Access to safe drinking water is internationally recognised as a human right, but globally, it is a right denied to billions. And without action, more and more people will be faced with this harrowing reality.
According to the recent United Nations World Water Development Report, as it stands, the world is “off-track” from achieving access to water and sanitation for all by 2030.
But, it’s crucial to note that missing this goal is not inevitable.
World Water Monitoring Day, 18 September 2023, is designed to educate and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the world’s water resources, and such programs are key in mobilising action on water.
Pietro Moro, Managing Director Middle East and Türkiye, Xylem, shares his thoughts on the situation and what Xylem is doing to help create a clean water future for the planet.
A global issue
The global water crisis is only intensifying, with devastating and wide-reaching consequences for billions of people.
Speaking about this, Moro said: “Access to clean drinking water is a global issue affecting over 2 billion people, as reported by the World Health Organisation. Polluted or contaminated water poses significant health risks, with a further WHO report revealing that 80 per cent of diseases worldwide are linked to poor water quality, making it crucial to monitor water to prevent illnesses for future generations.”
“World Water Monitoring Day, observed on 18 September, serves as a reminder to raise awareness about the importance of access to clean drinking water for the global population, and generate public involvement in protecting this scarce resource,” he added.
Regional efforts ramp up
Discussing what is being done at a regional level to conserve and protect limited water resources, Moro highlighted Dubai’s recent announcement of its ambition to achieve 100 per cent utilisation of recycled water by the end of the decade.
“From a regional perspective, Dubai is already paving the way for a better future. In a bid to further enhance its commitment to sustainability, Dubai has recently announced its commitment to water reclamation, with an aim to achieve 100 per cent utilisation of recycled water by 2030,” he said.
“This water reuse strategy is in alignment with the broader Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, and by 2030, Dubai has also set itself the target of reducing the use of desalinated water and related power consumption by 30%,” noted Moro.
According to Dubai Municipality, recycled water has diverse uses, ranging from irrigation and central cooling to firefighting.
The city’s water reclamation efforts date back to the late 1960s, and between 1980 and 2022, Dubai produced over 4.5 billion cubic metres of reclaimed water.
Currently, the water reclamation programme, spearheaded by Dubai Municipality, has achieved a water reuse rate of 90%.
Making water accessible, safe and abundant for all
Further to Dubai’s water reclamation strategy, Moro outlined what global water technology company Xylem is doing to help solve the world’s water challenges.
“Supporting these efforts, and as part of our mission to solve water, Xylem is once again collaborating with organisations around the world to raise awareness of World Water Monitoring Day,” he said.
“As a company driven by offering sustainable solutions for water management through a dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation, navigating challenges in order to ensure a future where water is accessible, safe and abundant for all, is an intrinsic part of continuing our commitment to foster a clean water future for the planet,” added Moro.