We live on the Blue Planet with 71 percent of the globe covered in water. Unfortunately, only 0.3 percent of that water is usable by humans. To live, we depend on groundwater from lakes and streams replenished from snow melt and rainfall.
But that rainfall we all depend on is in flux. The sixth report from the International Panel on Climate Change concludes that “human-induced climate change has contributed to increases in agricultural and ecological droughts in some regions due to increased land evapotranspiration.”
The first half of 2021 witnessed many parts of the world suffering drought with its impact on communities and food systems, from drought-induced mass starvation in Madagascar to the mega-drought affecting the Western United States.
According to the Pacific Institute, prolonged droughts can also kill off fish and wildlife, produce extreme wildfires, reduce agricultural output, diminish rural communities’ supply of water, and strain the energy system.
Industry’s Water Consumption
While shorter showers and reducing outdoor watering can help limit a household’s water bill, domestic water use only accounts for 8 percent of U.S. water consumption.
According to the EPA, U.S. industry uses an estimated 18.2 billion gallons per day or five percent of total water withdrawals in the U.S. However, thermoelectric power water withdrawals account for 49 percent followed by agriculture at about 36 percent. Industrial and manufacturing businesses also use about 12 percent of the public water supply for a variety of processes including chemicals, food and beverage, pulp and paper, steel, electronics, petroleum refining, and transportation equipment.
While some companies pipe in water directly, their impact on communities, especially rural communities can be harmful. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, industrial “consumptive water use can exacerbate drought conditions and impose further stress on water supplies.”
For example in Phoenix, AZ, a state with little rainfall and affected by the mega-drought, Google opened a data center that uses one million gallons of water per day to cool the facility.
California, another state facing mega-drought, residents have accused Nestle of over-siphoning 45 million gallons of spring water from Strawberry Creek and causing other creeks to dry up.
How Companies are Addressing Water Use
In an annual survey conducted by GreenBiz and water tech company Ecolab, “74 percent of large corporations agree that addressing the growing water shortage should be a priority.” However, almost half of those companies have no plan in place to achieve water-reduction goals.
Nevertheless, some companies have seen significant progress in reducing their water usage. Ceres’ “Feeding Ourselves Thirsty” initiative scores companies in the food and beverage industry on their goals, plans and progress in reducing water use in their operations and supply chains.
In 2019, Unilever was the top scoring company for charging its board with executive oversight of water issues, assessing water risks in its operations, and implementing policies and programs that encourage sustainable water use in its agricultural supply chain. Unilever has also committed to making product formulations biodegradable, implementing water stewardship programs at manufacturing sites, and building water management resilience in water-stressed countries.
PepsiCo recently announced that it would become net water positive by 2030. This means it would replenish more water to the local watersheds than it withdraws for its operations. It aims to achieve this goal through applying water efficiency standards saving 11 billion gallons of water each year. It will also launch a $1 million program with NGO WaterAid to invest in clean water in sub-Saharan Africa.
Pharmaceutical company Abbott has set ambitious 2030 sustainability targets. As a member of the Alliance for Water Stewardship, a global collaboration of businesses and NGOs, Abbott is working towards meeting the agreed water stewardship framework at its manufacturing sites, especially in high-stress water areas and communities.
In 2020, General Electric committed to reducing its freshwater consumption by 1.8 billion gallons. After having reduced its water consumption by 42 percent in 2011, it set a new target of an additional 20 percent reduction. Through advanced technology, it’s also aiming to increase its water treatment capacity for its customers from 3 billion to 7 billion gallons over the next 10 years to ensure a larger supply of potable water.
By 2050, clothing giant Gap has committed to a net water impact in the communities from where it draws water. By 2030, Gap hopes to achieve a water-resistant value chain and has already reduced (with its suppliers) 10 billion liters of water in its manufacturing processes. It is also working toward zero discharge of hazardous chemicals.
What Small Businesses Can Do Right Now
To improve water consumption, there are a few actions small businesses can take right now. Fixing leaking pipes and replacing old faucets and toilets with high-efficiency models can help reduce water use. Changing landscaping that integrates native and less water-intensive plants can help reduce outdoor water consumption. Partnering with water monitoring companies can help pinpoint areas in need of further reduction. There are also companies that can help businesses reclaim and reuse gray water for irrigation, cooling towers, laundry, and toilets.
Big or small, SSC can help your organization find ways to reduce its water consumption. Contact us for a free consultation.