Similar to the question about a falling tree in the forest, do problems in the world still exist if people never hear about them?
Well, clearly they do, there is no argument there to make. However, will anything ever be done about those problems if no one hears about them?
Not very likely!
Some places in the world may find it hard to believe, but water is an issue. No, there is nothing inherently wrong with water as a substance. That would be a much bigger issue since water is essential to life on Earth. No, the issue with water is that there isn’t enough of it or it has been contaminated either due to natural occurrence or by human negligence. However, in some places around the world with abundant fresh water sources people take clean water for granted. The issues of water scarcity are apparent in some areas in the USA and throughout the world.
Shedding light on these issues, is widely available published water reports. There are governmental and non governmental agencies around the globe that study water related issues. These issues include water availability and water quality, demographics and economics and new treatment technology. These agencies, take all of this information and write about and discuss the challenges associated with water in annual water reports. These reports are not always easy to find if you don’t know where to look, but they are available.
These assessment reports aim to spread the word about the state of water in all corners of the globe and how it affects people. In addition, they also talk about what some cities, communities, and organizations are doing to combat water scarcity. These reports also discuss water pollution and how cities, communities, and businesses can find their own way to use water responsibly.
The annual reports seek to inform people around the globe on how their own communities can sustainably use their water resources to ensure a safer and cleaner environment for the future.
Key Issues Discussed in the Water Reports:
Sustainable Wastewater Treatment
A response to water scarcity and water pollution. The way in which wastewater is dealt with before, during, and after treatment so that water can be decontaminated, reused, and recycled by humans to prevent excessive use and pollution of natural freshwater resources.
Water Pollution
One of the reasons for water treatment. Surface water sources can fouled with solid debris like trash. Water can also be contaminated with pathogens, minerals, or chemicals of an organic or inorganic nature. Pollutants in waterways can harm human health, as well as aquatic and marine ecosystems..
Water Scarcity
The reasoning for sustainable water treatment. When demand for water cannot be reached either due to physical or economical reasons. Physical water scarcity, is the lack of sufficient water sources near a population. Economic water scarcity is the lack of adequate management of nearby water sources, so that the population is not provided sufficient access.
Brief Descriptions of Water Reports (with links)
The United Nations World Water Development Report 2018
The 2018 WWDR is themed around the benefits of implementing nature-based solutions (NBS). These solutions utilize the ways that our environment naturally regulates elements of the water cycle. A nature based solution can involve a spectrum of solutions in the vein of environmental rehabilitation and conservation. Additionally, it can include artificial ecosystems that would utilize the processes of the natural environment, all applied in micro- or macro- scale. Three chapters describe opportunities of Nature based solutions in relation to increasing water availability, improving water quality, and reducing water-based risks. The fourth chapter of this report gives examples and insights of Nature based solution implementation in different regions of the world. The remaining two chapters asses how NBS could be enabled further and its potential for water treatment and sustainable development.
To read this report, click here:
http://www.unwater.org/publication_categories/world-water-development-report/
European Waters — Assessment of Status and Pressures 2018
In this report, the EEA organization details the current state of Europe’s surface and groundwater. The groundwater is said to be in the best shape, with 74% of these resources in good chemical shape and 89% in good quantitative state. Surface waters are in a poorer state with 40% in good ecological status at 38% in good chemical status. The most common problem with surface water in EU countries was mercury levels. Without consideration of mercury. 97% of surface water would be in fairly good chemical status. The most considerable pressures on surface water are hydromorphological pressures (40%), diffuse sources- namely agriculture (38%), atmospheric deposition- namely mercury (38%), point sources (18%) and water abstraction (7%). There have been some efforts made by Member states, that had an immediate effect on either water quality improvement or reduction of hydromorphological pressure. However, efforts will need to be ongoing.
To read this report, click here:
https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/state-of-water
IWA Wastewater Report 2018: The Reuse Opportunity
This report assesses the efforts of eight cities in different parts of the world that are working towards various Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Aqaba, Jordan has implemented a zero-discharge policy that has netted the AWC 4 million USD in income. Reused water now covers 30% of Jordan’s water demand. Bangkok is focused on managing and reusing sludge from their wastewater treatment plants. This practice has resulted in more sewage treatment plants to accommodate the rising demand for the fertilizer produced from the wastewater sludge. These sludge solids have now been repurposed to create new markets and generate income for many businesses. Manila, Philippines is cracking down on pollution (via the polluter pays approach) including in major waterways like Manila Bay. It is expanding its sewage network which has been reducing pollutant loads. The Philippines government has also been incentivizing companies to implement decentralized wastewater treatment systems.
To read about the other cities in this report, click here:
http://www.iwa-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/OFID-Wastewater-report-2018.pdf
2018 The World’s Water (Volume 9)
The current volume of The World’s Water contains 7 chapters and 3 briefs. These chapters discuss and analyze the UN Global Compact CEO Mandate, corporate water stewardship and human rights to water. Additional chapters include an update on water use trends in the United States, the water footprint of California’s energy system from 1990-2012. Other topics in this report include, the impact of the five-year California drought that began in 2012 . The theory and practice of water trading, a case from California on the cost of water supply and options for efficiency was also discussed in this report. Lastly, briefs describe a meeting at the Vatican on the human right to water, a discussion on access to water via public drinking fountains, and an update on how water can cause conflict zones.
To read this report, click here:
Water Reuse: Transforming Water, Sustaining Our Future
This simple 2-page document addresses the key points of water reuse and its benefits to communities across the United States. The first page describes what water reuse is, and why it should be invested in. While the second page, gives 10 examples from different states and how they are implementing a water reuse strategy. In Hilton Head, South Carolina – a popular golfing destination – recycled water irrigates 11 golf courses, sustaining $600 million in recreational tourism. Tampa Electric in Florida uses recycled water to cool a power plant that powers 100,000 homes. Nevada will send recycled water through a 13-mile pipeline to provide 1.3 million gallons annually to companies like Tesla, Google, and Switch.
To read this report, click here:
Water Security, Sustainability and Resilience (WWC Strategy 2019-2021)
This publication presents the World Water Council’s strategy for facing issues such as water scarcity and climate change. This report also discusses issues relating to resilient communities and human settlements, financing water, and water resource management. These strategies are implemented on a three-year basis between World Water Forums. Strategies discussed include reaching out to key political figures for support. Additional strategies include, strengthening communications to increase awareness, and valuing the initiatives proposed by the World Water Council’s diverse group of members.
To read this report, click here:
http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/WWC-Strategy_2019-21_WEB.pdf
These water reports compiled by various governmental and non governmental organizations across the world highlight key water issues. These issues include sustainable wastewater treatment, water pollution, and water scarcity.
Genesis Water Technologies has focused on these particular issues, using innovation and collaboration to provide sustainable solutions to treat both drinking water and wastewater. Our water treatment experts focus on collaborating with municipalities and industry to solve water & wastewater treatment issues to combat water scarcity in the most sustainable way.
Is your municipality or industry dealing with the issues highlighted above? Genesis Water Technologies can assist you. Give us a call at 1-877-267-3699 or send us an email at customersupport@genesiswatertech.com for a free initial consultation to discuss your issues and goals.