Five Major Factors That Will Affect the Future of the Water Industry

Water treatment

In Australia and other parts of the world, the water sector is facing many problems that range from decrepit infrastructure to the adverse effects of climate change. This presents a worrying scenario because the demand for water has continued to increase because of population increase and diminishing resources.

One report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD ) predicted that the demand for water in 2050 would be 55% higher than it was in 2015. “Water stress”, where a shortfall of the precious resource, is imminent. Many players in the private and public sector need to understand the developments to plan for the future. They need to identify the trends that affect the industry that may add fire to industrial water recycling efforts and encourage collaborations that safeguard the future. The sector needs to align its endeavours with the following trends.

1.    Water Records/Data

Industrial water recycling firms or teams need to make the right decisions in asset performance, revenue growth and other crucial areas. There are regulations to consider and other factors beyond their control, so planning should be detailed. The decision-making process must take into account all these scenarios, so data is valuable. Precise numbers in the construction, flow, and maintenance should be checked so forecasts are as precise as they can be.

2.    Operational Efficiency

As the world moves towards operational efficiency, water recycling is mostly looking at cost reduction, sustainable performance and increased margins. The sector can increase operational efficiency by improving macro and micro processes, adopting data analytics and using digital solutions.

3.    Developing Current Technology

Science and current developments in technology could present possible solutions. Water companies could use water collection, resources management and even water recycling solutions to meet the crisis. Sewage treatments and sludge remain a challenge for many companies, but many companies are trying to find ways to resolve the problem.

4.    Regulation

Governments have to regulate the water industry so there would be proper distribution to commercial, manufacturing and residential facilities. Government agencies play a crucial role in areas such as infrastructure improvements, energy efficiency and resource sustainability. For many countries, water recycling is the only possible solution. It will only work if regulatory standards aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and efficiency are tightened.

5.    Water Value

Man in protective suit with a bottle of pure water isolated on white
Water is a limited and shared resource, and the implications of one’s action on one corner of the globe can eventually affect others. This fact is driving the agenda of preservation and sustainable use. Strategies are being devised to deal with risks such as disruption of supplies and increased costs.

If you ask many industry players, the future of water is largely unpredictable. The increasing gap between demand and supply should encourage the creation of solutions that focus on technology, infrastructure and other areas. Industrial water recycling is an important area that could benefit from modern maintenance and remote monitoring. Maybe in the coming years, more and more players will adopt such interventions for reduced operational costs, increase customer satisfaction, and lessen the disparity between supply and demand.

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