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
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
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.
Forever chemical study planned for Schriever Space Force Base focused on soils 11/26/2023
Forever chemical study planned for Schriever Space Force Base focused on soils
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributes to this article about how PFAS or “forever chemicals” leach into the groundwater and pose a health risk, they sit in soils — where they can be washed out or otherwise treated before they reach an aquifer. The chemicals can cause a range of health problems at high levels in humans. Researchers from the Colorado School of Mines and Clarkson University expect to compare nine different strategies for removing firefighting foam from the soils at the Schriever Space Force Base to help inform how soils at other sites could be treated in the future. November 26, 2023.
The Fifth National Climate Assessment 11/14/2023
The Fifth National Climate Assessment
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian was one of the contributing authors of the U.S. Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses. It is a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the United States. However, without deeper cuts in global net greenhouse gas emissions and accelerated adaptation efforts, severe climate risks to the United States will continue to grow. November 14, 2023.
How can Colorado attack “forever chemicals” tainting military soil? School of Mines is leading the way to find out. 11/13/2023
How can Colorado attack “forever chemicals” tainting military soil? School of Mines is leading the way to find out.
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Chris Higgins contributes to this article about how nine different techniques for getting PFAS out of toxic dirt will be tested next year at Schriever Space Force Base near Colorado Springs. Even the environmental watchdogs cataloging the depressing toll of “forever chemicals” throughout the food chain say they are encouraged by the School of Mines test. November 13, 2023.
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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.