Having been involved with water-related issues for over thirty years, I have witnessed a significant evolution in the terms used to discuss water-related issues.

Years ago, when it came to reducing water consumption, the term most frequently heard was water conservation. That was true until about ten years ago when a new term became popular: water efficiency.

So, we are clear: water conservation focuses on short-term reductions in water consumption, such as during a drought.  That's not the case with water efficiency.

Water efficiency refers to long-term water reductions, emphasizing the need for sustainable, long-lasting solutions. Typically, this means installing products, devices, and technologies that use less, or no water compared to traditional products.

Waterless urinals are a perfect example. They eliminate the need for water, making them a long-term solution to reducing water consumption.

However, today, a new word is evolving. This one reflects changes in climate conditions in different regions around the globe. That word: aridification.

Aridification is the gradual process whereby a region becomes increasingly dry and hot, diverging significantly from its historical climate norms.  At its very worst, aridification can lead to fires and severe fire conditions, as has happened in Southern California.

Dealing with the Challenges of Aridification

Fortunately, there are steps we can take now to address aridification. Among them are the following:

Embracing Water-Efficient Technologies

During the oil crisis of 1973, many countries around the world, along with builders and designers, were forced to examine their buildings' energy use and efficiency. They realized that these facilities were built to depend on fossil fuels to heat them in the winter and cool them in the summer. After the oil crisis, buildings were constructed so that they used less energy and used it more efficiently.

Due to aridification, we must do the same with water when constructing and renovating buildings. Further, with every restroom fixture and water-using device installed in a facility, we must ensure that the most water-efficient systems are selected and installed.

Expanding Water Reuse Programs

This is the practice of reclaiming water from various sources, treating it, and reusing it for beneficial purposes. This could be for vegetation and human consumption.

Some areas of the world have extensive recycling and reuse programs, but far too many have few or none. Making matters worse, it is often in these areas that aridification is most acute. To ensure water security around the globe and deal with the many challenges aridification poses, water reuse programs are necessary, and for those countries that already have them, they must be expanded.

Desalination's Possibilities

Saudi Arabia pioneered the use of desalination technology in 1938. However, historically, desalination plants have faced significant challenges starting with their excessive costs to build and operate. Plus, there are environmental concerns. They often require substantial energy, typically derived from fossil fuels like petroleum, to operate and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Today, desalination costs are decreasing. Moreover, mobile desalination systems are available that can be placed where and when needed, offering significant cost savings. This makes desalination technology more viable globally.

We started our discussion about how the terms used to discuss water-related issues have been changing. However, one thing that has not changed in all these years is that we can address our water challenges, including those caused by aridification. Technology is on our side. We just must put it to use.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com