Is water stewardship a big ask?

Water efficiency, while a useful practice, isn’t enough to manage the risk of too much or too little water or poor water quality.

Whether in industry, business or communities we need a good framework that recognises the need for collective responses to the complex challenges facing the water catchments we all rely on. Ideally it will also be forward looking and help address climate risks as well.

Too much to ask? A framework exists. It just needs to be implemented.

The water stewardship approach allows any water user, anywhere in the world to address the local impacts of the global water crisis. It provides a framework that by measuring the water risks in your catchment helps work towards the five key goals of water stewardship:

1. Establishing good water governance to ensure responsible sharing of water resources
2. Achieving a sustainable water balance within the catchment
3. Attaining good water quality status
4. Protecting important water related areas
5. Delivering safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all (WASH)

The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) is a global multi-stakeholder standard that defines water stewardship as the use of water that is socially and culturally equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial. Practically, this means being a good water manager and having a good understanding of water risks related to your activities and associated catchments.

After all you can’t manage what isn’t measured and even the most efficient operations are affected by all manner of water stress and climate change.

Cress Consulting is a specialist provider of sustainability services and an experienced water stewardship specialist. Cress understands how water risk can impact business operations, supply chains and social licence to operate.

If you would like to talk about how sustainable water management can improve the resilience of your operation or business, please contact us here.