Water stress is a reality affecting the entire planet, both individuals and industries. Water is not an unlimited resource, so we need to implement sustainable water management adapted to periods of drought. In this article, we take a closer look at the challenges of water scarcity for the industrial sector.
How does water stress manifest itself worldwide?
Drought can have serious consequences for health, agriculture, the economy, energy, and the environment. An estimated 55 million people worldwide are affected by drought every year, and in almost every region of the world, drought poses the greatest risk to livestock and crops. Water scarcity affects 40% of the world’s population, and by 2030, an estimated 700 million people could be displaced due to drought. (Source: Drought (who.int))
The Middle East and North Africa are the regions most affected by water stress. The region is hot and dry, meaning that water resources are already limited, while increasing demand for water has pushed countries into extreme water stress. Europe is also experiencing water stress as a result of drought. According to the report “State of the European Climate 2022,” temperatures in Europe are rising twice as fast as the global average.
The drought in the summer of 2022, combined with a lack of rainfall during the winter, meant that insufficient water reserves were replenished. Groundwater levels remain too low.
Industry plays an important role in water stress.
Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas (wri.org)
Why is water scarcity a global challenge for industry?
Alternatives for safeguarding industrial processes
Industry will have to adapt in the future. A lack of water can lead to production shutdowns, which could have serious financial consequences for businesses. Companies therefore need to start looking for alternative water sources to safeguard their production processes.
Water recycling to reduce the impact of water stress
Water recycling could be a solution to mitigate the impact of water stress on industry. Wastewater can be treated and reused as process water for industrial applications. Ekopak is a sustainable water supplier for businesses, specializing in innovative water recycling technologies. Ekopak focuses on optimizing water consumption through water treatment installations that convert off-grid water sources, such as rainwater, surface water, and/or wastewater, into cleaner water that can be used and reused in the customer’s industrial processes.
Blue-out: A major consequence of water stress for industry
Water stress can put companies in a blue-out situation: a point at which processes and production lines can no longer operate due to a lack of water. The production line comes to a standstill, employees are temporarily unable to work, and so on. Using alternative solutions such as water recovery or water recycling could help ensure process continuity.
Maintaining water quality during drought
During periods of drought, maintaining water quality becomes more difficult. Yet water quality is crucial, especially in the industrial sector. Ekopak manages the water treatment installation and the quality of the recycled water. This allows companies to operate with confidence.
Stricter regulations to address water stress
Many countries are introducing stricter regulations on water use. France, for example, is taking urgent measures to address the historic drought of summer 2022–2023. On March 30, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron presented his “Water Plan” to address the challenges of climate change and ensure that everyone has access to quality water throughout the year. In Flanders, the Blue Deal is a plan introduced by the Flemish government to address water scarcity and drought.
As companies increasingly set water-related targets, it is important for them to prepare for the future now.
There are many more challenges facing industry. Ekopak provides tailored advice on water treatment, including the transition to sustainable water solutions to reduce your company’s water footprint.
Contact us for more information.