Rapid Radicals says there's a faster way to treat wastewater, begins pilot program in Milwaukee

The Filter X360 uses gravity to purify water without requiring any power supply or chemicals by using ultrafiltration technology to remove bacteria and viruses from fresh water sourced from nearby rivers, lakes and ponds. The machine can purify 1,000 liters per hour and reduces the risk of illness and also prevents locals from having to purchase bottled water or simply go without clean drinking water.

The Gombe State Environmental and Protection Agency in Nigeria cleared waste from waterways in metropolitan areas to increase the flow of water and mitigate flood risk.

The Anacostia, which has long been one of the most polluted rivers in the country, has been given a new lease on life, thanks to cleanup efforts and a recent sewer upgrade in D.C. Since water quality has improved, there's been renewed interest in waterfront recreation and development. Now local groups are working to mitigate displacement from gentrification, with some success.

Micro-hydro projects in the United States have become much more accessible and more financially viable since Congress passed a law in 2013 making it easier for small hydroelectric projects to get federal approval. Specifically, water treatment plants that can retrofit their systems to generate electricity are an excellent energy opportunity. The plant in Grand Lake now produces more electricity than it consumes.

Foro, a village in southwestern Ethiopia, has suffered from drought conditions for years, leaving the little water the communities can access polluted with waste. While various water projects have been attempted only to be abandoned, groups are working to restore some of these projects by combining technologies with community involvement.

Amidst water scarcity and increased waterborne diseases, community members are using sand dams, an innovative water management system, to conserve rainwater for daily use. Sand dams offer extended water storage capabilities, lasting up to a year, ensuring community members have consistent access to clean water for farming, cooking and general hygiene. There are currently six sand dams in the community serving 600 households.

Architects across Asia are taking inspiration from a traditional form of agriculture called rice terraces to create flood-resilient infrastructure in cities that lack places for excess water to go. In Bangkok, for example, a university’s roof mimics the step-like design, and the water it holds is used to grow rice.

The city of Copenhagen uses a combination of green and gray infrastructure for flood prevention. It installed more plants, ponds with pumping systems, and green roofs to collect rainfall along with a giant underground tunnel system and walls that close off areas of the city to store water.

By focusing on preventing water pollution at the source, fixing leaks in the system, and public education, Paris cleaned up its water network and decreased water use by 10% over the last ten years.

Babcock Ranch, Florida, weathered Hurricane Ian with minimal damage and full power because of development decisions like installing solar power, underground infrastructure, and building every building above code.