Clean Water
Measure and manage this valuable resource
As world population increases, higher demands are being placed on the planet’s freshwater resources.
FEATURED TOOL
GEMI Water Sustainability
Build a water strategy for your business with five modules from the Global Environmental Management Initiative.
FEATURED CASE STUDY
The Coca-Cola Company
Coca-Cola's global water stewardship program [PDF] shows how your business can manage water along the supply chain and within your facilities.
Industries Affected
What's at stake
The world's growing population is straining our limited freshwater supplies. Here in the U.S., the Colorado River reservoirs are only half full; the Southeastern states face serious water supply problems, and Lake Superior's level has dropped 2.5 feet. Costly water conflicts are being litigated between water users and even between states. The overuse of water in some systems has put fish and wildlife in peril, resulting in litigation and policy gridlock.
Climate change further complicates the water picture. The global warming we have already set in motion is likely to shift precipitation patterns. And the demand for water in some sectors, such as irrigated agriculture, could grow as temperatures warm.
What companies can do
In order to respond to these changes, water use efficiency must be significantly improved across the board, from individuals to agriculture to business.
- Measure your water footprint [PDF]. It's the first step to understanding and improving your water usage.
- Improve water use efficiency by decreasing water use in products and manufacturing.
- Improve the quality of available water sources by investing in water-related environmental services.
- Work with regional governments to improve water management systems.
Case studies
- Learn how Coca-Cola is managing its use of water [PDF].
- Learn how AMD is successfully improving their water use.
Resources to help
Tools
- Develop your corporate water strategy at GEMI.org/WaterPlanner.
Publications
- Explore a library of water resource management publications at Alliance for Water Efficiency.
- Use the Water Efficiency Manual [PDF] to determine what you can do reduce water use, improve efficiency, and save money in your operations.
Who should care
- Food and agriculture: Some predict that that agricultural water use will double by 2050.
- Manufacturing: Proper water monitoring can lead to significant cost savings in production.
- Retail and consumer goods: Many companies are concentrating liquids and detergents to reduce water use and packaging size.
Posted: 29-Oct-2008; Updated: 09-Jan-2009
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