No One Left Behind – Rethinking our Approach to Water Management
Of all the natural resources on this planet, water finds itself in one of the most precarious situations of all – sitting at the intersection of necessity and scarcity. Most people understand that there is a finite amount of water worldwide, and that demand continues to increase alongside growing populations. But, the scenario is even more dire than some may want to admit. The United Nations estimates that in just 11 years, the world will have only 60 percent of the water it needs. So, how can we change our approach to water management to ensure that no one is left behind?
The challenges facing our ability to produce freshwater aren’t uniform; there is no “silver-bullet” solution to make clean water appear or remain abundant. What’s more, there are regional differences and disparities – coupled with the effects of climate change and demographic hardships. Marginalized populations, including women, the elderly, people with disabilities and rural populations, are more severely and disproportionally impacted by lack of water availability and quality around the world.
This year’s World Water Day message hits close to home – whoever you are, wherever you are, water is your human right. For me, water is personal. I grew up in a developing country, and have lived in many other regions where water availability directly impacts GDP, community development and health. As a result, I firmly believe that water is the cause and solution, as well as the single source of truth, to achieving a sustainable global community.
Below are some strategies to consider as we move towards this end goal:
Broaden the Conversation
We can bring the best technologies to market, but if we do not engage across and beyond traditional players in the water space, our capabilities will not mean much. Collectively, we achieve the best results when all people have a stake in ensuring a water-secure future. We must broaden the conversation with people, organizations and companies with whom we don’t traditionally work, including business leaders, farmers, conservationists, planners and academics. Success will require all stakeholders of our water systems to be involved.
Expand the Definition of Partnership
Providing access to water for all requires innovation – both in technology and how we think about partnerships. One company can only do so much, which is why collaborations are vital. Take our partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Little Sisters of St. Francis for example. Responding to the need for clean residential drinking water in Kasarani, Kenya, we worked together to install an ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis system that removes the high levels of fluoride in drinking water sources at St. Francis Community Hospital and learning institutions. As a direct result, over 6,000 students, patients, and community members now have access to more than 3,300 gallons of safe potable drinking water every day. The project had an immediate impact, serving as an encouraging example of how we can use technology, expertise, and more importantly, partnership to advance human progress.
Educate to Advance the Industry
Facilitating new collaboration models with public utilities and the private sector is a critical piece to solving the water puzzle, whether it’s sharing an improvement in technology or in valuing natural capital. At the same time, it’s essential that we continue to invest in the next generation of STEM leaders, encouraging them to learn about water treatment and inspiring them to take real action. That’s one reason why Water Solutions is a sponsor of the annual Children’s Water Education Festival in Orange County, California – an interactive two-day event that brings together local middle schoolers to discuss a range of water conservation and environmental protection topics.
Investments in water, like these, are necessary as we work together to expand water access for all and help propel a sustainable resource future for decades to come.