We often discuss the prevalence and importance of water issues, sustainability and expected demand and supply challenges. These topics also surface throughout the year at industry trade shows, conferences, symposiums and educational events.

Viewpoints surrounding these topics are plenty and I recently received the following letter from one of our frequent contributors, Klaus Reichardt from Waterless Co.:

"Patrick Lucey, a Canadian water expert, made a powerful comment at a Soil and Water Conservation Conference held a couple of years ago. He stated, ‘The future will be written in water … not ink.'

According to Lucey, Canada has 25 percent of the world's surface freshwater supplies. Another 25 percent is located in Russia's Siberia. This leaves 50 percent of all freshwater for the rest of the world. And, with populations growing and emerging nations becoming more economically powerful, maintaining ample water supplies will be a serious challenge.

There are ways to ensure that water supplies are adequate — or at least more so than anticipated — in coming years. For example, some facilities are now being built or retrofitted with systems that capture wastewater after a rainfall event so that it can be recycled and reused for irrigation, laundry, toilets, etc. Experts believe the drain on drinking water can be reduced by as much as 70 percent if most, rather than some, facilities install these systems.

It will also be beneficial for building owners and managers to recognize water conservation as adding value to a facility. At one time, most building owners/managers believed building and operating facilities in a more sustainable and environmentally preferable manner was just an added expense with little or no payoff. However, making facilities greener is not only proving to be a cost savings, but is adding real value as well. To prospective tenants, a green and sustainable building is viewed as a well-built, well-run facility that they find desirable. It also can result in significant cost savings.

Nevertheless, we cannot depend solely on new green designs and water conservation technologies to help us delay or minimize a possible water shortage. People around the world must also be educated on how to use water more responsibly.

Educating people on water issues, future water trends and the need to conserve water will likely do more to make water conservation a reality in years to come than any new green or water conserving technology."

To read Reichardt's complete Letter to the Editor, please click here.