World Water Day: The Innovative Technology Revolutionizing the Fight Against Water Scarcity
Water Scarcity is still a massive problem that affects 4.2 billion people for at least one month out of the year, impacting plenty of vulnerable people all year round. Around 3.5 million people die every single year from the complications caused by inadequate water supply, showing that significant work needs to be done.
To commemorate World Water Day, we decided to put the spotlight on some of the innovative tech that’s changing the fight against environmental and economic water scarcity for the better. The battle is far from won, but with these game-changing inventions, we’re at least stepping in the right direction.
Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs)
These incredible devices, developed by companies such as Tsunami Products, work by extracting water vapour from the air, triggering condensation for consumption or agricultural use. AWGs can be massively beneficial in areas with high humidity levels but limited clean water access.
Desalination Technologies
The desalination process describes removing salt and any other contaminants from seawater or brackish water, making it safe and clean for drinking, irrigation, or agriculture. The technology in desalination is making leaps and bounds, with reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and other developments making it more accessible every day.
Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems
Irrigation systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing for water to be used more efficiently and effectively in areas where it’s not as easily accessible. New developments like the drip irrigation system and other precision agriculture methods are helping to optimize water usage, delivering it directly to the roots of plants.
Fog Harvesting Nets
Fog harvesting refers to the practice of using nets to capture water droplets from fog, allowing them to build up then storing them for use in various situations. This advanced technology is best utilised in coastal or mountainous areas – anywhere with consistent levels of fog.
Portable Water Treatment Devices
Compact, handheld, and other portable water treatment solutions, like Finefilters, are becoming more accessible, allowing people to access safe drinking water from a range of sources. Items like handheld filtration systems and water purification tablets are offering small-scale solutions in areas with largely contaminated water supplies.
Water Recycling & Reuse Technologies:
Water recycling and reuse tech is another solution that aids with scarcity, focusing on the treatment of wastewater from its many sources. Whether coming from households, industrial sites, or agricultural plots, these technologies can recycle water for uses like irrigation, workplace processes, and toilet flushing.
Aquifer Recharge and Groundwater Management
In scarce areas, aquifers can easily become depleted, with groundwater resources being used inefficiently. Thankfully, management systems and recharge methods are becoming more commonplace, with technology such as injection wells and percolation ponds being used to optimize supplies and how they’re used.
Biodegradable Water Retention Polymers
As an innovative support system for agriculture, these polymers can be added to soil or irrigation water, improving moisture retention. This reduces overall water consumption in agricultural processes, degrading naturally over time, allowing for optimized processes with minimal environmental impact.
There’s still a LOT of progress that needs to be made in the fight for global water sustainability, but with innovations like these being worked on every day, it’s clear that progress is being made in the right direction.
If you’re interested in spending some time with the businesses that are leading the charge for water security, register today for Future Water World Congress. This yearly event serves as a congregation of the world’s finest minds, fighting to ensure everyone’s human right to clean, safe water is protected.
This World Water Day, remember those who aren’t as fortunate as so many of us are.