20-03-2017

March 22 is World Water Day, an annual day organised by the United Nations to focus attention and raise awareness of the increasingly dire state of our global water resources. This year’s theme is wastewater – an important source of pollution, but also a valuable resource, if managed safely.

Did you know that: 

• Globally, over 80% of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused. (Sato et al, 2013) 
• 1.8 billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. Unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene cause around 842,000 deaths each year. (WHO/UNICEF 2014/WHO 2014) 
• 663 million people still lack improved drinking wa¬ter sources. 
• By 2030, global demand for water is expected to grow by 50%. 
• Industrial water consumption is responsible for 22% of global water use (UN-Water, 2012). In 2009 in Europe and North America, water consumption by industries was 50% as compared to 4-12% in developing countries (WWAP, 2009).

A recent report published by the UN highlights the enormous opportunities that arise from exploiting wastewater as a resource. Businesses can directly use some wastewater, pro-viding it is fit for purpose. For instance, using process water for cooling or heating, or rainwater from roof collection or concrete aprons for toilet flushing, irriga¬tion or vehicle washing. Safely managed wastewater is an affordable and sustainable source of water, energy, nutrients and other recoverable materials.

Greenpont already supports businesses in managing wastewater as one of the key supply chain environmental performance assessment area and joins this theme to raise awareness about the possibilities of reusing this valuable resource as well as take every possible actions to reduce wastewater generation. Contact us to start a wastewater facility performance review and an quick assessment on wastewater discharge in terms of legal compliance.