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
Beyond 99.99%: Why billion-dollar PFAS cleanup must account for airborne byproducts 1/15/2026
Beyond 99.99%: Why billion-dollar PFAS cleanup must account for airborne byproducts
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christoper Higgins contributed to this article about how new technologies that tout their ability to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) need to be evaluated not only for their effectiveness and efficiency but also for the byproducts they might release into the air. January 15, 2026.
To explore space, scientists want to turn the moon into a gas station 1/2/2026
To explore space, scientists want to turn the moon into a gas station
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow George Sowers contributed to this article about how using lunar ice to make rocket fuel could help future lunar settlements sustain themselves and provide a launch pad for astronauts to reach Mars. January 2, 2026.
Trump Embraces Pesticides After Previously Promising Crackdown 11/22/2025
Trump Embraces Pesticides After Previously Promising Crackdown
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributed to this article about how despite the vows and promises made in the lead-up to the 2024 election and at the start of Trump’s presidency, the current administration’s promised crackdown on pesticides appears to have fallen short. November 22, 2025.
San Lazaro mobile home park turns to natural fixes for undrinkable water 9/9/2025
San Lazaro mobile home park turns to natural fixes for undrinkable water
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Chris Higgins contributes to this article about how environmental groups, working with residents and Boulder County, are leading an effort to test whether biochar, bacteria and solar aerators can succeed where regulations and annexation have stalled. September 9, 2025.
Yes, Forever Chemicals Are in Your Wild Game and Fish. You Should Eat (Most of) It Anyway 8/18/2025
Yes, Forever Chemicals Are in Your Wild Game and Fish. You Should Eat (Most of) It Anyway
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributes to this article about how hunters and anglers should think twice before eating fish and game from areas with advisories. due to a risk of consuming wild game contaminated with PFAS. August 18, 2025.
Deconstructing “forever chemicals” at a Colorado military base 7/10/2025
Deconstructing “forever chemicals” at a Colorado military base
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributed to this article about how Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs hosts a proving ground for cleaning up longtime PFAS contamination. July 10, 2025.
Researchers study forever chemical removal at Peterson Space Force Base 7/10/2025
Researchers study forever chemical removal at Peterson Space Force Base
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributed to this article about how his team is leading research at Peterson Space Force Base this summer to evaluate technologies that remove forever chemicals from sediment. July 10, 2025.
Summer Research Aims to Mitigate PFAS Contamination in Southern Colorado 7/9/2025
Summer Research Aims to Mitigate PFAS Contamination in Southern Colorado
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributed to this article about how this summer, his team is conducting significant research and testing efforts are underway in Southern Colorado to tackle the ongoing issue of PFAS (man-made polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination. July 9, 2025.
The most promising ways to destroy ‘forever chemicals’ 5/14/2025
The most promising ways to destroy ‘forever chemicals’
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributed to this article about how researchers are seeking a breakthrough on how to get rid of PFAS, which have been found in drinking water, food packaging and soil. May 14, 2025.
Sludge Contaminated 10,000 Acres of Farmland. What Should Be Done? 4/21/2025
Sludge Contaminated 10,000 Acres of Farmland. What Should Be Done?
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Christopher Higgins contributed to this article about how for years a textile mill, in Society Hill, S.C., gave farmers its sewage sludge as free fertilizer. Today the land is full of “forever chemicals.” April 21, 2025.
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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.