Our Scans · Freshwater Security/Resilience · Weekly Summary

• In some U.S. Great Lakes cities - including Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis - the ground itself is sinking as underground water reserves collapse, threatening infrastructure and long-term water security. Penticton Herald
• The coalition, led by 5 Lakes Institute, Inc. and anchored by UW-Madison's fusion research strength and commercialization capacity, will accelerate startup formation, supply chain development, and community outreach in a sector projected to reach $3 trillion by 2080. Business Facilities Magazine
• Revamping regional security and reactivating the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries will depend largely on a close relationship between Rwanda and Burundi. allAfrica.com
• Alongside economic impact to Northeast Scotland, ICHA 2027 will enhance international collaboration within freshwater science, and demonstrate research strength within the United Kingdom, whilst attracting international students and highlighting career opportunities. Conference News
• The ACWA project is funded by Green Climate Fund and Government of RMI from 2020 to 2027, to improve household and community rainwater harvesting and storage structures and to increase resilience of water supply in all RMI's 24 neighboring Atolls and Islands. / Marshall Islands UNDP
• Freshwater will be another key focus for the construction industry in 2026, as a finite resource in a world where water security is a top priority for people and communities as well as businesses. Sustainable Construction & Building Company | Holcim
• Egypt and Sudan are vehemently opposed to GERD which they say could reduce the availability of freshwater and cause serious harm to the food security and livelihoods. Nei Magazine
• Qatar has launched several initiatives in recent years to reduce freshwater usage in agriculture as part of its 2023-30 food security strategy. Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington
• While freshwater availability and access are often at the forefront of water security discussions, ecological security is an underappreciated yet escalating threat to global water quality. CSIS
• As China's freshwater resources amount to 2,220 m3 per person, just a quarter of the world average, the biggest threat to livelihoods and food security may be looming water shortages. Frontiers
• Both indicators are rising, putting freshwater firmly in the Zone of Increasing Risk, with major river basins such as the Indo-Gangetic Plain and North China exceeding safe levels and more pronounced extremes undermining water availability and resilience. Arcadia Foundation

Last updated: 24 June 2026