Water

Industry Goal: A water efficient industry that is reducing water use

Water is a scarce and highly valuable resource and is pivotal to the health of our economy, society and the environment. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that current water use by domestic, industrial and irrigation consumers is not sustainable. Drought and the uncertainty surrounding climate change, as well as the predicted increase in Australia's population (by five million to 25 million in 2032) are placing increased pressure on our water resources. Water is a critical input to many manufacturing steps, and can often be needed by customers and consumers to use the industries products and services.

Limits to water access in the community and in industry have the potential to directly impact viability, and leading businesses are adapting now to this challenge. Faced with declining water resources, companies must become water efficient on site and along the supply chain. Reducing water use presents particular challenges for companies manufacturing water based products and in some cases the use of water in a product may help reduce or eliminate a risk or other environmental impact.

In some cases, potable (drinking quality) water can be replaced by fit for purpose re-used or recycled water, particularly as new infrastructure is developed. Recycled water, which is treated and pumped, can be energy intensive and it important not to trade off reductions in potable water use with increased energy requirements. In the short term, water pricing will also play an increasing role in optimising water use.

With no single solution to the problem of water scarcity, companies will need to adopt a variety of approaches to reduce consumption and secure water, including maximising conservation and efficiency, re-use and recycling, and partnering with water retailers, neighbours, and supply partners to adopt these strategies on-site and along the value chain. Next generation products and processes will provide new opportunities to deliver services to customers that eliminate or dramatically save water in the market.

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