The Waterly
"The Waterly" is a weekly all-things-water newsletter we share with our community covering the latest innovations and investment deal flow in the water sector and recent news on climate change and water-related crises.
This week, we learn about a brewery growing spinach with their wastewater. Remember Popeye's superpower?! Google commits to replenish 120% of its water use by 2030. Mt. Shasta's glaciers are melting away. The World Conservation Congress brought 4,000 experts to discuss solutions to climate change in Marseille. The Faroe Islands' dolphin hunt massacre creates outcry. Once again, more details of how PFAS are impacting our health. We are honored to introduce you to our WELL Advisor Rachel Cardone, a global leader helping companies scale their water and sanitation hygiene. She is an inspiration and role model for our Water Emissaries.
Tech & Innovation
Firm behind ‘world’s most powerful tidal turbine’ to head up new $31 million energy project
In a statement, Orbital said the project would work on the development of a system combining “floating tidal energy, wind generation, grid export, battery storage and green hydrogen production.”
PROJECT POPEYE: SPINACH HELPS CLOSE THE LOOP ON BREWERY WASTEWATER
Wastewater generated from the brewing process will then be used to grow spinach - hence the project's nod to the classic cartoon character.
Ship Tracks Over the Ocean Inspire Researchers For a Way to Cool The Earth
A team based at the University of Washington the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), and the Pacific Northwest National Library have come up with an innovative solution to tackle climate change by using clouds to thwart global warming.
Corporate & Deals
Veolia announces €2.5bn equity increase for Suez buy
Veolia is set to issue €2.5 billion in new shares later this month, the proceeds of which will be used to buy shares in Suez, the company’s main competitor, as part of a negotiated takeover.
Google To Replenish 20% More Water Than It Uses By 2030
"We are pledging to a water stewardship target to replenish more water than we consume by 2030 and support water security in communities where we operate," Kate Brandt wrote.
Pentair to Buy Filter Maker Pleatco for $255 Million
Pentair PLC on Wednesday said it agreed to buy Pleatco, a maker of water-filtration and clean-air technologies for pool, spa and industrial air customers, from private-equity firm Align Capital Partners for about $255 million in cash.
Our Portfolio Companies
Moving from Wastewater Treatment to Water Resource Recovery with 374Water's Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO)
374Water, of Durham, NC, USA, is commercializing a novel approach to Supercritical Water Oxidation (“AirSCWO”).
Water & the Environment
Mount Shasta is nearly snowless, a rare event that is helping melt the mountain’s glaciers
“Mt. Shasta has snow on the summit year-round. This summer is different,” wrote Mt. Shasta Ski Park in late August. “The glaciers that are visible from the north side of the mountain are melting VERY quickly this year.”
An actor, two big bees and a lot of experts: a week spent tackling the planet’s problems
World’s largest conservation summit since Covid-19 brought 4,000 people to Marseille to showcase issues and solutions from coral reefs to land protection.
Drought puts 2.1 million Kenyans at risk of starvation
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) said people living in 23 counties across the arid north, northeastern and coastal parts of the country will be in “urgent need” of food aid over the next six months, after poor rains between March and May this year.
Outcry over killing of almost 1,500 dolphins on Faroe Islands
Even the staunchest defenders of traditional whaling in the Faroe Islands have condemned the “cruel and unnecessary” massacre on Sunday of a superpod of nearly 1,500 dolphins, which were driven into shallow waters of the Skálabotnur beach on the island of Eysturoy and left writhing for hours before being killed.
PFAS and Chemicals
Production of forever chemicals emits potent greenhouse gases, analysis finds
A new analysis of Environmental Protection Agency data has revealed that PFAS chemicals are contributing to the climate crisis as their production involves the emission of potent greenhouse gases.
‘Forever chemicals’: the hidden threat from the toxic PFAS on your shelf
PFAS are used in paints, food packaging and even cosmetics. We know they are in our water, air, soil and bodies – but less about how they will affect us.
Tech To The Rescue - The Brockovich Report
Erin Brockovich: "This Solutions September story is especially for those who have recently graduated from school and want to make a difference or anyone wanting to transition their career to work on environmental issues."
Rachel Cardone is the founder of RedThread Advisors, LLC, a consulting practice advising funders in global water and sanitation programs. For the last 15 years, she has focused on Corporate Social Responsibility for water economics, policy, and sustainable development.
Rachel worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where she helped create the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene program and Reinvent the Toilet strategy. Previously, she worked as a Senior Consultant at Environmental Resources Management with a focus on water economics and financing.
Rachel is an active Advisor at WIA. She recently led a session for our non-profit youth leadership group Water Emissaries, sharing her insights on women and their leading role in the water industry. Cheers, Rachel!