins us for our next Oceanside Chat! New School Food’s plant-based salmon raises $12M to scale its technology. Amazon’s Hippo Harvest is growing lettuce using 92% less water. AgFunder leads Mayani’s funding round to scale farm and fisheries produce marketplace. CropX acquires precision irrigation startup Tule. Scientists have discovered a new form of ice. This week, we are highlighting Jack Pan, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – US climate funding could make water pollution worse, find out why.

 This week’s quote:

 

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can withstand it.” — Lao Tzu

New Oceanside Chat!!

Join Us for: Philippe Cousteau — Ocean of Hope with HydroDAO on February 21st!

For far too long the oceans have been seen as a victim. Philippe will explore how the oceans can be a source of solutions and source for many of our greatest challenges, from climate change, to food security.

What’s New with Water?

New School Foods Unveils Scalable Muscle Fiber and Scaffolding Technology for Whole-Cut Meat Alternatives 

The company has raised $12 million USD in funding to build a pilot facility and demonstrate the technology’s scalability.

Amazon introduces Hippo Harvest’s leafy greens line, grown with 92% less water

Backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Hippo Harvest’s process uses robotics and greenhouses to reduce food waste and land use.

New surveillance technology to stamp out illegal fishing in WA, Australia 

A nation-first trial using automated vessels to target illegal fishing is set to take place off Western Australia’s coast.

Water ATMs were introduced in Ghana – and are changing the way people drink 

They were installed at six water standpipes, five with a single ATM and a main station with two ATMs, together serving about 2,000 people.

What’s New in the Industry?

AgFunder impact fund leads Mayani’s $1.7m seed round to scale Filipino farm and fisheries produce marketplace 

The funding, which closed last year, was used to expand Mayani’s supply chain operations, widen its team and set up a farmer engagement division to enlarge its farmer footprint.

Xylem And Manchester City Bring Water Access And Education To Ghana 

The collaboration combined the love of football, water and community for a better future.

New cleantech match-maker for forestry, mining, water launched

A new B2B network is being launched to identify and adopt the best technology to reduce energy and emissions.

BREAKING: CropX acquires precision irrigation startup Tule, its fourth acquisition 

This is CropX’s fourth acquisition since early 2020 when it scooped up US-based CropMetrics.

What’s New in the Science?

Scientists Discover a Weird New Form of Ice That May Change How We Think About Water 

This is amorphous ice, a form not found in nature on Earth. That’s because its atoms are arranged not in a neat repeating crystalline pattern, but jumbled up all higgledy-piggledy, an atomic omnishambles.

Scientists introduced alligator DNA into catfish to create hybrid 

The disease-resistant catfish could one day be used for human consumption.

Scientists Create Biodegradable Plastic Using Solar Energy

The study documents the first time that fumaric acid has been successfully synthesized from carbon dioxide and sunlight.

Clean energy breakthrough produces hydrogen from sea water

A low-cost catalyst, cobalt oxide coated with chromium oxide, was used.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: Jack Pan

Jack Pan is an oceanographer, data scientist and entrepreneur at the forefront of climate change and sustainable energy. He has pioneered new ways to track glacial meltwater in the polar regions using satellite imagery and advanced machine learning. These techniques help decision-makers and stakeholders to better understand, predict and respond to a changing climate.

Jack is also the founder and CEO of Ocean Motion Technologies — a wave energy company that has received support from the United States Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the California Energy Commission, and the Eastman Foundation. Ocean Motion is a Blue Tech company in the early stages of powering a paradigm shift to Big Blue Data and the Ocean of Things. It focuses on meeting power demands for big data at sea in ocean observation for tracking climate change, offshore aquaculture monitoring, and surveillance for coastal security applications. Jack is an advocate for an interconnected blue economy, and he is currently serving on the board of the Maritime Alliance and the Marine Technology Society’s SD Chapter.

In addition, Jack is a fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he works on satellite remote sensing projects for monitoring coastal oceans. As a polar oceanographer, Jack has participated in several expeditions to Antarctica and is a recipient of the Antarctica Service Medal. He is also an avid traveler and photographer.

Thank you Jack for your work and leadership protecting the oceans and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

‘A national scandal’: how US climate funding could make water pollution worse

The Inflation Reduction Act was hailed for its climate funding – but some are concerned several provisions will worsen a growing environmental disaster.

The Weekly Dive #15

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The world’s first semi-submersible floating wind farm has surpassed its production expectations. An agri-tech company growing water lentils at to be the next superfood. These are the top 50 US Climate VC’s you need to know. Wall Street investors are increasingly betting on the Colorado River. Ecozen, a solar-powered irrigation and cold chain storage company just raised a $25M Series C. Researchers are turning lagoon waves pink, learn why. A study finds that all US freshwater fish contain PFAS. This week, we are highlighting Darrell Nelson, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – We asked an AI about climate change goals, this is what it had to say.

 This week’s quote:

 

“When the well runs dry, we know the worth of water.”

– Benjamin Franklin

What’s New with Water?

World’s first semi-submersible floating wind farm achieves 78GWh power 

Thus far, WindFloat Atlantic, the offshore wind farm has surpassed the production expectations set for it.

The agri-tech start-up aiming to grow water lentils at scale

Sustainable Planet has unveiled technology to use desertified land to grow duckweed plant.

Gradiant selected to 2023 Global Cleantech 100 List

The Cleantech Global 100 Expert Panel selects Gradiant for its innovative suite of technologies.

ASTERRA: 75,000 leaks found with satellite tech 

Resolving 75,000 leaks represents a total savings of approximately 276,000 million gallons of water.

What’s New in the Industry?

US’s 50+ Top Climate VC’s To Know 

From industry veterans to former founders turned VC.

New York investors betting big on an increasingly scarce resource 

There is one constituency with a growing interest in the Colorado River’s fate: Wall Street investors.

The Outlook for Water in 2023 

Bolstered by strengthening tailwinds, the outlook for investment and participation in the water sector for 2023 is bright.

Ecozen’s $25m Series C for clean energy irrigation, cold chain tech 

Ecozen will leverage this financing to expand its team to Southeast Asia and Africa.

What’s New in the Science?

An experiment makes lagoon waves pink, here’s how 

After the pink snow, we’ve just run into pink waves recently. Contrary to pink snow, the pink wave does not threaten water supplies.

New Prototype Device Generates Hydrogen From Untreated Seawater 

Scientists have found a clever way to generate hydrogen straight from salty seawater.

New Northwestern Michigan College degree for water technology jobs 

A pioneering program to teach students how to monitor and clean up water pollution.

Researchers Find U.S. Freshwater Fish Are Contaminated With PFAS 

“Eating one serving has the same effect as drinking water polluted with PFAS for a month”

Our HydroDAO Advisors: Darrell Nelson

Darrell is the Founder of Clean Water International. He is a coach, mentor, entrepreneur, software engineer, and inventor.

In 2006 Darrell set up an outsourcing technology company in the Philippines, and in 2011 he transitioned from the I.T. industry into the nonprofit water world.

His focus is to build a strong on-the-ground WASH team to represent International partner projects for Rotary International, Surge for Water, Grosche International, 100FORALL, Water 4 Asia, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Samaritan’s Purse Canada and Philippines.

Darrell passionately envisions the non-profit and social enterprise models working togehter to benefit society and secure equitable livelihoods while reaching the International SDG6 water initiatives.

Clean Water International presently works in the Philippines and looks forward to expansion into other countries with the collaboration of its amazing partners.

“I believe in every child’s right to clean water” – Darrell Nelson

Thank you Darrell for your work and leadership helping people around the world gain access to clean drinking water and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

AI Predicts We’ll Breach Our Climate Goal in Just 10 Years

Sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have predicted that the world will be 1.5 °C hotter than it was before the Industrial Revolution by the early 2030s.

The Weekly Dive #14

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A new hydraulic turbine generates energy without blades. Will Sarni is funding a PFAS destruction startup. Xylem to acquire Evoqua in the largest deal ever in the water-tech industry. California gets ranked number 1 in water efficiency and sustainability. An iceberg the size of London has broken free from Antartica. A city in Japan wants to turn snow in energy. This week, we are highlighting Kobe Nagar, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – Should we release the radioactive water from Fukushima?

This week’s quote:

“We must plant the sea

and herd the animals

using the sea as farmers

instead of hunters.

That is what civilization is all about,

farming replacing hunting.”

– Jacques Yves Cousteau

What’s New with Water?

This 3D-printed hydraulic turbine provides energy without blades 

The water source could be rivers, tidal streams, ocean currents, or even canals.

Astronomers built a neutrino telescope 3km under the sea — here’s why

The Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope will take up enough ocean to fill 400,000 Olympic swimming pools.

DESALINATION GOES OFF-GRID VIA SOLAR

Boreal Light has developed a water desalination technology powered by PV for off-grid applications.

Aquagga launches funding round for PFAS destruction 

Aquagga launched a crowdfunding exercise to raise $400,000 as part of a larger $1 million round supported by Will Sarni of Water Foundry.

What’s New in the Industry?

Xylem to buy Evoqua in $7.5 bln deal to tap water demand 

Xylem agreed to buy Evoqua in a $7.5 billion all-stock deal, aiming to tap into growing global awareness of risks around water scarcity.

Manchester’s Next Membrane Marvel? Spin-Out Secures £500K Funding 

A 2D membrane manufacturer has raised £500,000 to scale up its new membrane coating.

Scorecard ranks states’ 2022 water efficiency and sustainability 

The Alliance for Water Efficiency finds that California was the top-ranked state in the nation.

Missouri American Water To Invest Over $425M To Upgrade Water Systems 

Projects include the replacement of aging water and wastewater pipes and treatment plant upgrades.

What’s New in the Science?

An Iceberg The Size of London Has Broken Free From Antarctica Ice Shelf 

A huge iceberg nearly the size of Greater London has broken off the Antarctic ice shelf near a research station.

A city in Japan is trying to generate electricity from snow 

Researchers have begun to study methods to create electricity from snow to provide energy.

Underwater cameras get a new power source — sound!

The noise from fish or a passing ship can supply all the energy these devices need.

Magnetic Method To Clean PFAS Contaminated Water 

Researchers have pioneered a simple, fast and effective technique to remove PFAS chemicals.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: Kobe Nagar

Kobe is the co-founder and CEO of 374Water Inc, one of our portfolio companies. 374Water is a social impact, cleantech company that is commercializing Supercritical Water Oxidation Technology. SCWO in short, groundbreaking technology that creates a world without waste and connecting the drops between Water, Waste, Energy and Food.

Kobe has +20 years of experience in the renewable and cleantech industries and successfully scaled innovative technologies from concept to commercialization. Kobe joined Duke in February, 2017 where he specialized in the areas of reactor and Balance of Plant (BOP) engineering, process safety, and process scale-up. Prior to joining Duke, he served as the Director of Engineering for CHEMETRY (previously CALERA). He worked as a senior process engineer for FUELCELL Energy and as a principle engineer for ORMAT where he led the conceptual design of many clean power plant projects as well as the subsequent commissioning and field support in North America, Europe, Africa and New Zealand. His work experience also includes serving as an R&D engineer for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. His current passions are his family, coffee and keeping our water clean.

Thank you Kobe for your work and leadership creating new, innovative water and PFAS treatment technologies and for your support to our HydroDAO community.

What’s in the Future?

An Expert Explains Why The Radioactive Water Stored at Fukushima Should Be Released 

Tritium’s beta particle is not very energetic. A person would need to ingest a lot of it to be given a significant radiation dose.

The Weekly Dive #13

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You can now harvest up to 2.5 gallons of alkaline water from the air at home. TidalWatt’s underwater turbines are 60x smaller and produce 3x as much energy as wind turbines. The water industry cannot ignore digitisation and we explore why. Industry experts share their views on the water-tech investment landscape in 2023. Sea sponges and marine bacterias could help us fight COVID. This week, we are highlighting David Katzev, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – What do the new PFAS restrictions mean for 2023?

This week’s quote:

“From birth, men and women carry the

weight of gravity on their shoulders.

They are bolted to the earth.

But they have only to sink beneath the

surface of the sea and they are free.”

– Jacques Yves Cousteau

What’s New with Water?

Pioneering air-to-water technology harvests high-quality drinking water at home 

This air-to-water dispenser makes up to 10 liters of alkaline water per day.

Underwater Turbines’ Energy-Capture Blows Wind Model Out of the Water 

Brazilian startup TidalWatt’s underwater turbines are 60x smaller and produce 3x as much energy as wind turbines.

Wastewater recycler Membrion makes light work of removing heavy metals

PureTerra, a venture firm that aims to fund “disruptive water technologies,” is pumping millions into Membrion.

The Water Council announces winners of 2022 Tech Challenge

This year’s Tech Challenge awarded $10,000 prizes to a Slovakia-based company and a Texas-based company.

What’s New in the Industry?

What does the investment landscape look like for the water-tech industry in 2023? 

Ahead of the World Water-Tech Innovation Summit in London (February 21-22), we asked eight investors, accelerators and utilities for their investment predictions for the year ahead.

Why the water industry cannot ignore digitisation

Amara’s law state that we tend to overestimate the impact of new technology in the short run, and we underestimate it in the long run.

Saudi private sector to drive industry growth as Kingdom ups desalination capacity

The Kingdom is investing greatly in wastewater treatment infrastructure to allow the recycling and reuse of water.

Growing Israel could need dozens more desalination plants by 2065 

A study finds that Israel’s rising population levels could require the construction of 30 new reverse osmosis facilities.

What’s New in the Science?

Swimming in Open Water Poses a Serious Risk Few People Know About

A new study warns there is evidence linking the sport to a lung condition called swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE).

Breakthrough in fighting Legionnaires’ 

A new study of domestic and hospital drinking water systems found Legionella in 41% of samples.

COVID-fighting chemicals identified in sea sponges and marine bacteria 

The compounds found are effective against several variants including delta and omicron.

Agronomist checked whether hydrogels can save agriculture from water shortage 

It turned out that this approach is unlikely to help save agriculture from drought.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: David Katzev

David is a senior civil engineer at the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). EBMUD is a California public utility that supplies high-quality drinking water, generates renewable energy and provides wastewater treatment and pollution prevention services that protect San Francisco Bay.

Through a system of pipes and facilities, EBMUD supplies Sierra mountain water to 1.4 million East Bay customers. EBMUD’s water service area spans 332-square miles in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, extending from Crockett in the north, southward to San Lorenzo, eastward from San Francisco Bay to Walnut Creek, and south through the San Ramon Valley.

For more than 50 years, EBMUD has helped protect public health and San Francisco Bay with wastewater treatment and innovative pollution protection programs. The wastewater system serves approximately 685,000 people in an 88-square-mile area along the east shore of the bay.

Thank you David for your work and leadership in bringing clean drinking water to our communities.

What’s in the Future?

2023 Is Ushering In New Wave Of PFAS Limits For Drinking Water, Industrial Operations 

“Laws and regulations restricting ‘forever chemicals’ in more than a half dozen states are entering effect in 2023, including the start of a timeline for a first-in-the-nation ban on PFAS in all products in Maine”

The Weekly Dive #12

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Oxyle plans to rid the world’s water of “forever chemicals”. 2022 is the seventh year in a row that ocean temperatures have hit new peaks. New PFAS bans are going into effect in 2023. Seven reasons why water could outperform in 2023. The Great Salt Lake could vanish within 5 years. EPFL creates technology to harvest water from the air while producing hydrogen fuel. This week, we are highlighting Drew FitzGerald, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – Half of Earth’s glaciers will melt by 2100. We can still save the rest!

This week’s quote:

The way of water has no beginning and no end.

The sea is around you and in you.

The sea is your home, before your birth and after your death.

Our hearts beat in the womb of the world.

Our breath burns in the shadows of the deep.

The sea gives and the sea takes.

Water connects all things, life to death, darkness to light

What’s New with Water?

How Oxyle Plans To Rid The World’s Water Of Forever Pollutants 

“We went from living somewhere full of lakes and rivers to a city where there was almost no water in the summer.”

Oceans Broke Yet Another Heat Record in 2022, Scientists Warn

That makes 2022 the seventh year in a row that ocean temperatures have hit new peaks.

Aclarity Destroys PFAS Chemicals Forever in Full-Scale Pilot 

Existing methods for managing PFAS in landfill leachate merely shift PFAS chemicals within our environment.

PFAS Bans, Restrictions Go Into Effect in States in 2023 

Laws and regulations restricting “forever chemicals” in more than a half dozen states are entering effect in 2023.

What’s New in the Industry?

New Mazarine fund pushes climate adaptation paradigm 

Mazarine’s theory is that they can attract greater volumes of funding at enhanced valuations by positioning themselves as climate adaptation leaders.

Black & Veatch to deliver desalination plant for world’s largest copper smelter 

PT Freeport Indonesia has appointed Black & Veatch to design and manage a seawater desalination plant.

EPA Announces $500M Loan for Water Infrastructure In New Jersey 

The loan will modernize wastewater and drinking water systems serving over 10 million people throughout New Jersey.

Seven reasons why water could outperform in 2023

GWI’s Global Water Index outperformed the benchmark MSCI World stocks index in 2022. Why might this continue in 2023?

What’s New in the Science?

The Great Salt Lake Could Vanish Within Just 5 Years, Scientists Warn 

Today, only about 0.1 million acre-feet of water is returned to Utah’s famous lake each year, and that is not even close to being enough.

Desalination system harnessing natural cooling power of night sky 

Engineers and scientists are exploring new salt-removal technologies to turn brackish and ocean water into drinking water for large populations.

This forgotten technology could solve the world’s palm oil problem

Found in everything from chips to toothpaste, our addiction to the oil is destroying rainforests. But oily microbes may finally offer an alternative.

EPFL to Harvest Water from The Air and Provide Hydrogen Fuel

They have developed an ingenious yet simple system that combines semiconductor-based technology with novel electrodes.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: Drew FitzGerald

Drew, along with Jaden Smith, and a handpicked team of science, engineering, public health and innovation experts, is a co-founder of 501CTHREE.org a non-profit dedicated to driving content and innovation around global, energy, water, health and shelter solutions.

501CTHREE’s first project is supplying deployable water filtration systems in water crisis areas such as Flint, Michigan. Jaden and Drew’s recent tech deployment in Flint was awarded Fast Company’s Innovation Of The Year Award in the social good category.

Drew is one of the co-founders, along with Will and Jaden Smith, of JUST: a company formed to drive positive social and environmental impact in everyday items while creating sustainable awareness around energy, food and water. Their first product, JUST Water, was created to reduce both plastic utilization and emissions in single serve bottled water packaging by utilizing innovative paper packaging and bioplastics from sugarcane alternatives to petroleum. The company is also an innovator in water sourcing by engaging in the first “public-private” partnership to ensure that spring water is ethically sourced and conserved. JUST water was recognized as the “Best Packaging Solution” at the 2018 Global Bottled Water Congress. Learn more about Drew on our website.

Thank you Drew for your extraordinary support, work and leadership in the water industry and our water community.

What’s in the Future?

Half of Earth’s Glaciers Will Be Gone By 2100, But We Can Still Save The Rest 

The findings, published in the journal Science on Thursday, provide the most comprehensive look so far at the future of the world’s 215,000 glaciers.

The Weekly Dive #11

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A revolutionary technology in China cools power plants without using any water. Can cloud computing become greener with underwater data centers? US Congress allocates billions to water projects. Accenture invests in KETOS to advance water intelligence through real-time monitoring. Not drinking enough water may lead to serious health risks. The US wants to test airline wastewater to track emerging COVID variants. This week, we are highlighting Robert Bowcock, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water.

Your weekly Bonus – How to turn water into the key solution in 2023?

This week’s quote:

Dive into the ocean
It’s calling your name
It’s waves rise and fall
It’s never the same

And you are a bubble
Within this vast sea
You’re rising and falling
In this Life, to Be

A bubble of Joy now
Your breath takes you home
Take hold of those bubbles
Expand them, see them grow

For as you are the bubble
You are also the sea
The walls of the bubble
Dissolve and you are set Free

What’s New with Water?

China claims ‘revolutionary breakthrough’ in cooling power plants 

The technology system will enable the Yanghuopan Power Station to save 24,500 tonnes of coal and cut 54,100 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Off-Shore Wave-Powered Desalination Gains Traction

Norwegian firm Ocean Oasis has developed an off-shore wave-powered floating desalination solution, currently tested in the Canary Islands.

Dutch Expertise Helps To Solve Argentina’s Arsenic Challenges 

A new collaboration is helping to bridge Dutch water sector expertise to Latin America to help solve groundwater quality challenges. 

Could Underwater Data Centers Make Cloud Computing Greener? 

How much could underwater data centers do to alleviate emissions from our cloud usage?

What’s New in the Industry?

Congressional Spending Bill Allocates Billions To Water Projects

The latest major spending bill passed by U.S. Congress has demonstrated the growing importance of clean, abundant drinking water for the country.

Interior invests $84.7M for 36 drought resiliency projects

The latest WaterSMART program investment will support the development of innovative drought resilience efforts for 36 communities in the West.

Accenture to Invest in KETOS

KETOS is the latest company to join Accenture Ventures’ Project Spotlight to advance water intelligence through real-time monitoring.

Spain will invest more than €29 billion to improve water management

The country is facing enormous water-related challenges causing 70% of rivers to have high water stress levels.

What’s New in the Science?

Not Drinking Enough Water Linked to Serious Health Risks, Study Warns 

A new study provides a few more good reasons to stay well-hydrated – including fewer chronic health conditions and a greater chance of living a longer life.

U.S. considers airline wastewater testing as COVID surges in China

The U.S. is considering sampling wastewater taken from international aircraft to track any emerging new variants.

Researchers develop eco-friendly materials capable of purifying water

Professor Park Chi-Young’s team developed a polymer material that can completely remove phenolic organic contaminants in water.

Scientists have revealed a link between drinking enough water and aging

According to the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) new study, drinking water also links people to age in a healthy way.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: Robert Bowcock

Bob Bowcock founded Integrated Resource Management, LLC in 1997 after serving as a Water Utility Manager in Azusa and Huntington Park, California. Prior to that, Bob worked for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and as a U.S. Army Civil Affairs Team Leader designing and constructing water treatment and distribution systems for federal branches of government in Southeast Asia and South America.

Bob has been appointed to serve on numerous Watermaster Boards by California Superior Courts since 1990. He is a licensed California Grade V Water Treatment Operator. He routinely provides expert witness work to legal firms in water resource management. Notably, Bob works alongside Erin Brockovich eradicating water pollution and improving water for low income communities throughout the US. PFAS remediation is one of Bob’s key areas of focus and expertise.

Bob has been a valuable speaker, educator and water expert to WIA and WE. Dive back into our Knowing Your Drinking Water video where he and Erin Brockovich shared with us how to ensure you are drinking the best water for your health and wellbeing. Thank you Bob for your extraordinary support, work and leadership in the water industry and our water community.

What’s in the Future?

2023, the year in which water must be the solution 

We must continue to move forward to turn water and sanitation from a problem into a solution.

The Weekly Dive #10

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Happy new watery year!! This week, we kick off the year with all the positive environmental stories of 2022. IE highlights two promising water desalination technologies. Aquaconnect raises $15M to digitize aquaculture’s supply chain. Spain invests €356M in recovery wetlands. A new technology could tap into a virtually limitless supply of fresh water: ocean water vapors. Microplastics on the seafloor have tripled over the past 20 years. This week, we are highlighting Dan Bena, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water policy.

Your weekly Bonus – What’s next in 2023 for water policies?

This week’s quote: 

“On the banks of Ganges
I sat in a serene and sombre mood
Looking at the playful water
as the wind like a great artist
Draws playful lines and circles
On the water. 

The wind
Tickles the water
And it laughs although I can’t hear.
When the water laughs
And jumps, it moves
In lines and circles
And then rushes swift to the shore. 

I sit there at the shore
With my feet in the water
And watch the lines and circles
Reach and kiss my feet
In reverent love.” 

– Dr. Antony Theodore

What’s New with Water?

Here are all the positive environmental stories from 2022 so far

“So, for 2022, as part of our ongoing effort to tackle eco-anxiety, we are going to be keeping track of all the positive environmental stories from this year.”

The new desalination technologies making potable water more accessible 

Two developments in seawater desalination technologies make it into IE’s list of 22 best innovations.

Scottish Start-Up Solves UK Army Water Challenge 

Scottland-based Novus has developed a portable vehicle-mounted water purifier capable of producing safe, medical-grade drinking water. 

Idrica provides water management software for Qatar

Idrica Qatar’s GoAigua Sewer Twin solution helped optimize water resource management for the FIFA World Cup.

What’s New in the Industry?

Aquaconnect raises $15m to digitize India’s aquaculture supply chain for smallholder farmers

Aquaconnect will use the new capital to build up its product portfolio for both pre-harvest and post-harvest services.

Fla. awards $7.1M to rural water infrastructure

The state’s Rural Infrastructure Fund awarded funding for the development of nine communities’ water infrastructure.

Spain invests in recovery wetlands Coto Doñana 

Spain’s government recently announced a hydrological restoration plan and 356 million euro investment for Doñana National Park.

Agencies award $10.3M for Long Island Sound water quality

The EPA announced 41 grants totaling $10.3 million to reduce stormwater pollution for the Long Island Sound.

What’s New in the Science?

New Technology Could Tap Into a Virtually Limitless Supply of Fresh Water

One currently untapped source is the water vapor above the oceans, which is almost limitless as far as supplies go.

4 main stages of Earth’s water cycle: Here’s all you need to know

IE discusses the water cycle, its different steps, why it is essential, and some facts about it.

Increased Salinity From Desalination Equal To Natural Variations 

Salinity increases will be well within the range of natural salinity variation due to evaporation.

Microplastics deposited on the seafloor have tripled in 20 years 

This new study shows that microplastics are retained unaltered in marine sediments.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: Dan Bena

Dan Bena founded his Corporate Purpose and ESG consultancy after a long career with PepsiCo, where he served in leadership roles as Corporate Water Steward, Head of Sustainable Development, Food Safety and Quality specialist, and Head of the company’s first-ever corporate function for Occupational Health and Safety.

In addition, he is Senior Consultant for Antea Group USA, and Chair of their Strategic Advisory Board, Advisor to Grimley Capital, Honorary Professor for Glasgow Caledonian University, and Board Trustee of its New York College, which houses the Center for Social Impact and Innovation. Bena advocates for the power of the private sector as a force for good in society. He was recently Senior Advisor to Paul Newman’s charity, Safe Water Network, and serves/has served on the Water Leadership Group of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD); Steering Board of World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group; Steering Committee of the United Nations CEO Water Mandate; the Global Agenda Council on Water Security of the World Economic Forum; US Water Alliance; and Creative Visions Foundation, a non-profit whose signature program, Rock Your World, engages middle and high school students from over 70 countries in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

We are grateful for Dan’s passionate leadership guiding water policies around the world.

What’s in the Future?

2022 was a historic year for climate change policies. What’s next for 2023? 

2022 was a landmark year for climate change action—and repercussions.

The Weekly Dive #9

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Oil companies are recycling fracking wastewater in drought stricken West Texas. Sound waves can boost the production of hydrogen by 14 times. 3M has committed to phase out ‘forever chemicals’ by 2025. XPV Water Partners investigates the link between water and climate change. We now know how old our water is. A new method can destroy PFAS in 45 minutes. This week, we are highlighting David Balsar, one of HydroDAO’s key advisors. Learn about his impressive background and why he is passionate about water solutions.

Your weekly Bonus – Retiring fossil fuel plants could save 687B gallons of water annually.

This week’s quote: 

“Dear stream! dear bank, where often I
Have sate and pleas’d my pensive eye,
Why, since each drop of thy quick store
Runs thither whence it flow’d before,
Should poor souls fear a shade or night,
Who came, sure, from a sea of light?
Or since those drops are all sent back
So sure to thee, that none doth lack,
Why should frail flesh doubt any more
That what God takes, he’ll not restore?”
– Henry Vaughan

What’s New with Water?

Engineers use sound waves to boost green hydrogen production by 14 times 

Sound waves make it much easier to extract hydrogen from water.

Researchers in China create device to directly split seawater to produce hydrogen

The team has successfully tested a sustainable membrane-based seawater electrolyzer.

West Texas Oil companies have begun recycling fracking wastewater 

Oil and gas companies are increasingly reusing “produced water” as West Texas aquifers are being depleted.

Nation’s largest water supplier declares drought emergency 

This clears the way for potential mandatory water restrictions early next year that could impact 19 million Californians.

What’s New in the Industry?

3M to phase out ‘forever chemicals’ PFAS by 2025

3M will exit polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) manufacturing by the end of 2025 and discontinue use across its product portfolio.

AWWA initiative promotes a smart water future

A collaborative initiative led by the AWWA is offering the water sector a faster route to meeting major environmental and infrastructural challenges.

Water sector angles for climate funds

Operators of the nation’s water and wastewater systems are eager to dip into a fledgling $27 billion program taking shape under the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act.

WHAT IS THE WATER SECTOR’S ROLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE? 

A new report from XPV Water Partners investigates links between water and climate change.

What’s New in the Science?

Scientists Have Figured Out Just How Old Our Water Is, And It’s Old 

Water is ubiquitous in protoplanetary disks, and water’s origin may not be so mysterious after all.

A new water-based switch is thousands of times faster than current semiconductors

Water becomes conductive within one trillionth of a second.

New Method Can Break Down 95% of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Just 45 Minutes

It uses UV light and hydrogen gas to break down PFAS found in drinking supplies.

How much of the ocean has been explored? Surprisingly little 

Despite historical oceanic quests and modern technologies, only 5% of the oceans is known.

Our HydroDAO Advisors: David Balsar

David is a seasoned lawyer and economist with a MBA from INSEAD (France) and a MA in Philosophy. He has deep experience working in business development roles for international corporations including FOX (Newscorp) and Endemol Shine in London.

Currently, David is the General Manager of Innovation and Ventures for Mekorot, Israel’s National Water Company. For the last 4 years, he has led the company’s investment strategy, screening hundreds of startups from which Mekorot has invested in 10 innovative burgeoning companies.

David’s diverse professional career has scanned from being a former professional athlete to being a top international model. He has a deep passion for doing good in our world, having served as an Intern in the UN DESA in NYC and volunteered in the World Food Program in Africa.

We are grateful for David’s passionate leadership funding innovative global water technologies that will enrich all of our lives.

What’s in the Future?

Retiring fossil fuel plants could free 687B gallons water annually

New research predicts that, if fossil fuel-fired power plants are not slated to be replaced, the retirement of these plants in the U.S. could make available roughly 687 billion gallons of water each year by 2065.