Supporting water stewardship, one drinking water dispenser at a time

Sarah Goldsmith | Sustainability, | Articles, Resources

What is water stewardship?

Water stewardship is essential for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our planet’s most vital resource. With water scarcity becoming an increasingly pressing issue due to factors like climate change and population growth, responsible management of water resources is imperative. Water stewardship promotes efficient use of water, safeguarding ecosystems, supporting communities, and fostering economic development. By adopting water stewardship practices, we can mitigate the risks of water scarcity, preserve biodiversity, and secure clean water access for current and future generations.

Water stewardship involves efficient water usage across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and households. This entails implementing technologies and practices that minimise water waste and maximise efficiency in water use. It also emphasises the protection and conservation of water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, to ensure their long-term viability. This involves measures such as watershed management, pollution prevention, and habitat restoration. Water stewardship entails promoting access to clean water for all communities, addressing issues of water scarcity and inequality through inclusive policies and initiatives. Overall, water stewardship seeks to balance human needs with environmental preservation, fostering resilience and sustainability in water management practices.

In this article we’ll discuss the issues surrounding water stewardship and the benefits it brings to the environment.

Issues surrounding water stewardship

Water scarcity: Many regions around the world face water scarcity due to factors like climate change, population growth, and inefficient water management practices. This scarcity threatens ecosystems, agriculture, industries, and communities reliant on water for survival.

Water pollution: Pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources contaminates water bodies, degrading water quality and harming aquatic ecosystems. Polluted water poses risks to human health and biodiversity and increases the cost and complexity of water treatment.

Inequitable access: In many parts of the world, access to clean and safe water is not equitable. Vulnerable populations, including marginalised communities and those living in poverty, often lack access to adequate water and sanitation services, exacerbating social inequalities and hindering human development.

Lack of sustainable practices: Unsustainable water use practices, such as over-extraction from aquifers, deforestation, and land degradation, contribute to water depletion and ecosystem degradation. Without proper management and conservation efforts, these practices undermine the long-term availability and quality of water resources.

How water stewardship can support the environment and communities

Conservation of ecosystems and improved water quality: Water stewardship practices promote the conservation, reduction in pollution and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, wetlands, and watersheds. By protecting natural habitats and maintaining ecological balance, water stewardship supports biodiversity and sustains vital ecosystem services.

Sustainable water management: Water stewardship encourages sustainable water management practices that balance water supply and demand, promote water efficiency, and minimise waste. By optimising water use across sectors, including agriculture, industry, and urban development, water stewardship enhances water security and resilience to climate change.

Enhanced community resilience: Water stewardship fosters community resilience by ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and livelihoods. By engaging local stakeholders and promoting participatory decision-making, water stewardship initiatives empower communities to address water challenges collectively and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Social benefits: Water stewardship initiatives often lead to social benefits such as improved access to clean water and sanitation, enhanced livelihoods for communities dependent on water resources, and increased community engagement and empowerment in water governance.

Business sustainability: For businesses, adopting water stewardship practices can reduce operational risks, enhance reputation, increase efficiency, and create opportunities for innovation and collaboration along the value chain.

In conclusion, water stewardship plays a pivotal role in addressing water-related challenges, promoting environmental sustainability, and securing water resources for future generations. By adopting holistic approaches to water management and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, we can achieve effective water stewardship and safeguard the health and integrity of our planet’s water systems.