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Aaryan Doshi

Circular Economy for Water Management

Circular Economy Water Management image: adobe firefly

As, per a study conducted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on water scarcity 

  • 2 billion individuals experience a scarcity of water on a scale. 

  • Around 2,700 million individuals face water scarcity for one month each year. 

  • 27 percent of the population is impacted by a scarcity of water resources. 


The issue of water scarcity is exacerbated by the growth of the population in recent decades while the available water resources remain stagnant or even depleted in certain areas. 


The increase, in population doesn't only result in water consumption. It also results in increased demand for water in food production processes as well. In order to satisfy the escalating demands for food production due to population growth we tend to extract groundwater at a rate that exceeds its natural replenishment capacity rate. This surge in demand often leads to extraction of groundwater which causes a decline in water levels and diminishes the availability of this crucial resource. The agricultural necessities of a growing population lead, to the use and wastage of water resources. 


Additionally, urbanization and industrial expansion, driven by population growth, contribute to an increase in impervious surfaces, which limit groundwater recharge. This growth in human settlements alters natural watercourses, often leading to water scarcity.


The city of Chennai in India is a prime example of water challenges on so many levels. It is the 4th largest city in India, with a population of over 12 million people. Chennai is prone to heavy rains and floods. In 2015 it experienced one of the heaviest foods in its history that killed nearly 200 people. Despite such heavy rains, on June 19th, 2019, Chennai experienced its Day Zero event - when the city ran out of water for its inhabitants. 


For years, Chennai’s citizens used to extract water from their wells, severely depleting the groundwater resources. Rapid urbanization and population growth added to water stress - increasing the demand for water. It also depleted the natural ground cover required to absorb rainwater to replenish the groundwater. This created the perfect “storm” for water reduction.


Urbanization is a problem that is no longer limited to developing countries. As climate events such as floods and droughts become more extreme and the urban population continues to spike upwards, cities will increasingly need to grapple with the probability of Day Zero events.  


The linear economy model of water usage and extraction assumes that we have unlimited water resources. Modern water planners will increasingly need to adopt circular water management techniques such as water reuse, harvesting, and regeneration to ensure we continue to extend the useful life of every single drop of water.


References:

Water scarcity. (n.d.). World Wildlife Org. https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity


Chennai, India Population 2024. (n.d.). https://worldpopulationreview.com/cities/india/chennai


Shuller, S. (2023, January 28). Chennai Water Scarcity Solutions Can Help Other Countries Avoid Waterless Living. Pulitzer Center. https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/chennai-water-scarcity-solutions-can-help-other-countries-avoid-waterless-living


Vivas, M. a. U. (2023, July 31). Avoid Water Stress By Utilizing a Circular Economy Model — Harvard ALI Social Impact Review. Harvard ALI Social Impact Review. https://www.sir.advancedleadership.harvard.edu/articles/avoid-water-stress-by-utilizing-a-circular-economy-model

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