Forecasts from the World Bank are sobering. The amount of water used worldwide will increase 20 percent by 2050. At the same time as demand ramps up, the availability of water is becoming more unpredictable.
A confluence of factors, including weather extremes from climate change and growing populations, is putting enormous strain on arguably society’s most precious, life-sustaining resource.
A recent study showed that one third of global aquifers where there is good data are falling by over 10 centimetres a year. And there are now cities in parts of the world, such as Phoenix, where new housing is being limited because water isn't available. Other places are seeing wild swings in water availability; periods of drought and water shortages interspersed with enormous downpours that wreak havoc on built infrastructure.
Different ways of managing water essential
In the face of such change, water companies and managers must reconsider how they distribute water resources. They should also expect a future with less water availability. This requires long-term planning due to the asset-intensive nature of water infrastructure.
If that sounds tricky, it is. Water management involves balancing a basket of environmental, social, and economic factors. While complex and often highly political, it's crucial to strategically plan for the water needs of present and future generations.
Aotearoa New Zealand's unique combination of relatively abundant water resources, cultural heritage, vulnerability to climate change, and variety of approaches to water management set it apart in the global context.
Overall, the country is excellently positioned to tackle water challenges, drawing on the resourcefulness, ingenuity, and adaptability of its people. Incorporating Mātauranga Māori into water planning will help foster strategies that prioritise conservation, equity, and resilience for future generations.
Recently, WSP consulted with 20 water companies globally, discovering how those who lead on water management are planning and managing their water resources for the long term. This effort yielded several important principles that Aotearoa New Zealand's water sector can – and should – implement.
Apply future-ready thinking
Most important is creating a clear plan and understanding that the future of water management will be different. This is the essence of future-ready thinking.
The rapid pace of change means water companies must explore non-traditional solutions to water scarcity, pollution, and deteriorating infrastructure. They must consider where to obtain water and how to use it efficiently - looking for innovative solutions.
Instead of diverting stormwater to prevent flooding, there's a shift towards capturing and storing it for later use, such as replenishing aquifers. This is being explored in Aotearoa New Zealand, with WSP working with Wellington Water on capturing floodwater for storage. Historically drought-prone California is also looking at these kinds of methods.
Another example is water recycling, where treated wastewater is purified to meet drinking water standards. While there are perception and cultural challenges associated with this, many cities across the world from Sydney to Singapore, San Francisco to Melbourne use this technology today, and have done so for decades.
Plug the leaks
We know from overseas experience that leading water companies enjoy a strong trust relationship with their customers. In some parts of New Zealand this relationship is currently being pushed to the limit.
Leaks are one of the biggest eroders of public trust. It's challenging for a water company to convey a message of water scarcity during a drought when a large portion of treated water is lost due to leaks before reaching households.
Fixing leaks is a costly challenge but must be done. In some places, it's considered acceptable for a percentage of treated water to leak. Whatever the number, there should be more focus on long-term planning and investment to address this issue.
Understand and empower the customer
It’s essential that water companies understand which customers are open to trying new water conservation ideas.
In the UK, South Staffordshire Water is conducting research and partnering with the community to develop inclusive water-saving measures tailored to diverse groups. Another inspiring approach was found in Cape Town's successful communication strategies during its 2018 water crisis, which emphasised real-time data sharing, consumer education, and fostering a collective spirit of water conservation.
To encourage water conservation, water companies should consider using water meters and innovative pricing methods. Perth, for example, uses a system where you get some water for free, but if you use more, you pay extra for each unit of water. This idea is gaining popularity worldwide, especially in areas with water shortages.
It's tough for organisations to manage water effectively without using water meters. Using meters, like we do for energy and other utilities, helps encourage people to save water. In doing so, it’s also crucial to identify customers who may struggle to pay their bills in the future and provide support.
Water use data can be integrated with other network data for analysis and decision-making, meaning customers have information to better understand how they use water, and public and private leaks can be more quickly detected.
The bottom line is that success in water management doesn't happen by chance. It requires setting clear goals and creating detailed plans to achieve them. This involves breaking down lessons and principles into practical projects with clear governance and funding.
Long-term water management plans are essential for continuous improvement, and it's important to learn from global best practices. The lesson for Aotearoa New Zealand is to make decisions that align with long-term goals. That way, the country will have every chance of achieving water self-sufficiency and sustainable supply for a growing population.
