A Water Shortage? Not Really
Wired UK published a great article that will help you understand the main misconception people generally have about the“water crisis”-The decades-long quest to end drought (and feed millions) by taking the salt out of seawater- but the main point I'll focus on is that:
The world isn’t short of water, it’s just in the wrong place, and too salty
There is actually a fixed amount of water in the worldand with the immense amount of potable drinking water that’s wasted, droughts and water shortages can (and will continue to) be exacerbated. The natural hydrologic cycle isn’t able to replenish itself fast enough.The system is totally out of whack.
97% of potable drinking water, as defined by the most basic standards, is NOT used for actual consumption
What does that bode for how we treat water in the future? More recycling of course. It’s happening... especially in countries and regions that are forced to do so for various reasons.
Consumers will also begin to distinguish between different water qualities they consume!
Water is one of the most important things we ingest and yet, we take drinking water completely for granted. The market is based almost totally on convenience and half-truths as opposed to true quality.
Consumers will begin to force our regulators to create and enforce tighter regulations on drinking water quality. That will likely increase the cost of your drinking water out of the tap. But you’ll realize many bottled waters are glorified tap waters. The overall recycling system will also improve as price differentials emerge and consumers are more incentivized to pay attention to overall water consumption.
As consumers begin to value superior drinking water quality, everyone will benefit from higher standards generally.
#water #food #drought #innovation #desalination #farming #agriculture