Water Technology Innovation

Role of water technology innovation in reimagining global water systems in a world of increasing water scarcity, and connecting perspectives of scientist and engineers with those of policy makers

As we reimagine global clean energy systems through the energy transition, a similar effort will be needed to ensure clean water access. Just as innovation drives the energy transition, innovation will be a key factor across different industries to reduce water consumption, reuse water that is currently discharged back to the environment, and acquire water from sources that are presently unattainable.

This innovation centers around advances in technology, which are at the forefront of research in hydrologic science and environmental engineering. While current water policy focuses primarily on water rights and economic markets, policy is also a key factor enabling and prioritizing research aimed at promoting the adoption of these technologies on a national and global scale. Colorado School of Mines and the Payne Institute are collaborating with industry, academia, and government on research to identify solutions to these issues, and enact policy to aid this transition.

NEWS

In a First, the E.P.A. Warns of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Sludge Fertilizer 1/14/2025

In a First, the E.P.A. Warns of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Sludge Fertilizer

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributed to this article about how levels of PFAS in sewage sludge used as fertilizer can pose risks that sometimes exceed safety thresholds “by several orders of magnitude,” the agency said. Historically, he said, sludge had been applied at concentrations greater than the levels now deemed risky by the E.P.A. January 14, 2025.

The E.P.A. Promotes Toxic Fertilizer. 3M Told It of Risks Years Ago.

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Chris Higgins contributed to this article about how the U.S. E.P.A. obtained research from 3M in 2003 revealing that sewage sludge, the raw material for the fertilizer, carried toxic “forever chemicals.” December 27, 2024.

Minor levels of ‘forever chemicals’ found in water samples taken in Leadville and Lake County 12/4/24

Minor levels of ‘forever chemicals’ found in water samples taken in Leadville and Lake County

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributes to an article about the minor levels of PFAS, a class of chemicals that can cause serious health effects, that have been found at eight testing sites in Leadville and Lake County, a state-funded study shows. December 4, 2024.

Mines PFAS expert weighs in on regulating “forever chemicals” 5/9/2024

Mines PFAS expert weighs in on regulating “forever chemicals”

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Chris Higgins, University Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, is among an international group of environmental consultants, regulators, land managers and academics that have jointly published an evaluation of differing approaches to regulation of the substances popularly known as ‘forever chemicals.’ May 9, 2024.

Diagnosing the PFAS Problem 5/8/2024

Diagnosing the PFAS Problem

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Chris Higgins contributes to this article about how scientists Investigate So-Called ‘Forever Chemicals’ in the Chesapeake Bay. Throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, researchers are trying to piece together the fate and transport of PFAS. But PFAS behave differently than many legacy toxic chemicals like mercury and PCBs, and they are driving researchers to think about toxic contaminants in new ways. May 8, 2024.

Drinking water for 268,000 Coloradans exceeds new limits on “forever chemicals” 4/21/2024

Drinking water for 268,000 Coloradans exceeds new limits on “forever chemicals”

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Chris Higgins contributes to this article about how the utilities that provide drinking water to nearly 268,000 Coloradans will need tens of millions of dollars over the next five years to comply with new federal limits on harmful “forever chemicals,” but finding the money will be a challenge — especially for small, rural systems. April 21, 2024.

Exploring policy choices for addressing forever chemicals 3/25/2024

Exploring policy choices for addressing forever chemicals

Payne Institute Communications Associate Kristin Ziv, Student Researcher Isabel Guajardo Retamales and Director Morgan Bazilian write about how on March 20, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) convened a pivotal hearing titled “Examining PFAS as Hazardous Substances.” The session focused on the risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals found in various industrial and consumer products. March 25, 2024.

Gore-Tex maker polluted some Marylanders’ drinking water with ‘forever chemicals,’ officials say. The question is how many. 2/15/2024

Gore-Tex maker polluted some Marylanders’ drinking water with ‘forever chemicals,’ officials say. The question is how many.

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributes to this article about how the maker of the renowned Gore-Tex waterproofing for outdoor gear polluted groundwater near two of its plants in Northeastern Maryland with a hazardous “forever chemical,” according to the Maryland Department of the Environment. February 15, 2024.

TRANSPARENCY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY: THE VITAL LINK BETWEEN MONITORING AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION IN CCS INITIATIVES 2/9/24

TRANSPARENCY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY: THE VITAL LINK BETWEEN MONITORING AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION IN CCS INITIATIVES

Payne Institute CCUS Program Manager Anna Littlefield and Project Canary’s Charlie Losche write about how the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has catalyzed significant growth in CCS, with projections indicating a substantial increase in capture capacity by 2035. With this expansion comes challenges, notably in securing Class VI permits for CO₂ injection, and most pressingly in maintaining public trust. February 9, 2024.

How Does a “Reverse Sprinkler” Work? Researchers Solve Decades-Old Physics Puzzle 01/26/24

How Does a “Reverse Sprinkler” Work? Researchers Solve Decades-Old Physics Puzzle

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Brennan Sprinkle contributes to this article about how for decades scientists have been trying to solve Feynman’s Sprinkler Problem: How does a sprinkler running in reverse—in which the water flows into the device rather than out of it—work? Through a series of experiments, a team of mathematicians has figured out how flowing fluids exert forces and move structures, thereby revealing the answer to this long-standing mystery. January 26, 2024.

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For more information about the Water Technology Innovation Research Area at the Payne Institute for Public Policy, please contact our Deputy Director, Gregory Clough, at gclough@mines.edu.