The Water Crisis in the United States, Especially in Agricultural Areas, Is a Growing Problem Affecting Both Availability and Quality

Below are updated statistical data from reliable sources:

• Access to Drinking Water: According to the World Economic Forum, 2.2 million people in the United States lack running water. Additionally, more than 44 million people rely on inadequate water systems that have violated the Safe Drinking Water Act. (World Economic Forum)
• Prolonged Droughts: A study published in Science indicates that "megadroughts" have increased in duration and intensity over the past 40 years, affecting regions such as the western United States. These prolonged droughts have significant impacts on ecosystems and agriculture.
• Water Resource Disputes: Recently, the United States denied water supply from the Colorado River to Tijuana due to Mexico's failure to comply with the 1944 treaty, affecting farmers in Texas. This situation reflects tensions in the management of shared water resources and their impact on agriculture.
• Economic Impact: A report warns that a drought similar to that of the 1950s could cause annual losses of $160 billion and more than 800,000 job losses by 2030 if significant investments in water infrastructure are not made.
These data highlight the severity of the water crisis in the United States, particularly in agricultural areas, and the urgent need to implement sustainable solutions to ensure water security in the future.
Through collaboration and technological innovation, companies like Kilimo—an Argentine climate-tech startup recently featured in Fast Company's 2025 edition for its innovative approach to water management—can help improve water management and security in the U.S. Kilimo proposes an innovative model to transform water management in agriculture in critical regions of the country. This model is based on the generation and measurement of volumetric water benefits, driven by the adoption of better irrigation practices by farmers.
"The climate crisis presents us with the urgent challenge of increasing water availability, a fundamental resource not only for food production but also for economic development, communities, and ecosystems. At Kilimo, we believe that the combination of technology, incentives, and collaboration among key stakeholders is essential to accelerating the agricultural sector's adaptation to this new reality. However, we also understand that real change is only possible if we transform the perception of water and recognize it as the strategic resource that it truly is. Our mission is clear: to transform water management in agriculture and beyond, bringing together farmers and companies to build climate resilience and water security on a global scale," said Jairo Trad, CEO & Co-founder of Kilimo.

Kilimo: An Innovative Model to Transform Water Management in Agriculture

Water access is one of the most critical factors for the planet's future. However, historically, water has been perceived as an abundant and low-cost resource, leading to inefficient management. Kilimo is changing this reality with a model based on the generation and measurement of volumetric water benefits, driven by farmers adopting better irrigation practices.

Through its Climate Action projects, Kilimo supports farmers in implementing efficient irrigation practices and measures the volumetric water benefits generated in the process. Companies can support these actions as part of their sustainability and water resilience strategies, contributing to the resaturation of the watersheds in which they operate.

To achieve this, Kilimo develops projects that generate volumetric water benefits through three key interventions:

● Irrigation optimization with AI: Using artificial intelligence and satellite data analysis, Kilimo provides irrigation recommendations that help reduce water consumption without compromising crop production.
● Transition to efficient irrigation systems: Kilimo supports farmers in adopting more efficient irrigation systems, facilitating access to tools and advisory services to minimize water losses and improve resource management.
● Regenerative agriculture: Implementing practices that increase soil water retention capacity, reducing dependence on external water sources.

This approach ensures that water used in agricultural production has a more efficient and sustainable impact. Kilimo measures and validates these volumetric water benefits, ensuring their traceability and providing essential data for informed water management decisions. Additionally, its incentive model financially rewards farmers who adopt these practices, promoting responsible water use and strengthening the resilience of the world's most water-stressed watersheds.

Global Recognition for Innovation

The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's flagship franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To select the honorees, Fast Company's editors and writers evaluate thousands of applications in a rigorous and competitive process, identifying companies that are driving progress worldwide across various industries.

"Our list of the World's Most Innovative Companies offers a comprehensive view of current innovation and a roadmap for the future," said Brendan Vaughan, Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company. "This year, we recognize companies that are leveraging artificial intelligence in profound and meaningful ways, brands that are turning their customers into loyal advocates by exceeding expectations, and competitors introducing bold ideas to challenge their industries. In a constantly evolving world, these companies are paving the way forward."