UN’s trouble gold and the too slow rush CTBC Financial Management College 30 March 2017

a few days ago the UN celebrated the World Water Day In its reports wastewater referred to as ‘the new black gold’ a more systematic use of recycled water the recommended trend for businesses and governments worldwide our present way of looking at water to be reconsidered; water under social pressure in 13 years, the demand for clean water to grow by 50% while the offer is shrinking used water an ‘untapped resource’; the ‘inevitable revolution’ the Int’l Space Station as example of high-performance wastewater treatment system

the Earth far from ISS’s performance: in average, 80% of wastewater dumped in the environment (only 30% in developed countries) untreated wastewater flowing directly into rivers and seas responsible for serious pollution problems that affect the fishing and food industry in wastewater oxygen is scarce, which seriously damages the aquatic flora and fauna 2.4 B people on the planet don’t have access to clean water, with 842,000 dead because of water-related illnesses in Lagos, Nigeria, 18 M people live together without a central sewage system; wastewater dumped directly into rivers and ocean through surface ditches presently, costs keep political decision-makers more interested in securing a sufficient supply of clean water rather than recycling the waste one

to potential investors, the UN extolls some enticing benefits of treating wastewater: a. 22% of phosphorus, presently mined but running low (out in 50-100 yrs.) could be obtained from human excrements b. nitrogen and biogas as byproducts of the purification process that starts from sludge (muck of wastewater) at the economic forum of 2015, water shortage was declared the major risk individuals and businesses are facing in the next 10 yrs. in 2009, Dubai signed a contract with Hitachi for wastewater management, with the Japanese concern planning to expand aggressively in the region recycling water, especially for industrial processes, provides huge long term benefits to businesses:

a. compliance with the laws– If wastewater is discharged to tank, there is a cost of disposing it to trade waste. If wastewater is not properly discharged to sewer, it affects compliance laws which can be harmful to any business (in terms of costs and reputation with the councils). Water recycling systems easily maintain regulatory compliance. b. costs – Water recycling one of the best ways for water management in an industrial or commercial wash down facility. Long term, it provides a high return on investment. Containerised systems have a small carbon footprint, can be installed quickly, are relocatable. c. efficient system – recycling is an efficient way of managing supply and demand (the business practically gets control over the supply) d. protecting the environment  – When in a closed loop system, it prevents pollutants from entering waterways and sewers. By conserving water, it benefits one’s environment, community and business.