Water Risk Assessments

Water Risk Monitoring: Understanding the Problem, Solution, and Impact

Water is an essential resource for life and is integral to almost every aspect of our daily lives, this reigns true for businesses as well. However, water scarcity, pollution, and climate change are putting pressure on the global water supply, leaving people and businesses more vulnerable than ever. As a result, water risk monitoring and assessment have become critical elements of business continuity planning. In this snippet, we will look at why water risk monitoring is essential, the problem it solves, the solutions available, as well as the impact it has on businesses and the environment.

The Problem:

As mentioned earlier, water scarcity, pollution, and climate change have put significant pressure on the global water supply. This has led to growing demand, which often exceeds supply, resulting in water shortages or inadequate quality. Besides, water contamination due to pollutants and industrial waste is a massive problem, making water resources unusable for domestic, agricultural and industrial activities leading to severe damage to ecosystems, human health, and the economy.

The Solution:

Water risk assessment (WRA) is a process that identifies and evaluates a company's exposure to water-related risks. These include water quantity and quality, legal and regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and supply chain integration. WRA helps to identify the possible impacts of potential water shortages or loss of quality, giving companies the ability to prepare for water-related risks and build resilience.

Impact:

WRA has significant impacts on both companies and the environment at large. Businesses that implement WRA can reduce their exposure to water-related risks and improve their reputation and governing bodies' compliance. Additionally, by being aware of their water usage, they can conserve water, lower operational costs, and minimize their carbon footprint. WRA has a more significant impact on local communities and the environment, as it helps communities and ecosystems adapt to changing weather patterns, reduce water pollution, and preserve fragile aquatic ecosystems.

Examples:

Divirod, a U.S.-based company, has a water monitoring system that helps businesses, water utilities to measure stream flows, and keep track of water supplies, which allows them to monitor conditions for crop planning or drought early warning systems.

Aquaoso, a technology-company that helps organizations map, monitor and manage their water resources and identify water acquisition and use conflicts. With such companies implementing water risk monitoring programs, it indicates a shift towards sustainability and eco-friendly policies.

GHD, a Civil Engineering corporation that is using their expertise to addressing rising water scarcity and security issues.

WaterClick enables seamless and direct collaborations, empowering customers and partners to enhance data capabilities in the field of water and waste management.

Sentry is an innovative sensor platform that is transforming the way biological activity and water quality are monitored. Utilizing advanced bio-electrode sensor technology, the Sentry platform provides real-time data on microbial performance in both anaerobic and aerobic wastewater treatment systems.

One-Minute Call to Action:

Water risk assessment is essential for businesses in managing current and future water risks, it results in using water more efficiently, conserving valuable resources, and improving reputation.

Water is a precious commodity, and with the growing threats of water scarcity, pollution, and climate change, we need to be mindful of the value of water. By undertaking water risk monitoring and assessment, we can identify sustainable solutions that benefit businesses, the environment, and local communities.