Pauli Undesser calls for a bold shift in drinking water: Redirect the time, energy, and resources spent overprocessing “dumb water” toward building an innovative, reimagined smart water future.
About the Speaker
Pauli Undesser, MWS
Chief Executive Officer, Water Quality Association
Pauli Undesser is adept in driving innovation and transformation. As CEO of the Water Quality Association, she is a well-respected thought leader spanning two decades of experience by leading technical and regulatory analysis of water treatment technologies, standards, codes, and regulations. With an academic and applied background in three fields of science, she is classically trained to explore and share ideas that challenge conventional thinking.
The Big Idea
To build truly smart cities, we must rethink how we manage water, especially the 99% of treated drinking water that is instead used for showers, washing clothes or dishes, or flushing our toilets. Pauli Undesser challenges outdated water infrastructure and calls for innovative, sustainable solutions that align with modern urban needs and environmental realities.
Key Takeaways
- Most treated water is wasted. This “dumb water” is overprocessed, underutilized, expensive and inefficient.
- Our water treatment system is outdated and unsustainable. Centrally treating all water to drinking water standards no longer makes sense in light of smarter treatment strategies.
- “Fit for Purpose” technology can lead the way. Technologies that match water quality to purpose can improve water quality cheaper, faster and more sustainably than centralized treatment or infrastructure improvements.
- The public must be engaged. Undesser urges three steps to better water quality: Read your water report, test your home water, and consult a professional and possibly treat your water.
Dive Deeper – Water is Everyone’s Fight!
Below are some resources for a deeper dive on issues raised in “Smart Cities Don’t Need Dumb Water.”
Three steps to better water quality: Read your water report, test your home water, and consult a professional and possibly treat your water.
- What is a Consumer Confidence Report and how do I get a copy? The EPA explains.
- An EPA guide to Reading your Consumer Confidence Report
- How and when do I test my water? Check out the EPA guidance.
- Want to consult an ethical water treatment professional? Find one with our online directory.
- Questions to ask before hiring a professional
- Choosing and installing your own treatment products? Consult WQA’s directory of certified products
Understanding water contaminants: Some info to help you understand what could be in your water.
- Consult the WQRF Contaminant Occurrence Map for information on what contaminants have been found in your area.
- Video: 5 things to know about PFAS
- Download: Consumer’s Guide to PFAS
Understanding SMART water treatment options: How can you use “final barrier” or “fit for use” treatment?
- WQRF “One Minute for Water Research” video on using certified filters to reduce lead
- WQRF “One Minute for Water Research” video on technology that addresses PFAS
- WQRF “One Minute for Water Research” video on states that allow Point-of-Use/Point-of-Entry Technology in complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- WQRF “One Minute for Water Research” video on sustainability comparison for Safe Drinking Water Act compliance
Pending legislation: What is the Healthy H2O Act and how can you help?
- Details about the bill
- Ask your legislators to support the Healthy H2O Act