Xylem Expands Long-Term Water Partnership with Dow to Advance Industrial Water Reuse

Agreement to design, build and operate advanced water management solution

Project to strengthen water reuse capability and significantly reduce freshwater demand

Xylem has announced a landmark agreement with Dow to design, build and operate advanced water systems at Dow's large-scale industrial complex in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada.

The agreement represents a significant expansion of the long-standing relationship between the two organisations and will support increased operations associated with Dow's Path2Zero programme. 

The project is also expected to demonstrate how integrated industrial water management strategies can help manufacturers improve operational efficiency whilst reducing freshwater consumption.

Under the terms of the agreement, Xylem will provide a complete end-to-end water solution encompassing engineering, system design and long-term operational management. The advanced water treatment and reuse system is designed to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality water across the site, supporting both production requirements and sustainability objectives. The system is expected to become operational by August 2028.

“This agreement represents a major milestone for Xylem,” said Rodney Aulick, EVP and President, Water Solutions and Services at Xylem. “It reflects the strength of our long-standing relationship with Dow and the deep trust we've built with a key customer over time. Strong customer relationships are central to how we work, and this partnership is a powerful example. Just as important, it demonstrates how we're advancing total water management for industry by integrating supply, treatment and reuse into one seamless solution.”

The project highlights the growing importance of advanced industrial water treatment technologies as manufacturers seek to improve water security, strengthen resilience and reduce their environmental impact. 

As industrial facilities face increasing pressure to manage water resources more efficiently, integrated water reuse systems are becoming a critical component of long-term operational strategies.

“Xylem has been a trusted partner to Dow for many years, and this agreement reflects our confidence in their ability to deliver and operate critical water infrastructure reliably,” said Skya Kruithof, President, Dow Canada. “The Xylem team's ability to provide water efficiently, reliably and with consistent quality is critical to supporting safe operations as we advance our Path2Zero program.”

Comprehensive industrial water management

As part of the project, Xylem will design, build and operate an integrated solution that manages the complete water cycle across the facility. The system will treat raw water and transform processed water into a high-quality reusable supply through the application of advanced multi-stage treatment technologies.

The integrated water management system will:

• Treat raw water for industrial use
• Convert water generated through cooling and industrial processes into reusable, high-quality water supply
• Optimise performance through long-term system operation and management

Xylem will take responsibility for the full process design whilst delivering and operating the complete water infrastructure system for the site. This approach provides Dow with a single strategic partner accountable for system performance, water quality and water supply reliability.

The project spans a large and complex industrial facility and combines significant scale with long-term operational accountability. As a result, it represents an important evolution in the way industrial water systems are designed, delivered and managed. 

By integrating design, engineering, operation and optimisation under a single provider, the project aims to deliver improved efficiency and performance throughout the system lifecycle.

Advancing water reuse in industrial operations

One of the defining features of the project is its integrated water reuse capability. The system is expected to significantly reduce freshwater demand by transforming processed water into a valuable reusable resource.

Water reuse is increasingly recognised as a key strategy for improving sustainability within industrial operations. By recovering and treating water that would otherwise require replacement from freshwater sources, facilities can reduce operating costs, improve resource efficiency and strengthen resilience against future water supply challenges.

By incorporating large-scale water reuse within a long-term operating agreement, the project demonstrates how industrial organisations can enhance operational performance whilst supporting broader environmental objectives. The initiative is also expected to reduce pressure on local water resources, delivering benefits for both industrial operations and surrounding communities.

The project reflects a wider trend across the manufacturing and process industries, where companies are investing in advanced water treatment technologies to meet sustainability targets, strengthen resource security and support long-term business growth.

Setting a new benchmark for industrial water solutions

The agreement further demonstrates Xylem's capability to design, deliver and operate fully integrated water management solutions that combine advanced technology, engineering expertise and ongoing operational support.

As industrial organisations increasingly seek partners capable of managing complex water challenges, the project reinforces Xylem's position as a strategic provider of performance-driven water solutions. 

By integrating water supply, treatment and reuse into a single managed system, the company is helping industrial customers improve efficiency, enhance resilience and support sustainable operations.

The collaboration with Dow also highlights how long-term partnerships can accelerate innovation in industrial water management, creating solutions that address both operational requirements and environmental priorities.

With water scarcity, resource efficiency and sustainability remaining key concerns across global industry, projects such as this are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of industrial water treatment and water reuse.

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