Managing water infrastructure for semiconductor fabs: Challenges and opportunities in the CHIPS Act era

The CHIPS Act is driving an unprecedented wave of investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, bringing economic revitalization to communities nationwide. However, as municipalities welcome new fab campuses and expansions, the water infrastructure demands of these projects pose significant challenges. In his article for Water Technology, “Managing water infrastructure for semiconductor fabs: Challenges and opportunities in the CHIPS Act era,” John Rydzewski, private sector group sustainability lead at Carollo, explores these challenges and highlights pathways to success.

Water Demand: Meeting the Needs of Semiconductor Fabs

Semiconductor fabs consume vast amounts of water—between five and ten million gallons per day (mgd) for a single facility. For campuses planning multiple fabs, these numbers dwarf the water usage of entire cities. While securing water supply is a substantial hurdle, managing the wastewater generated by these facilities is even more complex.

The Challenge of Treating Fab Wastewater

“Fab wastewater is not municipal wastewater,” John emphasizes. Unlike typical municipal flows, fab wastewater often lacks the nutrients necessary for biological treatment and contains challenging contaminants, including chemical oxygen demand (COD), fluoride, and total dissolved solids (TDS). These factors make treatment processes more demanding and require advanced solutions.

Additionally, the semiconductor industry’s dynamic nature introduces variability in wastewater composition. As John explains, “The only constant in fab wastewater quality and quantity is change.” Municipal water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) must remain adaptable to keep pace with fabs’ evolving operational demands.

Building Partnerships Between Municipalities and Semiconductor Manufacturers

Despite these challenges, John says municipalities can succeed by fostering strong, transparent partnerships with semiconductor manufacturers and regulatory agencies. Effective communication and proactive planning are critical to aligning fab construction timelines with WRRF upgrades. John emphasizes that regular collaboration enables mutual success and prevents costly delays.

A Sustainable Future for Water and Semiconductor Manufacturing

The path forward requires innovation, resilience, and cooperation. Communities that embrace these challenges can achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. John points to successful examples in cities like Chandler, Arizona, and Hillsboro, Oregon, where strategic partnerships have enabled effective wastewater management and sustainability.

Read the full article to further explore John Rydzewski’s insights on managing water infrastructure for semiconductor fabs.