Water is a precious commodity whose importance we do not always grasp, because we are used to having it in abundance and wasting it by using it in ways that far exceed our needs.
In addition to water wastage in our daily routines, its use in agriculture and livestock farming also heavily impacts its total consumption: in fact, this is where around 70% of the water supply is used. These are just two aspects of managing water as a resource; we also need to consider the developments brought about by climate change, leading to alternating periods of drought and heavy rainfall. At the same time, desertification is advancing and glaciers, which have always provided a significant reserve of water, are melting.
Water is so precious that it may trigger wars in the coming years. It is no coincidence that we talk about ‘blue gold’, and the UN fears a wave of one billion migrants in the next twenty years due to water scarcity. The UN’s report also predicts that conflicts may break out in areas where waterways begin in one country and then develop in another: there are currently over 200 regions facing this kind of problem. We must not forget that, although more than 70% of the Earth is covered by water, only 0.5% of this is fresh water that can be used by humans, for agriculture and for livestock.
Humanity’s existence is tied to the availability of water. Managing it properly and with the right tools is everyone’s concern, and we must make a collective effort to put in place suitable strategies without wasting any more time. We can start with the simplest habits that involve us personally, adopting best practices that give the environment a helping hand. In fact, sustainable behaviour can start from little things like turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving, or applying a flow limiter to your taps at home. Taking a shower instead of a bath requires four times less water, while giving your plants already-used water to drink is another way to be economical.
Livestock and crop farmers need vast quantities of water, and employing advanced technology would undoubtedly reduce their usage. As consumers, meanwhile, eliminating food waste would be another step towards sustainable behaviour. And let’s not forget the fundamental importance of water network systems, which are often ageing and broken, causing drinking water to leak out into the ground. As a company, we have always been focused on the efficiency of water networks and on reducing water consumption in agriculture: the latter can be achieved using drip irrigation, a method that administers the right amount of water to seedlings and avoids any waste. Contact us for a no-obligation discussion to find the right solution for your water systems.
