Tech Challenge Winners Offer Improved Water Access, Lead Pipe Identification

The winners of The Water Council’s fall Tech Challenge are helping improve water quality for all, from Wisconsin to Nigeria.

Geotek Water Solutions of Jos, Nigeria, is the first African company to win the Tech Challenge, securing the $10,000 first prize. Service ID of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was named runner-up, winning $5,000.

The Tech Challenge connects water innovators with leading water technology companies, facilitating potential partnerships and helping new technologies gain industry exposure. In fall 2025, The Water Council and its sponsors issued a broad solicitation for water quality solutions resulting in one of the strongest responses yet, with more than 50 technologies submitted from 23 countries.

Geotek uses low-enthalpy (low-temperature) geothermal energy to treat water with up to 65% lower energy costs than conventional systems. This affordable, off-grid treatment provides resilient water infrastructure to emerging markets, helping expand access to safe and clean water.

Service ID allows water utilities to identify lead pipes from homeowner-submitted photos using AI. This eliminates the need for field inspections when completing lead service line inventories, helping communities meet lead and copper rule requirements and protect public health.

“By issuing a broad call for solutions, we uncovered promising innovations for some of the most pressing water challenges today – improving access to clean water and identifying lead pipes for replacement,” said Katie Kollhoff Mouat, The Water Council director of innovation programs. “We are inspired by the potential for the winners and all the applicants to help provide clean, reliable freshwater to people around the world.”

The challenge topics and winners were selected by corporate sponsors A. O. Smith Corporation, Badger Meter, Watts Water Technologies and Xylem. Participation in the Tech Challenge gives these companies an inside look at water technology innovation early in the pipeline.