As AI models become cheaper and more attractive, they will likely encourage new uses and higher volumes of use – erasing any efficiency gains.

A new solar desalination breakthrough turns seawater into drinking water while eliminating brine waste and recovering valuable minerals. Billions of people around the world still do not have reliable access to safe drinking water. According to the United Nations, about 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water services. To meet growing demand, many regions, [...]

A decade-old treatment plant in San Diego County, Calif., could leave more water in the Colorado River for states facing severe shortages.

© Sandy Huffaker for The New York Times

A decade-old treatment plant in San Diego County, Calif., could leave more water in the Colorado River for states facing severe shortages.