Water-related challenges persist across the globe, but smart technology-driven solutions can mitigate the crisis
Water scarcity is one of the world’s most pressing challenges and has grown to truly alarming proportions in recent times. It is a crisis that has been exacerbated by the confluence of a range of factors over the past few decades.
Population growth is one of the key factors that has contributed to water scarcity, with agriculture responsible for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. This water demand is set to surge in the decades ahead, as feeding a growing world population will necessitate a 50% increase in agricultural production by 2050 – further escalating an already dire situation.
Industrialization has also played a significant role in the pollution of many freshwater sources, rendering them unsuitable without expensive treatment. Climate change adds a further complication, with rising temperatures leading to erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased evaporation rates.
These challenges are further compounded by a historical legacy of inadequate water management practices, including inefficient irrigation methods and outdated infrastructure, that has led to considerable wastage.
Wetlands, rivers, and lakes, pivotal habitats for a plethora of species, bear the brunt of this crisis – with diminishing water levels threatening to decimate these ecosystems and jeopardizing biodiversity. Indeed, it is estimated that over the past half-century, approximately 35% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared, primarily due to over-extraction for agriculture and industry, pollution, and improper drainage practices. In a similar vein, freshwater lakes and rivers across the globe are facing declining water levels, leading to diminished water quality and biodiversity loss. This environmental degradation has adverse economic impacts as well, affecting sectors such as tourism and fishing.
In essence, global water scarcity is an issue that extends well beyond meeting daily human needs – serving as a looming existential threat to biodiversity and natural habitats, as well as to economic growth.
The economic ripples of water scarcity
Dwindling water supplies translate to higher operational costs for businesses, as they are compelled to compete for this scarce resource. This particularly impacts industries that heavily rely on water as a primary resource, such as agriculture, textiles, and beverages. The enormity of the issue was highlighted by the World Bank in a 2019 report, which suggested that water scarcity, when intensified by climate change, could reduce the GDP of some regions by as much as 6%.
Moreover, silicon manufacturing, a cornerstone of the technology sector, is inherently water intensive. Consequently, leading tech firms with production facilities in water-stressed regions face potential disruptions. They also face the risk of increased operational costs, due to the need to compete with rival firms for scarce water resources or to invest in water purification technologies.
Solutions for water management
Amidst these mounting challenges, a range of innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies have emerged that can play a crucial role in mitigating this crisis of water scarcity.
Organizations are increasingly moving towards making water reuse and recycling a core aspect of their processes. Leveraging advanced treatment facilities enables industries to purify and recycle wastewater, significantly reducing their requirements for freshwater. Furthermore, desalination – the process of converting seawater into freshwater – is gaining considerable traction in regions with freshwater scarcity.
Digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), are also being capitalized upon to monitor real-time water usage, detect leakages, and optimize water distribution systems. AI-powered predictive analytics enable organizations to accurately forecast water demand, enabling them to manage their water resources more judiciously.
The modernization of water supply and wastewater management systems has become evident across urban terrain. Smart meters, equipped with advanced sensors, provide real-time insights into water flow and quality. This constant surveillance facilitates efficient water distribution, while also swiftly pinpointing issues, including leaks or potential contamination.
Technological integration is paramount for water-intensive industries, such as textiles or power plants. Real-time systems, supported by smart sensors and cloud-based platforms, offer much-needed avenues for optimized water conservation, waste reduction and recycling. The vast agricultural domain in particular holds immense potential for such technological interventions. Real-time monitoring, tracking variables from soil moisture to weather patterns, offers precise insights. This enables a data-driven approach that can increase the efficiency of irrigation schedules, ensuring that water is used judiciously and that crops thrive. Remote management further empowers farmers by providing them with nuanced control over irrigation patterns, groundwater extraction and fertilizer application.
Towards a new paradigm of water abundance
Chief Sustainability Officer,
LTIMindtree
The need of the hour is to accelerate the adoption of technology, as well as the implementation of sustainable practices, in order to effectively tackle the overwhelming challenge of water scarcity. The industrial and corporate sectors have a significant role to play in steering us towards a future where water is abundant. Through the rapid incorporation of technological applications and innovative solutions for water conservation efforts, humanity will be well-positioned to address this issue for generations to come.
