The Smart Water Wave Gains Momentum

Partnerships and deals drive U.S. smart water growth amid integration hurdles

14 Oct 2025

America’s water sector is in the midst of a digital awakening. Partnerships, acquisitions, and fresh tech are converging to modernize how utilities monitor, manage, and conserve one of the nation’s most vital resources.

A pivotal step came in January 2025, when the mioty Alliance joined forces with the Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN). The collaboration bridges a wireless technology consortium with a global advocacy group focused on smarter water systems. Their shared aim: to solve a stubborn problem, how to connect thousands of devices across sprawling urban and rural networks without expensive or unreliable infrastructure.

For utilities, the appeal is clear. Real-time visibility into leaks, flow, and water quality can transform operations. “Reliable communication is the backbone of smart infrastructure,” said Thomas Lorentz, chair of the mioty Alliance Steering Committee. “Our partnership with SWAN ensures advanced connectivity translates into meaningful results for utilities and their customers.”

The sector’s shift toward collaboration is also visible in corporate strategy. Itron’s plan to acquire Urbint, announced earlier this year and expected to close in late 2025, aims to strengthen predictive and risk analytics across energy, gas, and water systems. Urbint’s technology helps utilities anticipate and prevent costly infrastructure failures before they occur.

Meanwhile, Grundfos completed its acquisition of modular treatment company Newterra in August, expanding its footprint in decentralized water and wastewater solutions. Such systems are crucial for regions grappling with drought, population growth, or outdated infrastructure.

Industry experts say these moves signal momentum but warn that integration takes time. “The progress is exciting, but large-scale adoption is rarely simple,” said Lisa Park, a Chicago-based water technology consultant. “Interoperability, cost, and regulation still present challenges.”

Even so, optimism is growing. With utilities, innovators, and investors aligned, 2025 could mark the year smart water management moves from pilot projects to everyday practice, bringing the promise of safer, more efficient, and more sustainable water systems nationwide.