Make saving water the 'new normal'

“No water. No life. No blue. No green.” – Sylvia Earle

Water is essential for all living things, producing food and energy, maintaining the health and well-being of people, and ensuring the functioning of natural ecosystems. Water is at the core of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), supporting socioeconomic priorities such as poverty reduction, economic growth, access to education, gender equality and environmental stability.

According to Deloitte’s Water Tight 3.0 Report, scientists claim that the current population of over 8 billion people uses about 50% of the world’s accessible and renewable water each year. As the world population grows rapidly towards 9.7 billion people by 2050, the world will face a 40% shortfall between projected demand and available water sources. increase. With a population of 4 billion people, most of the world’s population is concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region. The region alone is estimated to reach her 5 billion people by 2030, putting even greater pressure on this depleting natural resource.

The global water crisis – a growing challenge

According to the Water Tight 3.0 Report, less than 0.3% of the world’s water is available for human and animal use in the form of freshwater and groundwater. One of the main reasons for this depletion is aging infrastructure, rusty joints and leaking pipes to hold running water. The cost of repairing broken water mains in the United States alone is approximately $2.6 billion annually. According to another WHO and UNICEF report, by 2030, without ensuring universal water and sanitation availability and sustainable management, about 1.6 billion people will not have access to safe drinking water. 1.9 billion people will lose access to basic handwashing facilities.

Over 1.3 billion people live in India, accounting for 18% of the world’s population. But with only 4% of the world’s water resources available, India is the world’s most water-scarce country. In June 2019 he published a report titled ‘Composite Water Management Index’ published by NITI Aayog, which found that India is facing its worst water crisis ever, with nearly 600 million people exposed to extreme water stress. It sheds light on the situation. The report further states that India ranks 120th out of 122 countries on the water quality index, with around 70% of its water being polluted. Over 12% of the country’s population has already experienced a ‘Day Zero’ scenario in which clean water is not available in or near their homes.

Looking at the data, this is an alarming condition. The Covid-19 pandemic has imposed further obstacles and accelerated efforts to save water globally. Water prices are also expected to rise consistently as demand increases and resources decline. State governments such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have already increased the cost of industrial water by 10%. The challenges of population explosion, unsanitary water bodies and limited water supplies are global, but the solutions are local. Amidst the uncertainties surrounding water, technological advances in water planning and innovation for its conservation continue unabated.

Technology – a promising solution to the world’s water problems

In an increasingly urban world, making water smart is just as important as making cities smart. Innovation and technology play a key role in alleviating water scarcity, water inefficiency, utility operations, monitoring, processing, data and analytics. Smart water systems based on the combination of Internet of Things, data analytics and artificial intelligence have made great contributions to smart water management and play an important role. Financially, the Water Tight 3.0 report suggests that these solutions will increase operating costs by 10-15% and reduce maintenance costs by up to 45%. Governments can partner with international donor organizations or leading universities to analyze the impact of technology integration with sustainable water projects.

To create solutions that enable manufacturers to do more with less, such as changing the shape and design of products to use less water and protect the world we live in. , a huge amount of research is underway. It is important to embrace the evolving role of water products. We contribute to people’s lives, health and comfort, and ensure sustainability. For example, developed countries around the world are leveraging AI and smart technology to move closer to their sustainability goals. What is needed now is to pursue innovation in technology and design to not only improve the experience of our customers, but also create a link to a better life.

Bathrooms with toilets or urinals account for about two-thirds of household water consumption. One-third of water consumption is flushed down the toilet. Modern sanitation technology such as dual flush technology can help people reduce the amount of water they use by up to 50%. Additionally, smart technologies such as AI and IoT can help address water issues by detecting leaks, limiting usage, and increasing efficiency. Water-saving technology in the shower helps save over 65% water, minimizing consumption and maximizing convenience. Investing in energy-saving and water-saving technology is very important.

Sustainability must be the ‘new normal’ for both organizations and consumers

Today, environmental groups and conglomerates are implementing smart solutions for a sustainable future and equitable ecosystems. As sustainability becomes a growing lifestyle among consumers, the onus falls on us to bring sustainable products. It is important to pay attention to the consumption of water, a precious natural resource. For organizations, the way to win the hearts and minds of consumers is to win their trust and make them believe in the core of their brand. This is guided by purpose.

The pandemic has accelerated sustainability and will continue to be one of the industry’s most important growth drivers. The challenge is to reduce water consumption without compromising the user’s experience. In today’s agile environment, just building great products and services is not enough. Equally important is educating and encouraging people to use water wisely and sustainably.

Consumers identify ways to make a difference in the world and expect the most engaged brands to do the same. Today’s consumers are making informed choices based on their passions and beliefs. It is more important than ever for companies to not only articulate their purpose, but demonstrate that purpose consistently in how they operate, how they support issues, and how they engage with all stakeholders. .

Technological advances and innovative measures are acting as a panacea for organizations to conserve and replenish water. The water crisis is alarming and businesses need to come together to make a difference. Innovation is essential to advancing water sustainability and resilience globally, taking responsibility, promoting a circular economy and making water conservation the ‘new normal’.

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