An excellent New Yorker article, by Michael Specter, about the global social problems caused by the lack of clean water. Increased violence and greater likelihood of conflicts around the world will likely result. This is a powerful reminder of the dire need for new technologies that can help address the challenge of providing clean water to a growing world population.
The recent incident in LA highlights a nation wide problem of old deteriorating water infrastructure. The U.S. has been under investing in water infrastructure for the last 60 years. The EPA estimates that there is over $1 trillion of needed water infrastructure repairs right now. Over the decade to come potable water supply in the U.S. will become increasingly unreliable. Leaks in old water mains will add hazardous bacteria and other pollutants regardless of the cleanliness of the source of the water. Our technology and other water purification technologies will be needed in homes to purify water tap water before it will be safe to drink. These technologies will allow people to take their health and safety into their own hands.
NY Times article highlighting drinking water quality issues in New York City. The United States has a growing problem with microbiological contamination in our tap water. We will be coming to the Big Apple’s aid soon!
Citigroup’s Dean Dray, author of the widely read water industry report the “Water Sector Handbook”, discusses the prospects for the water industry and highlights the most exciting investment opportunities. Dean specifically cites advanced water filtration membranes created through cutting edge material science. Liquidity is a prime example of material science enabling the creation of a membrane that simply did not exist before.