Why our 2025 resolutions must include water

Welcome to 2025! Hopefully, you are already ticking off some of your personal resolutions for a better you. But why stop there? It is also the perfect time to commit to actions that will safeguard a water secure future.

With water demand projected to outstrip supply by 40% in just five years, we must act urgently. Here are five resolutions to consider—why not add one or two to your list?

Resolution #1: Treat and reuse water on-site

Industries will face increasing pressure if they compete to use freshwater sources which are also used for domestic needs and agriculture. A circular water strategy is essential. Close the water loop by implementing systems for treating and recycling water for industrial purposes. Implement greywater recycling systems to reduce freshwater usage.

The CDP, a not-for-profit organisation, estimates that more than $300 billion of business value is at risk if no action is taken to address water scarcity. Tackling the problem will cost five times less at $55 billion, while the business opportunities of investing in water security are estimated at $711 billion.

An example of a desalination facility which draws water from the sea for its process operations in an arid region, without utilising the nearby river which serves the local communities. BW Water supplied the microfiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis systems for the original plant as well as for its subsequent expansions.

Resolution #2: Consume food and data responsibly

The food and tech industries have enormous water footprints. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates we need 2000 to 5000 litres of water to produce the food consumed daily by one person. Food systems account for 72% of freshwater withdrawals worldwide.  Additionally, a one-megawatt datacentre can use up to 25.5 million litres of water annually just for cooling – equivalent to the daily water consumption of approximately 300,000 people. GPT-3, an AI model, is estimated to consume 500 ml of water per 10 to 50 responses.

While these industries strive for water efficiency, we can all contribute by reducing food wastage, consuming more plant-based meals and deleting unnecessary emails and photos to reduce our own digital carbon footprint.

Resolution #3: Protect and harness ecosystems

Natural ecosystems act as vital buffers against water scarcity, filtering and replenishing water sources. Restoring wetlands, afforestation, and protecting watersheds are important nature-based solutions that can help improve surface water quality and manage surface runoff. Get involved by volunteering to clean waterways, replant trees, and support sustainable tourism for nature conservation.

Resolution #4: Commit to replace aging infrastructure

Aging water systems lead to immense losses through leaks in urban systems. Modernising infrastructure, including installing smart sensors and leak detection systems, can improve energy use and efficiency.

Existing water treatment plants can invest in new water treatment technologies, which can lower the footprint and cost of treating water while improving water security – the quality of water sources can deteriorate as warmer temperatures and intense rainfall could lead to excessive nutrient runoff and algae growth, which needs to be addressed during water treatment.

An example of a plant capable of treating 20 million litres of surface water a day to deliver potable water on a smaller footprint.

Resolution #5: Connect systems thinking into action

The water challenges we are facing intersect with energy, health, and climate issues. Collaborative approaches are pivotable for long-term water security. Energy-efficient desalination plants and water sensitive urban design are actionable solutions. Selecting cost-effective water and wastewater treatment solutions is crucial for the sensible allocation of financial resources to meet the planet’s climate goals, alongside many other priorities.

As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of 2025, whether as individuals or organisations, our commitment to water can pave the way for a sustainable and thriving future.