Water covers around 70% of our planet. Yet, 1.1 billion people throughout the world lack access to water. That is because only 3% of the world’s water is freshwater. Sadly, 2/3 of it is either tucked away in glaciers or unavailable for use. The situation is only predicted to worsen.
Many parts of the U.S. are already experiencing drought conditions. Over 25% of the U.S. and Puerto Rico are in drought, affecting nearly 75 million people. Even Mazatlan, a city in Mexico, is facing a severe water crisis. Experts warn that the water supply could be exhausted by 2027.
But this isn’t just a problem for farmers or governments; it’s a growing challenge for businesses too. A disruption in supply can ripple across your operations and bottom line.
Don’t worry, though. In this article, we’ll share a few things that you can do to grow in a water-stressed world.
#1 Cut Down on Water Use Across the Value Chain
Businesses use water in countless ways, from creating products to cooling buildings. In fact, research estimates that a typical business premise uses 50 liters of water per person, on average.
To reduce your water usage, you need to understand where water is used and potentially wasted within your operations. Once you have a good grasp of your current consumption, you can redesign your processes.
In food processing, for example, dry cleaning methods can replace water washing, saving many gallons. Don’t let used water go to waste. Treat and reuse wastewater for things like cooling towers or cleaning. This reduces your need for fresh water and cuts down on discharge.
Companies like Acushnet Rubber Company successfully reduced their annual water use from 400 million gallons to 25 million gallons by implementing water recycling programs.
Regular checks for leaks are also important, as even a small drip wastes a lot of water over time.
Don’t forget your suppliers. Water risks in your supply chain can cause big problems for your business. Making semiconductor chips, for instance, needs tons of water, and droughts can disrupt that supply. This means a company’s water security is deeply tied to its partners. Work with your suppliers to set water-saving goals and share best practices.
#2 Use Atmospheric Water Harvesting for On-Site Supply
An exciting new option for businesses is atmospheric water harvesting, which involves collecting moisture from the air and turning it into potable water.
The process is based on the simple principle of condensation: when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, tiny water droplets form. More advanced machines use special materials called desiccants, similar to the silica gel packets found in new shoes, to absorb moisture from the air. Other methods include using fog nets to capture atmospheric moisture.
There is also a new approach to atmospheric water harvesting. Atoco explains that it uses novel reticular materials to pull water from the air, even at extremely low humidity. It further adds that these materials harness readily available ambient energy, which makes them a sustainable and energy-efficient solution.
Atmospheric water harvesting is particularly well-suited for industries requiring ultra-pure water, such as semiconductor manufacturing, battery production, and pharmaceuticals.
This type of water is typically very expensive to produce using traditional methods. But this technology provides a localized, independent water source, with the atmosphere itself acting as the pipeline. This reduces logistical challenges and infrastructure costs associated with conventional water supplies.
#3 Get Involved in Community Water Projects
Smart businesses understand that their success is tied to their community’s well-being. When local water supplies are stressed, everyone suffers.
Be a responsible water steward and get involved in community water projects. Besides enhancing your public image, this can contribute to regional water security. It can also help you build long-term resilience for your own operations within a healthier ecosystem.
Supporting watershed restoration initiatives is one powerful approach to engage in community water projects. These projects restore natural areas like wetlands, which are crucial for filtering water and storing it for dry periods. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service actively partners with businesses for habitat restoration efforts across the country.
You can also contribute to water access initiatives that improve the availability of clean water for local residents. This might involve supporting rainwater harvesting programs or projects that enhance water treatment facilities.
You can gain significant insights and access helpful programs for corporate water stewardship by collaborating with expert groups such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The Coca-Cola Company, for instance, partners with the USDA Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation to replenish over a billion liters of water. Google has also committed to replenishing 120% of the water it consumes.
Building a Water-Resilient Future
The challenges of water scarcity are real, but they are also a chance for businesses to lead with innovation and responsibility. Strategically addressing water use can not only mitigate risks but also pave the way for growth and resilience.
These actions are not just beneficial for the planet, but it is also great for your business. They lead to significant cost savings, reduce operational risks, and strengthen a company’s brand. So, take action now!
