Useful tips to avert the global water crisis

Posted by xylem AU on May 24th, 2022

Solving the problem of water scarcityis something that requires collaboration from individuals, companies and governments. The growing demand for water combined with climate change is putting a lot of pressure on the freshwater accessible by people. Human activities have broken the water cycle. Here are some useful tips to avert the water crisis in the world.

Value water

When we start understanding the value of water, the situation will improve. All life requires clean water. water is a finite resource that has no substitute. Even today, water has not been valued although this is starting to change.

When people place a higher value on water, we can expect reuse and efficiency instead of pollution and waste. Both the private sector and the public sector want to invest in water infrastructure to limit waste and secure the future. It makes a lot of sense to apply nature-based solutions to clean water. As we start understanding the cost of pollution, we expect improvement treatment of wastewater and more water recycling. All sectors must learn to effectively manage water to strengthen the water cycle.

Water sharing

Competition over water will increase and effective water governance will be crucial. Though having access to safe sanitation and clean water is a human right, one person in four doesn’t have access to safe and clean water at home. Around half of the population in the world lacks properly managed toilets and this is a major driver of deaths and diseases, especially among kids. At a time of growing climate threats, the lack of water exacerbates the vulnerability of the poorest people in the world. This is why we need to desperately solve the problem of water scarcity.

Sharing clean water is an effective and efficient way to increase resilience and justice. This is true for relationships between states and countries that share rivers, groundwater aquifers and lakes. By managing it, they are better prepared for the erratic rainfall patterns and the high number of floods and droughts that must be expected as temperatures rise.

Transform agriculture

Agriculture should undergo massive transformation across the world for several reasons. We should start by avoiding mass hunger and making freshwater available for other uses. Then, we should understand that agriculture is the main driver of global warming and water pollution.

The world needs more innovation and research to improve climate resilience, sustainability and water efficiency of agriculture. It is crucial to understand that a lot of alternative methods exist to recharge water, improve food security and restore soil health.

Often, a combination of new inventions and traditional knowledge gives the best results. Changes in food habits and a reduction in waste are the factors in the overhaul of the food system that needs to pick up speed.

Ecosystems restoration

Solving the problem of water scarcity requires the restoration of the ecosystem. We depend on a healthy ecosystem for water, food, and livelihoods. By restoring and protecting ecosystems, we can limit climate change and improve water security. All living things depend on the water so it is important to pay more attention to its role in ecosystems.