Water loss: Probably the most critical resource challenge of our time
Water has a significant impact on health, quality of life, energy consumption and on our climate. UN SDG 6 is “Clean water and sanitation for all” but in fact water plays a crucial role in solving many of the underlying problems that have led to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Today, we are wasting tomorrow’s water
Water is a scarce resource in many parts of the world. Yet between 30 and 60% of the treated water is in many countries wasted on its way to consumers.
We use a lot of energy for no reason
When between 30 and 60% of water is wasted before reaching its destination, the same amount of energy used for production and distribution is wasted too. By 2040, if we continue to operate as we do now, approximately 79% more energy will be used for water management compared to 2014.
The reasons for water loss are many, ranging from leakages, pipe bursts, poor water management to illegal connections and unauthorised consumption. Fortunately, so are the available solutions.
The technologies are there – we just need the initiative
In Denmark, legislation does not allow a water loss rate of more than 10%. Over time, this has resulted in one of the world’s lowest water waste rates of 7.6% and has placed Denmark as a front-runner in water technology and solutions.
As we are already overexploiting our water sources, and populations are increasing, we need to apply better management. And what better way to start than by minimising our waste of water.
A revised EU Drinking Water Directive, which addresses water loss, drinking water quality and infrastructure risk assessment requirements, gives hope that more decision makers will see the positive effects of legislating in crucial areas such as water infrastructure.
Quote
“Water loss is the worst – it’s a waste of an often-scarce resource, including the resources – energy, labour and infrastructure depreciation – used to extract the water.”
Bjørn Kaare, former President of the European Water Association.
Fact
A conservative estimate is that the level of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is between 30 and 60% in many countries. This means that between 30 and 60% of the water pumped into the pipes from the waterworks is not paid for, either because it is lost due to leaks or because it is not billed.
