Three promising new technologies could help send stormwater to taps in thirsty cities

In response to the growing concern about the world's water supply, a movement known in the United States as "One Water" has taken shape and is gathering momentum on a mission to halt floods, droughts and water pollution.

Berlin has historically struggled with implementing new digital advancements. Thanks to a collaborative effort however, the community can now be informed about the water pollution level of various lakes that are often used for swimming via the implementation of an online tool.

With climate change on the horizon, Los Angeles is rushing to pull water from surprising sources. The goal: aqueous independence.

A research fellow at Deakin University’s School of Engineering in Australia has developed a world-first technology 3D printer prototype capable of printing plumbing and sanitation supplies using discarded plastics - and what's more, it runs on solar power. They are partnering with NGO Plan International to implement this technology in the Solomon Islands, where locals will learn to print the parts they need, thereby solving the dual problems of plastic rubbish and a lack of access to vital mechanical parts for clean water supply. The model gives these communities tools to solve their own problems.

Though once the rivers were afoul with pollution and the carcasses of poisoned fish and the water from taps was too hazardous to drink, Denmark now boasts some of the world's cleanest drinking water and some of it's most comprehensive programs for good water management. The Danish government is looking to help other nations replicate their success, leveraging technology and collaboration to better manage water treatment and conservation for all.

Clean water and healthy ecosystems are becoming increasingly difficult to come by. With floating islands and other inventions, eco-entrepreneur Bruce Kania thinks that biomimicry - such as reconstructing wetlands and growing biofilms - can tackle the toughest of water problems.

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.

The Central Himalayan Rural Action Group, an NGO based in India, is restoring special Himalayan freshwater springs known naulas. Since 2008, the organization has been involved in the restoration of more than 6,000 springs.

The Lerma river in Mexico is one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Water from the river leaves behind yellow stains and causes headaches and dizziness. To help bring clean, drinking water to the community a scientist and a resident in Lerma co-found the H2O Lerma With Charm collective. One of the things the group does is create filters from eggshells they install in the local wells. Eggshels, which are high in calcium, combined with magnesium can reduce heavy metals in water by 80 percent. The collective has close to 70 members and have installed filters in seven local wells.

A water management committee manages Barigaon’s water ATM, which uses a nanotechnology-based ion exchange resin to remove iron and arsenic from groundwater. Residents, who swipe a pre-paid card to collect water in their own containers, pay 40 cents per 20 liters or a flat monthly fee of less than $3. Water is free for families who can’t afford the fee and delivery is arranged for those who are unable to transport water. Around 250 villagers use the ATM each day and its success inspired five additional ATMs, with plans to install 172 statewide. Fees cover maintenance and the landowner’s electricity costs.