International World Water Day

22 March 2019  |  Sustainability  |  Green Element  |  Leave a comment

Today – Friday March 22^nd – is UN International World Water Day. It is a day to recognise and address the global water crisis that we face.

Water is the most basic human right, and an essential for human survival. Yet so many people in the world struggle to access clean water. 2.1 billion people live without safe water at home, and nearly 4 billion people face severe water scarcity for at least one month a year – that’s around two thirds of the global population. In many parts of the world, marginalised groups face discrimination with regards to water access.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, with one of the targets being safe, equitable, and affordable access to drinking water for all by 2030.

As the climate is changing, we could face more challenges in terms of water access.

• Rising temperatures can lead to increased droughts, and poorer water quality – for instance the warmth can act as an incubator for toxic algae
• Increased intense and devastating storms can occur, such as Cyclone Idai which has recently caused destruction in parts of Africa
• Increased water pollution may occur as more waste products end up in water bodies
• Agriculture uses around 70% of the world’s fresh water; however pressures for more intensive farming can increase this in areas like Pakistan
• Other industries such as textiles and cotton are putting a lot of stress on water – the Aral Sea for instance has shrunk hugely due to cotton irrigation. A single pair of jeans can use around 7,600 litres of water
• The number of water stressed areas around England are increasing – see this document from the Environment Agency for details

A recent study has stated that England could face water shortages within the next 25 years. This can be especially pertinent as populations rise. At present, we largely take water for granted, but will need to act now in order to meet the SDG mentioned above.    

What can we do?

The global water crisis is a complex and challenging issue. Acting today, at a local level, is therefore key.

• Firstly, we can be much more efficient with the way we use water – use only what is necessary by turning taps off, taking shorter showers
• Ensure leakages are dealt with immediately, and are regularly checked for
• Recycle correctly and aim for a circular waste system so that nothing can make its way into waterways
• Reduce food waste, as this will help ease the pressure on agriculture – and to get an efficient ‘crop per drop’
• Be more mindful about where your clothes come from, buy less, shop more second hand.

As a business:

• Ensure water fittings and pipes are not leaking on a regular basis
• Install any water-efficiency technology that can help, such as flow controllers – these can come with a cost but will lead to efficiency and cost savings in the long run
• Fit WCs with half flow faucets
• If there is a garden, collect rainwater for irrigation
• Engage with employees and communicate the facts
• Address your whole supply chain and ensure water efficiency initiatives are in place throughout

If you’d like more information regarding water stress or help for your business, please contact us.