Water is the lifeblood of our planet. It pours from our faucets and irrigates our crops, it is home to countless species and enables human societies to flourish. Yet, its scarcity is becoming more and more prevalent around the globe. For many, water access and sanitation is a daily struggle etched with hardship and disease. The United Nations[1] estimates 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services and 4.2 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services. These startling figures draw attention to the urgent need for robust, sustainable solutions to better manage this precious resource.
The Root of the Problem: Availability Vs. Accessibility
Water availability and accessibility are two factors that play a crucial role in water and sanitation crisis. While water scarcity exists, it is not the sole or even primary cause of inadequate water and sanitation facilities. Instead, factors such as physical accessibility, affordability, and the quality and reliability of water supplies often pose larger barriers. The World Health Organization[2] estimates that over 884 million people must travel for more than 30 minutes to access their water supply. For these people, water scarcity is a daily reality, caused not by the absence of water but by the absence of infrastructure and resources to access it.
The Path to Sustainable Solutions: Integrated Water Resource Management
Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is a process that promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximise the resultant economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. It has been promoted globally by international entities as a comprehensive solution to water scarcity and inadequate sanitation. It encompasses management at all levels, from individual households to international water bodies, and involves stakeholders from all sectors.
Building the Infrastructure: From Graywater to Green Infrastructure
Graywater, derived from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances, is relatively clean wastewater that can be reused for other purposes, such as irrigation and toilet flushing. Reusing graywater can greatly reduce the demand for freshwater, as well as reducing the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated and disposed of.
On the other hand, green infrastructure involves using natural or semi-natural systems to manage wet weather impacts, providing many community benefits. Not only does it provide stormwater management, it can also improve air quality, sequester carbon, and boost land values.
Case Study: Singapore’s NEWater
Singapore, a small island nation with limited natural resources, has developed an innovative approach to water reuse. They call it NEWater[3]. This high-grade reclaimed water is treated and purified using dual-membrane (microfiltration/ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis) and ultraviolet technologies. Although it initially faced skepticism, NEWater now meets up to 40% of Singapore’s water needs and is envisioned to meet up to 55% by 2060. It stands a shining example of how innovative technology can help address water scarcity and promote sustainability.
From Crisis to Opportunity
To efficiently address the global water and sanitation crisis, it is not enough to invent new technologies or solutions. We must effectively utilize what we already have – graywater, green spaces, and waste. Above all, we must acknowledge that at its core, the water and sanitation crisis is an issue of equity and access. By working together, we can turn this crisis into an opportunity – to rebuild better, to create a more equitable and sustainable world, and to secure the right to water and sanitation for all.
Sources:
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United Nations. (n.d.). Water. United Nations Sustainable Development. Retrieved Dec 20, 2021, from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/
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World Health Organization. (2019). 1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water – UNICEF, WHO. WHO. Retrieved Dec 20, 2021, from https://www.who.int/news/item/18-06-2019-1-in-3-people-globally-do-not-have-access-to-safe-drinking-water-unicef-who
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PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency. (n.d.). NEWater. PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency. Retrieved Dec 22, 2021, from https://www.pub.gov.sg/watersupply/fournationaltaps/newater
