Water is running out: Is your strategy ready?

WATER is one of the most critical yet undervalued resources in modern business. As climate change accelerates and global demand increases, water scarcity is no longer a distant environmental issue - it is a present-day business risk.

- ROBERT ERASMUS

For companies operating in water-intensive sectors like mining, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, water security directly affects continuity, reputation, and long-term profitability.

As such, treating water as a strategic business issue is not just about sustainability. It is about survival. When water becomes unavailable, unaffordable, or unreliable, operations stall, communities suffer, and investors take notice. Businesses that continue to view water as merely a compliance item are missing the bigger picture.

Moving from compliance to stewardship

Historically, most businesses have focused on compliance-driven water management. This typically involves ensuring the quality of water discharge, maintaining efficient use, and meeting regulatory requirements. While necessary, this approach is no longer enough.

Water stewardship goes further. It asks businesses to understand their water footprint across the entire value chain and to engage with others who share the same water resources. Water is a shared asset.

Using it sustainably means collaborating with local communities, municipalities, and other industries in the same catchment.

WATER is increasingly becoming a strategic risk. Supply disruptions, stricter regulations, and rising public pressure are already impacting business performance. Investors are observing closely, according to the writer. | TIMOTHY BERNARD Independent Newspapers