Water scarcity: 5 ways to create a circular water economy

Source: Tom Read, MBA, Senior Consultant at AQRA International

In many regions across the globe, water wastage remains a pressing issue, both within our homes and industries. The severity of water scarcity is evident:

  1. Approximately 700 million individuals lack access to clean water.
  2. By 2025, half of the global population may find themselves in regions facing water scarcity.
  3. Depletion of water sources leads to dire consequences such as inadequate drinking water, sanitation, and agricultural irrigation, potentially triggering economic downturns.

With every drop precious, strategic measures are imperative:

  • Rainwater Harvesting: The collection and storage of rainwater offer a sustainable solution for non-potable uses, including irrigation and sanitation, thereby reducing reliance on conventional water sources.
  • Water Recycling: Adopting water recycling practices in industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as within households, diminishes the demand for fresh water, promoting resource efficiency.
  • Nutrient Recovery: Efficient wastewater treatment facilitates the retrieval of essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which can be repurposed in agriculture, mitigating the need for additional fertilizers.
  • Efficient Water Management: Employing advanced technologies and conservation practices in agriculture, industry, and domestic environments, alongside efforts to minimize water leakage in distribution systems, optimizes water usage and conserves valuable resources.
  • Integrated Water Management: Embracing a holistic approach to water management, encompassing the entire water cycle, is imperative. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential, necessitating the establishment of robust infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future.