Water Reuse & Semiconductor Wastewater Management with Dr. Paul Westerhoff | Third Coast Seminars

Dr. Paul Westerhoff, a Regents Professor & Fulton Chair of Environmental Engineering at Arizona State University joined us on March 4, 2026 for a Third Coast Water Seminar on water reuse and semiconductor wastewater management. Semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most water-intensive industries, consuming tens of billions of gallons annually in fabrication, packaging, and supply chain chemicals. With long-term water constraints in Arizona, the sustainability of chip production depends on innovative water reuse strategies. Currently, fabs in Arizona can reuse about 30% of their industrial wastewater for cooling towers and other facilities, but the remaining 70% could potentially be recycled back into chip production if industrial contaminants can be effectively removed. Dr. Paul Westerhoff discussed his team’s research exploring advanced treatment methods to address low molecular weight organics (LWOs) like urea, TMAH, and acetone, which are not removed by conventional ultrapure water (UPW) systems. Check out upcoming seminars: currentwater.org/third-coast-water-seminars/ 👉 Learn More About Current: https://currentwater.org 👉 Chicago Water Week: https://currentwater.org/chicago-wate... 👉 Stay Current: LinkedIn:   / currentwater   Instagram:   / greatlakescurrent   X: https://x.com/CurrentWater About Current: Current is an independent nonprofit water innovation hub, founded in Chicago in 2016, with a mission to grow a circular blue economy, accelerate water innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. Current collaborates with industry, innovators, communities, nonprofits and governments to advance innovative water technologies and policies that boost our economy while protecting our water resources. In 2024, Current was designated by the U.S. National Science Foundation to lead one of nine Regional Innovation Engines, Great Lakes RENEW (Recovery of Energy, Nutrients, critical Elements, and Water). To date, Current and our partners have delivered on RENEW's waste-to-wealth mission by collectively raising over $78.2M for regional water innovation and economic development, supporting 19 R&D projects, 40+ pilots, and 400+ startups, training 560 people for blue economy jobs, and engaging 1,650 youth in water STEM programming. #WaterInnovation #GreatLakes #CircularBlueEconomy #WaterTechnology #ChicagoWaterWeek