How can you effectively measure water usage in your organization?

Unless you measure you cannot identify the potential of saving. It is also required to measure total input, usage quantity for each use. Effluent generated from each use and quality for each use. This gives complete water balance. Based on water balance we could also verify the losses. Internal reuses, internal recycling is possible after measurement of quality and quanity

Medir o uso de água em uma organiza??o é essencial para promover práticas sustentáveis, reduzir custos, cumprir regulamenta??es, gerenciar riscos e demonstrar responsabilidade social e ambiental. Além de ajudar as organiza??es a monitorar e gerenciar seu consumo, promovendo a eficiência no uso desse recurso vital. Isso é crucial para a sustentabilidade ambiental, especialmente em áreas onde a água é um recurso escasso.

Measure water usage as the initial step to comprehend your organization's reliance on and influence on water resources. Track water consumption, withdrawal, discharge, and quality to pinpoint direct and indirect impacts on water availability, ecosystems, and communities. Evaluate exposure to water-related risks, including scarcity, pollution, regulation, and reputation, to inform strategic decision-making. Use water usage measurements to set goals, implement targeted actions, and monitor progress in line with water stewardship objectives. Measure and report performance on water stewardship, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable water management.

Beyond tracking consumption and risks, consider a holistic view. Water measurement isn't just about organizational impact; it's about collective responsibility. By understanding water usage, you're not just evaluating risks; you're uncovering opportunities for positive contributions. It's not just a metric; it's a narrative that connects your organization to ecosystems and communities. Embrace water stewardship not just as a strategy but as a commitment to safeguarding a shared resource. In measuring water usage, you aren't just monitoring progress; you're actively contributing to the sustainable future of water resources.

Drawing on my experience in mining companies in remote areas, we've been actively improving water resource management. This covers fresh water intake, recycling, treatment tech, and effluent quality. Even if someone overlooks environmental concerns, managing water supply and wastewater can yield tax savings, reduce electricity use, and cut treatment costs. The Vale's Córrego do Feij?o incident underscores tailings management and the importance of controlling water use, modeling underground sources, etc. Yet, a 2020 RMI study found less than 50% of firms offer a clear risk map and mitigation plan. On the flip side, droughts pose a challenge. In the CIS region, water scarcity for industry is a reality, with rural areas witnessing drying up.

Quantity and Quality need to measured before and after use. Quantity can be measured by fixed meter, manual timer collection, magnetic potable flow meters or in some cases by calculation

Water Balance Calculation: Utilize water balance calculations to compare water entering and leaving your organization, identifying losses or leaks within your boundaries. Water Intensity Ratio: Apply a water intensity ratio to express water usage per unit of output (e.g., product, service, revenue, or employee), facilitating efficiency comparisons across activities, locations, or periods. Water Footprint Assessment: Conduct a water footprint assessment to quantify direct and indirect water use associated with your organization's activities, products, or services. This provides insights into consumption, pollution, and regional impact along your value chain.

In measuring water usage, explore beyond metrics—consider it a journey. While water balance calculations and intensity ratios offer insight, delve into the qualitative aspects. Assess the cultural and social dimensions of water use, acknowledging community perspectives. Beyond boundaries, a water footprint assessment isn't just a number; it's a narrative of interconnectedness. It's not just about measuring consumption; it's about understanding your organizational ripple effect on water resources globally. In this holistic approach, measuring water usage transforms from a technical exercise to a strategic commitment, aligning your organization with the broader context of global water sustainability.

Make a clear water balance; this is an easy task for your engineers to create and update as soon as possible. Identify the main sources of consumption, losses, etc. Calculate water consumption per ton or unit of product and other - determine KPIs for your company. Benchmark and set targets because there are always leaders and examples (not only from your industry); this way, you will understand where you are and where to move next. Establish a structured process for collecting, updating, and analyzing all water-related data from sensors, and create algorithms for analysis and comparison. Don't forget about calibrating and checking the sensors, because technology also requires control too.

In particular, smart metering is a crucial instrument for efficiently monitoring water consumption in pan-European asset portfolios. Although there aren't many service providers that cover this much ground, those that do provide for precise monitoring and management of water usage. In addition to offering real-time data, these systems make it easier to analyze usage trends, find leaks, and make well-informed decisions about water saving measures. It's an investment that saves a lot of money and produces significant sustainability benefits.

While tools like water accounting standards and footprint assessments offer structure, consider augmenting them with a people-centric approach. Engage stakeholders actively; indigenous knowledge and community insights enrich your water measurement narrative. Beyond standardized frameworks, embrace a localized understanding. Tools like the Water Risk Filter are invaluable, yet supplement them with grassroots engagement to capture nuances often missed by global assessments. In measuring water usage, it's not just about standardized tools; it's about creating a comprehensive, inclusive approach that aligns with diverse perspectives and regional intricacies.

In the M&M industry, you can employ specific tools for measuring water usage effectively - adhere to industry-specific standards such as the Global Mining Initiative's Water Accounting Framework or the ICMM's Water Reporting Framework for consistent water usage measurement and reporting. Of course you can use WFAT or ISO 14046 provides a methodology for assessing the water footprint of products and organizations, which can be valuable for measuring and managing water resources in these sectors. If you are in beggining use AQUASTAT-Global information system on water resources and agriculture: Developed by UNESCO,this system provides access to data on water resources and their use, which can be helpful for analyzing water balances in regions

When it comes to tools for measuring water usage, one must look beyond traditional measurement methods. Alongside smart meters and water accounting standards, employing advanced analytics and IoT sensors can provide deeper insights into water usage patterns. These tools facilitate a comprehensive understanding of consumption, enabling organizations to pinpoint inefficiencies and implement targeted conservation measures. Moreover, integrating these tools into a centralized data platform supports continuous monitoring and improvement, aligning with frameworks like GRESB and LEED, which emphasize the importance of data-driven management in achieving sustainability goals.

Beyond efficiency measures, view water improvement as a transformative journey. Water-saving technologies are crucial, but consider integrating nature-based solutions. Embrace regenerative practices that restore water ecosystems, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between your organization and local environments. Water stewardship isn't just about setting targets; it's about collaborative efforts. Engage with local communities and join platforms fostering collective water stewardship. Communication isn't just about reporting; it's a dialogue. Share not just metrics but stories—narratives of positive impact.

Identify easy wins by pinpointing areas of excess usage. Look for opportunities to install more efficient equipment, enhance water reuse, and consider transitioning certain processes to recycled water, if it doesn't disrupt operations, thereby improving treatment and water management. Explore and implement cutting-edge technologies for advanced data analysis and decision-making. For example, we successfully transitioned two processes to recycled water and explored incorporating quarry water into our operations with minimal treatment otherwise it was simply thrown out of the contour. Engage in ongoing discussions with your team of technologists and engineers to uncover hidden opportunities. Check your goals (KPIs) and learn best practices.

Hay muchas maneras de mejorar el uso del agua, por ejemplo, reducir el consumo de agua en su hogar, esto puede hacerse haciendo cosas sencillas como tomar duchas más cortas, cerrar el grifo mientras se lava los dientes o las manos y reparar las fugas. Reutilizar y reciclar el agua, esto puede hacerse recolectando agua de lluvia para regar las plantas o lavar el automóvil, o instalando un sistema de recolección de aguas grises para reutilizar el agua del lavado de platos o de la ducha. Invertir en dispositivos de ahorro de agua, los dispositivos de ahorro de agua, como los grifos con aireadores y las duchas de bajo flujo, pueden reducir significativamente el consumo de agua. Cada peque?o cambio puede marcar la diferencia.

Comparing water usage with industry standards can provide insights into the organisation's water efficiency. In several of my consultancy projects, I've used benchmarking as a tool to evaluate how an organisation's water usage stacks up against industry averages. This comparison helps in setting realistic & achievable targets for water usage reduction Educating & engaging employees in water conservation efforts is crucial. In my experience, initiatives like training sessions on water efficiency, employee-led water conservation committees, and incentive programs for water-saving ideas significantly contribute to reducing water usage. For example, an awareness campaign in a corporate office led to a noticeable decrease in water consumption

Sugest?o de checklist de como você pode medir efetivamente o uso de água em sua organiza??o: 1. Realize uma avalia??o inicial do consumo de água e identifique áreas críticas. 2. Estabele?a metas claras e mensuráveis para a redu??o do consumo de água. 3. Garanta o envolvimento e o comprometimento da lideran?a da organiza??o na gest?o sustentável da água. 4. Designa uma equipe responsável pela implementa??o e monitoramento das práticas de gest?o da água. 5. Conscientize e envolva os funcionários. 6. Estabele?a uma cultura de revis?o e melhoria contínua nas práticas relacionadas ao uso sustentável da água. 7. Comunique internamente as iniciativas e os progressos, e externamente para clientes, fornecedores e comunidade.

Getting started is more than a checklist—it's a strategic commitment. Beyond defining scope, engage stakeholders. Their insights enrich your understanding. Data collection isn't just about volumes; it's about stories—capturing the journey of water within your organization. Analysis isn't just number-crunching; it's about interpreting narratives, understanding the holistic impact. Improvement isn't just about closing gaps; it's about a continuous journey of refinement. Start today isn't just a call to action; it's an invitation to embark on a meaningful, sustainable journey—one where measuring water usage becomes not just a task but a transformative commitment to global water security and sustainability.

Beginning to measure water usage in your firm is a strategic decision that connects with larger ESG objectives. The first step is to have a clear ESG strategy that incorporates water stewardship. Following that, data aggregation is critical. Organizations can use data to inform their sustainability goals by capitalizing on existing building infrastructure. GRESB, BREEAM, ECORE, DGNB, and LEED are all tools that emphasize the necessity of extensive data collection and analysis. Initiatives do not always need to be capital-intensive; instead, businesses might focus on optimizing what they currently have to achieve considerable progress in water management.

Rainwater recuperation is an often ignored yet critical part of sustainable water management. By collecting and repurposing rainwater for non-potable needs such as irrigation, flushing toilets, and cooling towers, this strategy can drastically reduce an organization's reliance on municipal water sources. Incorporating rainwater recovery into water management strategies not only conserves a precious resource but also minimizes stormwater runoff, which is good for the environment. It exemplifies how organizations may transform a natural occurrence into a long-term asset, demonstrating a strong commitment to resource conservation and environmental management.

While many companies proudly highlight energy efficiency and product improvement initiatives, similar emphasis on water management, reduction of fresh water consumption, and transparency about water usage remains less common. The issue of water scarcity has been deeply felt in certain regions, but it might not be as pressing in areas with abundant water resources. However, accurately calculating water balances, adopting best water use practices, implementing efficient equipment, and promoting recycling should be regarded as essential practices. Fortunately, standards such as ICMM,IRMA,RMI, and others have played a significant role in advancing this agenda and encouraging companies to take more proactive steps in this direction