Water demand to outstrip supply by 2030

Photo source: Thames Water

Fourty per cent of senior executives in the water industry across the world believe that by 2030 national water demand will outstrip supply. The results are part of a fascinating survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit sponsored by Oracle Utilities called “Water for All”.

The biggest barrier ahead is seen as wasteful consumer behaviour. Across much of the world water flows out of our taps at almost no cost to the consumer. As such it is not surprising that consumers, business and farmers have little incentive to curb usage.

Israel has been one of the most innovative countries in tackling water issues with almost 70% of wastewater recycled and world leading technology for irrigating crops, (farming is the biggest user of water in most countries). But most countries do not have such a severe water crisis or the strong political will to tackle the issue.

Encouraging consumers to use less water is very difficult apart from the obvious win of installing water meters. In many countries consumption of water per head is increasing as lifestyles change. Equally imposing a significant cost for water is also extremely difficult to achieve – just look at Northern Ireland.

There is no simple answer. The risk of drought and water pollution is increasing as the world becomes more urban and the impact of climate change continues to evolve. There is a lot that can be done from reducing leakage to making better use of recycled water. The technology exists, the problem is getting the financial incentives right to drive investment. With the current world economic recession stifling public sector investment this blog is pessimistic and believes the situation is likely to get worse before action is taken.