Today, thousands of people are still dying due to the lack of water or its contamination. This happens especially in developing countries while in the modern world the water is also used as a source of energy; furthermore, a large quantity is wasted doing everyday actions. This diversity is not acceptable, but the inadequate distribution or resources is not a new issue.
It is important to distinguish wastewater made by people in their houses and wastewater related to big industries.
As for companies, the water used in the production chain by industries becomes polluted and even toxic for our health. So, when corporate social responsibility and the attention for circular or green economy are not the main objectives, the result is a huge wastewater and serious consequences for the environment.
First, it is necessary to consider the impact on sea wildlife: the coral reef is disappearing, and experts have found microplastics inside the body of various fishes that we eat and this means that we pollute the environment and then the effects are toxic.
Polluted waters have a separate treatment in the process of recycle of in a circular economy vision. However, this implies a high cost that companies are not willing to pay because it is easier to throw them into the rivers. That is why metals, viruses, bacteria and other substances are contained in our water.
Source: Life cycle assessment from Botta Packaging
As for people, even when we have a daily shower, we never consider the ingredients of our shampoo and scrub for instance. Microplastics are contained in these products and they enter in the water.
In conclusion, organizations are trying to fight against water waste. For instance, UNESCO has established the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP). Its aim is to provide concrete solutions and knowledge in order to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Sources:
https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/recycling-reusing-wastewater-can-solve-global-water-crisis-un-5679/
