Sustainable Water Management: Strategies for Indian Businesses to Reduce Their Water Footprint

Being a nation of over a billion people and shockingly, the world’s largest consumer of water, India is battling a severe water crisis with a total water footprint of 1047 billion cubic meters per year, which is equivalent to filling up about 420,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It’s high time our industries push the pedal on sustainable water management strategies as the need for this vital resource intensifies with time.

Imagine every product you consume as having a “water trail”. The invisible footprint represents the total amount of water used to bring that product from the fields where the raw materials are grown, to the factories and finally to your doorsteps. Sustainable water management is the key to reducing our industries’ water footprint. It is not just an environmental responsibility but a serious strategic imperative for long-term success.

Strategies to Reduce Water Footprint

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a boon when it comes to having an abundant water supply, especially in regions with seasonal rainfall. It allows the collection, storage and usage of water for various non-potable applications, significantly reducing water bills and easing the burden on freshwater supplies. Not only that, rainwater harvesting makes compliance with regulations easy as well as meeting corporate social responsibility targets.

Recycling and Reusing

Reusing water from various industrial operations ranging from manufacturing, cooling and cleaning post-treatment and recycling within the same system or other applications is known as process water reuse. This helps in reducing dependence on local water sources and contributes to the conservation of natural resources by not depending on them entirely. It also reduces the strain on municipal wastewater systems and prevents pollution and contamination of nearby water bodies.

Smart Water Solutions

Smart water solutions integrate digital technologies, data analytics and sustainable infrastructure to monitor, optimize and recycle water improving the efficiency and effectiveness of usage of water. Artificial Intelligence and IoT-enabled water monitoring systems offer innovative solutions to optimize water usage and conversion by optimizing the operations of the processes of manufacturing.

In a country like India, where water scarcity is a growing concern, sustainable water management is no longer a choice but a necessity for Indian businesses. By understanding their water footprint, implementing effective strategies, and leveraging smart water solutions, companies can contribute to water conservation, enhance their brand image, and build resilience in the face of increasing water scarcity. Industries have a critical role in conserving and managing water. The need for sustainable water management strategies is growing and embracing sustainable water management solutions is our pathway for a better tomorrow.