Alaina Harkness, author of Chicago 2050, argues that the future of all life on Earth is in the form of circular water, a system that treats our planetary water resources as finite, renewable and essential to our lives. She argues that by finding ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and upcycle wastewater, we can maximize the value of our water while reducing waste and environmental impact. This vision aims to keep water in a closed loop, using and reusing every drop for its highest and best purpose. However, technical limits, infrastructure patterns, and technological advancements could hinder this progress. Harknesses argues that Chicago's position as a key player in this effort is crucial as it navigates one of the world's most spectacular bodies of water. She also notes that the city has a high concentration of scientific talent, labs, and other innovation assets.