Day two of Connected by Water 2024 featured a call to action on the importance of water as a resource in building a successful circular economy.
By 2030, global demand for freshwater will exceed viable resources by 40%, if we continue with business as usual. “The circular economy is the only viable economic framework to grow jobs and industry in a resource and carbon constrained future.” – Lisa McLean
Building a circular water smart society
All available water sources must be included to create a true circular water-smart society and, in addition, we need to consider these crucial 6 aspects:
- Discourage and ban use of drinking water for non-potable purposes e.g. construction/renovation;
- Encourage and mandate alternate circular water sources through regulation and building codes;
- Replace with smart, efficient and safe circular water sources for non-potable (e.g. gardens, green roofs, walls);
- Accelerate the implementation of globally accepted standards for safe circular water use
- Safeguard public health and make water reuse available at a lower cost than drinking water by applying fit-for-purpose water quality criteria
- Encourage public-private collaboration among water sector stakeholders to play a leading role in the transformation to a circular economy
To lead Australia’s circular economy transition, the water sector must be included in high-level circular economy strategic discussions.
We need to identify the role of water in the circular economy. Without water, there is no opportunity.
Read the full article here.
