Should you be concerned about a global water crisis?
TUESDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2023
Between two and three billion people around the world are experiencing water shortages, and these figures are set to grow
The world is currently in the midst of a global water crisis. Billions of people around the globe are living with water shortages, and this is having a direct impact on both their quality of life and the way these societies run.
But should you be worried in the UK? What are the implications and what can be done to alleviate the problem?
What is the water crisis?
According to the UN World Water Development Report 2023, 26% of the global population do not have access to safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion (46%) lack access to safely managed sanitation. Between two and three billion people experience water shortages for at least one month every year, posing risks to livelihood through food security and access to electricity.
And these figures are only set to worsen, according to experts. The global urban population facing water scarcity is projected to more than double from 930 million in 2016 to up to 2.4 billion in 2050. This is largely due to the impact of the climate crisis, which is making extreme and prolonged droughts more commonplace.
Should you be worried?
UNESCO has warned that drastic action is needed in order to mitigate the results of this crisis. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, says:
“There is an urgent need to establish strong international mechanisms to prevent the global water crisis from spiralling out of control. Water is our common future and it is essential to act together to share it equitably and manage it sustainably.”
Individuals and businesses alike will suffer from a continued lack of clean water, and action must be taken on a global, government, individual, and commercial level to help turn the tides.
Chair of UN-Water and Director General of the International Labour Organisation, Gilbert F. Houngbo, says: “There is much to do and time is not on our side. This report shows our ambition and we must now come together and accelerate action. This is our moment to make a difference."
Effective commercial water management
It’s easy to feel powerless when faced with these types of global facts and figures. Water scarcity and the climate crisis are very real threats to individuals and organisations around the world, made more pressing by ageing infrastructure and rising demand. However, there are steps that UK businesses can take to be part of the solution and put effective commercial water management into practice.
Water efficiency should be intrinsic to any modern business. Common water efficiency measures include fixing leaky pipes, installing water-efficient appliances, and recycling where possible. You can also conduct a risk assessment to get a firmer grasp on your current water management, and identify any potential disruptions to your supply.
Take the time to understand the regulatory framework that governs your water usage, to gain a clearer picture of what steps you should take. Maintaining a good relationship with your local water provider can also help you stay up to date with any maintenance or issues.
By adopting best practices when it comes to commercial water management, you can do your part to support the fight for clean, accessible water around the world, all while improving your business’ sustainability and cost effectiveness.
Get in touch with Everflow today
Looking for the best water management solutions for your business? You’re in the right place. Everflow are dedicated to serve environmentally friendly utilities solutions to businesses across the UK. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your organisation.