November 28, 2023
Water Scarcity: Meeting a Global Challenge with Innovative Solutions
Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, ringing alarm bells across the world. It’s a threat that impacts everything from our health to finances and even national security. It’s a challenge that knows no borders, affecting every part of the globe, including the United States, where 40 out of 50 states could face water shortages within the next year.
This looming crisis is largely fueled by aging infrastructure in our water systems. These outdated systems are like ticking time bombs, prone to leaks and breakdowns, which contribute significantly to water scarcity. A critical aspect of this problem is non-revenue water (NRW) – water lost due to leaks, theft, or metering inaccuracies before it reaches the consumer. It’s a startling fact that around 35% of all treated drinking water globally is lost as NRW each year, with the United States alone losing 6 billion gallons of treated drinking water daily due to leaks.
The financial impact of NRW is substantial. It places a heavy burden on communities, with U.S. municipalities and local water utilities losing an estimated $7.6 billion in NRW each year. These high operational costs can lead to increased water bills and hinder investments in infrastructure upgrades.
Traditionally, addressing NRW has involved manual and somewhat outdated methods. However, we’re now seeing a shift towards more innovative solutions. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and real-time sensing technologies is revolutionizing the way we detect and manage water leaks. These advanced technologies enable utilities to identify leaks quickly and efficiently, even in remote areas, preventing them from becoming larger problems.
Our collaboration with FIDO Tech exemplifies the potential of these technologies. By combining expert field teams, advanced sensors, and AI with an industry leading accuracy, we can detect, size, and locate leaks precisely and prioritize repairs effectively. This approach not only minimizes water loss but also reduces operational costs.
Beyond technology, government and community involvement are essential. Governments play a crucial role in encouraging investment in infrastructure upgrades and water loss audits. Community awareness and participation are also key in promoting sustainable water use and conservation efforts.
While water scarcity is a significant challenge, the combination of innovative technologies, policy reforms, and community engagement presents a viable solution. By addressing NRW effectively, we are taking essential steps towards a more sustainable future. Discover our innovative approach to tackling water scarcity and NRW in our comprehensive white paper, Water Scarcity and Water Loss: Innovative Transformational Technology to Address a Looming Global Crisis.
