Explore new approaches to creating sustainable water supplies and supporting water reuse
The last time two U.S. states nearly took up arms against each other wasn’t during the Civil War—it was in 1934 over water rights. Melissa Darr delves into the critical issue of water scarcity and how communities can innovate to secure their water future. Darr highlights the historical context of water allocations from the Colorado River and the modern challenges posed by climate change. She discusses how cities like San Diego and Santa Monica have implemented diverse strategies—ranging from conservation efforts to desalinization and advanced water treatment facilities—to create resilient and sustainable water supplies. Darr also shares how industrial leaders are rethinking water use, emphasizing the importance of circular water systems and the true cost of water in industrial processes. By understanding and addressing regional water threats and embracing innovative solutions, communities can ensure a sustainable water future.
About the speaker
Melissa Darr is a Program Manager at Arcadis. She has worked extensively across the Southwestern United States helping water utilities maximize the value they get from their systems through asset management, energy management, digital transformations, and smart metering projects. She also works internally at Arcadis on the Global Sustainability Team and the Global Water Optimization Solution team helping Arcadis make their own operations more sustainable.