The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has released its 2024 AWWA State of the Water Industry Survey to gauge perceptions of the water sector and to identify and track significant trends. Through the survey, AWWA seeks to assess the priorities, challenges, and opportunities water professionals face in providing safe drinking water and discharging clean water to the environment.

Since 2004, AWWA has published the annual State of the Water Industry report based on its survey results to help water utilities, service providers, regulators, and researchers identify and prepare for challenges, opportunities, and trends impacting the water community.

Findings from its 2023 survey reveal:

• Optimism is on the rise among water professionals.
• Aging infrastructure and long-term water supply are the top challenges.
• Utilities are prioritizing emergency preparedness.
• Public understanding of the value of water resources is a rising issue.
• Most utilities offer affordability programs to assist lower income households.
• Utilities are developing organizational diversity programs and training.
• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and point source pollution) are the top compliance challenges.

Access the 10-minute 2024 survey via AWWA.