Over the years, businesses have become more eco-conscious, adopting measures to reduce their carbon footprint and reach net zero goals. However, poor water management and water scarcity issues are not on the agenda of most companies. Unfortunately, it is an equally concerning issue. According to UNICEF, 4 billion individuals (two-thirds of the global population) deal with severe water scarcity for at least a month every year.

National Geographic reports that scientists have warned that many parts of the US may witness their freshwater supply reduced by a third within 50 years. The country could be 5.7°F warmer by 2050, with intense and frequent weather events such as droughts and heatwaves. While these predictions may seem decades away, prompt action to address the impending crisis can save Americans and the global population.

Every person must save every drop, but that may not be enough. Businesses must do their bit to avert the disaster because they are the major consumers of natural resources, including water. As a business owner, you can implement a few measures to contribute to the battle against the global water scarcity crisis. 

Measure and Manage Usage

Effectively reducing your organization’s water footprint requires measuring the volume consumed and wastewater generated. While all industries rely on water, some are more reliant than others. For example, a survey showed that the paint and coating manufacturing industry in the United States used 23 gallons per dollar output. 

Wineries and distilleries consumed only 34 and 14 gallons per dollar output. The survey did not include sectors like agriculture, mining, and electric power generation, which also have significant consumption patterns.

Whatever the size, scale, and sector of your business, you must adopt a sound approach to water management. This includes reducing overconsumption, avoiding leakages, and preventing contamination of natural resources. Forbes notes that modern technologies such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help industries to measure, manage, and conserve water. 

Adopt Water-Efficient Practices

Businesses can invest in water-efficient practices across their operations to minimize water consumption and wastage. Manufacturers can recycle and reuse water, builders can optimize cooling systems, and agriculturists can adopt precision irrigation techniques to drive efficiency in their usage patterns.

Atmospheric water harvesting is an innovative technique businesses can explore to supplement traditional resources. It involves extracting water from the atmosphere using specialized devices. The technology is suitable for businesses located in semi-arid and arid regions with acute scarcity problems.

Atoco recommends the harvesting technique for industries like agriculture, irrigation, and remote water generation in desert areas. It can also be deployed in urban greenery solutions installed on buildings, by the road, and in parks. By adopting these practices, businesses can enhance operational resilience in regions with shortages and mitigate their environmental impact. 

Invest in Water Infrastructure

Another measure to do your bit to address water scarcity is investing in infrastructure projects that improve water quality, access, and distribution in local communities. In the evolving business landscape, most organizations follow environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles to stay on top of the trend. A Morningstar study reported that 90% of companies have (or are developing) an ESG strategy.

Making water conservation the core of your ESG strategy is a good idea. For example, you can fund the construction of treatment plants, support the development of storage facilities, or build rainwater harvesting systems. Investing in local infrastructure enables you to support community development and build a positive reputation. 

Optimize Supply Chain

Many businesses have complex supply chains spanning multiple regions and industries, each having its own water footprint. Even if you take a conservation approach, partnering with businesses that don’t do the same can affect your footprint. Assess and optimize your supply chain to ensure that you collaborate with the right people and organizations.

Begin by identifying water-related risks and promoting their conservation throughout your organization’s supply chain. Also, find suppliers who implement sustainable practices and build lasting relationships with them. Consider sourcing materials from regions with abundant water resources to avoid worsening the scarcity crisis in the most affected areas.

Also, collaborate with stakeholders, including governments, communities, NGOs, and other businesses to develop collective solutions to address the water scarcity challenge. Advocate for policy reforms and share best practices to promote sustainable operations within your industry, area, and country.

In conclusion, businesses have a responsibility to contribute to addressing the local and global water scarcity crisis. Adopting these best practices can help you do your bit by reducing your organization’s environmental footprint and promoting a sustainable future for your industry and the world.