MILWAUKEE (Oct. 29, 2025) – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) recently released a groundbreaking new study examining how technological advancements across the agriculture, construction, and utility industries are enabling organizations to achieve significantly greater output while using substantially less water.
The report, titled From Source to Solution: Advancing Water Stewardship in the Non-Road Sector, showcases world-class water stewardship taking place across North America and highlights how equipment manufacturers are helping to save trillions of gallons of water annually through modern practices and technologies. The full study is available to view and download at the AEM Insights page.
“This study demonstrates that North American equipment manufacturers are doing more than just supplying innovative and cutting-edge equipment – they are enabling some of the most advanced water stewardship practices in the world,” said Curt Blades, AEM Senior Vice President of Agriculture Services & Forestry. “It also serves as a valuable resource for AEM, our members, and our industry peers, as we seek to develop a cohesive and comprehensive message around water management for our industry.”
Produced in collaboration with AEM member company and global management consulting firm Kearney, the study reveals several key findings, including:
- Modern irrigation practices are saving the U.S. 9.7 trillion gallons of water annually.
- Innovations in concrete production have reduced freshwater needs by up to 20% during new production.
- Field-scale conservation practices are producing measurable improvements in water quality across multiple U.S. watersheds.
- Modern utility efficiencies are saving the U.S. and Canada nearly 4 trillion gallons of water annually, avoiding withdrawals that would otherwise be needed to support today’s population.
- North American industrial water use has become increasingly efficient over the past two decades, generating more economic value per unit of water.
“Now that the study has been released, AEM and our members are excited to see it used to help our industry grow in its understanding of the current water landscape and support improved water use efficiency,” said Austin Gellings, AEM Senior Director of Agriculture Services.
The report also outlines AEM’s goals to:
- Unite the equipment industry around a shared message on water management
- Inform the public about the progress being made
- Influence policymakers to advance favorable legislation supporting continued innovation in water stewardship
This latest research builds on AEM’s long-standing collaboration with Kearney (formerly Context), which has produced several landmark studies designed to support and advance the construction and agricultural equipment manufacturing industries through advocacy, data-driven intelligence, and strategic insights. Earlier this year, the two organizations partnered on the updated Benefits of Precision Ag in the United States study, which demonstrated how farm technology adoption improves yields, reduces inputs, and strengthens the resiliency of America’s food supply chain.
ABOUT AEM
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is North America’s premier trade organization representing off-road equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. With a rich history spanning over 125+ years, AEM serves more than 1,100 members companies across 200+ product lines in multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, utility, and forestry. AEM supports an industry that contributes approximately $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy while sustaining 2.3 million jobs. Through advocacy, market intelligence, and industry collaboration, AEM works to advance the interests of equipment manufacturers and their partners in the global marketplace.
