Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor.
The world is increasingly focused on water sustainability, recognizing its urgent and vital role in protecting human well-being, ecosystems, and economic development. This increased focus must, as we will discuss below, also apply to facilities managers.
To be clear, water sustainability refers to the “efficient and equitable management of water resources to ensure long-term availability.” This involves preserving both the quality and quantity of freshwater to meet current needs as well as the needs of future generations.
It all came about in 2010, when the United Nations General Assembly declared access to clean water a fundamental human right, emphasizing its importance for health, dignity, and economic stability.
This resolution laid the foundation for global efforts to achieve sustainable water management. One of the driving factors behind this resolution was the prediction that global population growth, increased urban habitation, and expanding economic development would significantly raise water demand.
The United Nations released studies indicating that two-thirds of the world’s population could face water scarcity. And to clarify, we are not immune to water scarcity in North America. It could happen and impact all industries, including facilities management.
Water Sustainability and Facilities Managers
In addition to what has just been discussed, the need for water sustainability is increasingly urgent due to changes in our climate and its effects on global water resources.
According to the EPA, nearly 10% of the total water used in the U.S. is used in commercial facilities, much of it in office buildings. It is also estimated that each office building tenant uses as much as 20 gallons of water each business day.
As to where this water is used, the three largest uses of water in office buildings are restrooms, for heating and cooling, and for outdoor landscaping.
As to changes in our climate, rising temperatures, no matter what the cause, threaten ecosystems that naturally safeguard water supplies. Plus, they are shifting rainfall patterns. For instance, rainy regions are drying up around the globe, while arid areas are experiencing unexpectedly more rainfall.
Furthermore, natural disasters, including prolonged droughts and devastating floods, are becoming more frequent. These events damage water infrastructure, disrupting the systems responsible for delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater.
Such disruptions exacerbate water scarcity, making sustainable water management even more critical.
Solutions for Water Sustainability
We have touched on a few water-related issues the world could face. Now, let’s talk about solutions, many of which are happening now and proving very effective.
Desalination
We’ve heard about desalination. It’s the process of removing minerals, mostly salt, from seawater to render it suitable for human consumption. What we may not know is that desalination is costly. However, in recent years, desalination costs have come down 45%, making desalination more economically feasible.
Water Harvesting
Water harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater and surface runoff for later use. “Evolving from ancient survival strategies, modern [water harvesting] endeavors, supported by governmental and non-governmental organizations, mitigate water shortages and offer other benefits during [water] crises,” according to an August 2024 study.
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency technologies like low-flow toilets, faucets, waterless urinals, and more efficient irrigation systems minimize, if not eliminate, water wastage. These systems are helping us reduce the demand for freshwater resources long-term.
Changing Behaviors
Using water-saving and water-eliminating restroom fixtures also helps change user behavior. Some facilities managers report that by installing these water-saving systems in their facilities, building users become much more aware of their own water consumption and take steps to minimize it.
Water Reuse
Water reuse is achieved through innovative wastewater treatment plants. These plants employ advanced technologies like biological processes, membrane filtration, and advanced oxidation processes to filter and purify wastewater so that it can be reused. However, water recycling and reusing can also be accomplished in-house.
More facilities are taking advantage of onsite non-potable water reuse systems (ONWS). These systems allow wastewater from the building to be stored, treated, and reused for purposes like toilet flushing and irrigation, not human consumption.
There are several solutions available for addressing water scarcity and promoting water sustainability. We also possess technologies capable of extending our water supplies, ensuring sufficient water availability for the present and future generations.
Facilities managers are crucial in addressing water scarcity due to their unique position in managing and maintaining buildings and facilities. By installing water-saving and -eliminating technologies in facilities, they can become key players in the world’s effort to address water scarcity and promote water sustainability.
Klaus Reichardt is a frequent speaker and author on water conservation issues. He is the founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc., a marketer of waterless urinals and other restroom products. He may be reached at klaus@waterless.com