Water as a Service: A Radical Idea with a Wave of Potential
At first glance, the notion of 'Water as a Service' may seem far-fetched or even downright absurd. After all, water is an essential commodity and a fundamental human right. Yet, this novel concept deserves a second look in an era marked by increasing water scarcity, environmental challenges, and technological advancements.
There's no denying that water security is a growing concern. According to a 2019 UN report, over two billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress, and about four billion people experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year.
Europe's groundwater, crucial for drinking and agriculture, is diminishing due to pollution, overuse, and climate change. Representing 65% of the EU's drinking water, these reserves face severe threats from agricultural pollutants and unsustainable abstraction. The situation, exacerbated by recent droughts observed via satellite, has a strong impact on ecosystems, food production, and energy resources. Sustainable management and conservation efforts are vital for securing Europe's water future and addressing these pressing challenges (for more information, please consult this EEA publication). Against this backdrop, 'Water as a Service' makes sense.
Companies like Nestlé have invested in clean water initiatives. Nestlé Waters, a subsidiary of the Swiss multinational, operates in 34 countries with 92 facilities dedicated to ensuring access to clean water. Why would a food and beverage giant invest so heavily in water? The answer lies in the understanding that water is no longer just a commodity - it's a service that demands infrastructure, technology, and continuous maintenance to ensure its availability, quality, and sustainability.
What if we scale this idea to a more local level - say, a single apartment building or a residential home? Imagine a system where water is recycled and purified at the point of use. Each household has its water recycling unit that treats wastewater and returns it to a clean, usable state.
Not only would this significantly reduce water consumption by recycling and reusing the same water multiple times, but it also has the potential to ease the pressure on municipal water treatment facilities. Each household's 'water footprint' would diminish drastically, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
'Water as a Service' would mean a shift from centralized water treatment to a more distributed model, where every home becomes a mini water treatment plant. The technology for such systems is already available, with companies like Hydraloop offering water recycling systems that can be installed in homes, hotels, and offices.
Water-as-a-Service (WaaS) by Ekopak offers a comprehensive water management service, ensuring businesses constantly supply high-quality, sustainably produced water. By utilizing innovative technology and alternative water sources, WaaS guarantees water provision for 30 to 40% lower than conventional rates. Their service includes designing, building, and operating water treatment and recycling installations with no initial investment required from businesses, as costs are based on the volume of recycled and treated water used. This approach ensures water availability and significantly reduces water-related expenses for businesses.
Several challenges must be addressed to successfully implement 'Water as a Service,' including regulatory hurdles, public acceptance of using recycled water, and the upfront costs of installing water recycling systems. However, with the dual benefits of environmental sustainability and long-term cost savings, it's a concept that can reshape how we think about and use water.
Adopting a 'Water as a Service' model could represent a seismic shift in our approach to water management. It could promote greater efficiency, independence, and resilience, especially in regions prone to water scarcity. Furthermore, it would reflect a more circular economy where Water is viewed not as a single-use resource but as a valuable asset to be conserved and reused.
This radical concept aligns with global sustainability goals and opens up new business and innovation opportunities. Entrepreneurs, technologists, and investors would do well to pay attention to this space. As the proverb says, "In every crisis, there is an opportunity." The global water crisis might be the catalyst needed for 'Water as a Service' to make a splash in the market.
In conclusion, 'Water as a Service' might seem strange at first sight. Still, as we grapple with the realities of climate change and increasing water scarcity, ideas like these could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. As Mark Twain aptly said, "Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over." Instead of fighting over water, we should consider using it more sustainably and efficiently. 'Water as a Service' could be vital to that puzzle.
- For general information on the concept and implementation of Water as a Service (WaaS), including the roles of companies like Seven Seas Water Group, and the benefits and challenges of WaaS: refer Everything You Need to Know About Water-as-a-Service.
- For specific details on Nestlé Waters' initiatives towards water sustainability, including their investments and plans for positive water impact, projects related to water retention and reuse, and certification goals: refer How Nestlé Waters plans to deliver Water positive impact from 2025.