Facing the Challenges of Drought: Taking Action to Preserve Water Resources

On the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, it is essential to remember that water management has become a strategic issue for regions, local governments, and industries. In the face of increasingly frequent and intense droughts, conserving water resources is no longer just an environmental issue. It is also an essential prerequisite for the continuity of economic activities.

Water, a resource under increasing pressure

The acceleration of production and the effects of climate change are causing lasting changes to the water cycle. Droughts are becoming more severe and prolonged. Rainfall is becoming more irregular, and pressure on available resources is increasing.

To conserve water resources, public authorities issue drought decrees that regulate or restrict certain uses when groundwater levels, river levels, or reservoir levels reach critical thresholds.

These measures are essential for protecting natural habitats, ensuring a supply of drinking water for the population, and maintaining ecological balance. However, they can also have significant consequences for industrial, agricultural, and service-sector activities that rely heavily on water.

Drought decrees: A Challenge for Business Continuity

When a region is placed on a "watch," "alert," "enhanced alert, " or "crisis" status, certain companies may be required to reduce their water withdrawals, modify their processes, or suspend certain operations.

For industrial sites in particular, these restrictions pose a major operational risk:

• a decrease or halt in production;
• increase in operating costs;
• difficulties in meeting customer commitments;
• disruption of supply chains;
• impact on environmental and economic performance.

Since 2023, the rules have changed. Facilities classified as requiring environmental protection (ICPE) that are subject to authorization or registration and withdraw more than 10,000 m³/year may be required to reduce their water withdrawals in just a few days:

• Alert: –5%
• Enhanced Alert: –10%
• Crisis: –25%
  And in some local prefectural decrees, restrictions can go as high as –50%.

Anticipating these situations therefore becomes a key driver of resilience. Companies that incorporate water management into their business continuity strategy are better prepared for droughts and reduce their vulnerability to regulatory constraints.

Reduce water consumption to conserve water resources

The first step is to gain a better understanding of water usage within the facilities. Analyzing water consumption helps identify the areas with the highest usage, potential leaks, and opportunities for optimization. In many cases, simple measures can already significantly reduce the volume of water used:

• optimization of industrial processes;
• leak detection and repair;
• internal water recycling;
• improvements to equipment;
• real-time consumption monitoring.

Every cubic meter saved helps conserve water resources while strengthening the site's water supply security.

Wastewater Reuse: a solution for the future

Given the increasing scarcity of water resources, the reuse of treated wastewater (REUT) is an effective solution for conserving water. After undergoing appropriate treatment, this water is used for certain industrial applications, cleaning, irrigation, and even as a water supply for construction sites. This approach reduces the amount of water drawn from natural sources while ensuring access to an alternative water source.

There are many benefits:

• reducing pressure on natural resources;
• improving resilience to droughts;
• reduction in the volume of waste released into the environment;
• ensuring business continuity during periods of restriction;
• contribution to the goals of the ecological transition.

REUT is fully aligned with the principles of the circular economy, in which water is viewed as a precious resource to be reused rather than consumed just once.

Conserving water resources to secure the future

Conserving natural resources is not just about ensuring their availability for human use. It also means protecting rivers, wetlands, groundwater, and all the biodiversity that depends on these environments. When water withdrawals decrease and resources are better managed, ecosystems become more resilient to droughts. This conservation of natural environments helps maintain ecosystem services  essential environmental factors on which our regions and our activities depend.

irYs®, a solution designed to reuse treated wastewater in response to the challenges of drought

Offered as a containerized unit,the irYs® recycles treated wastewater and gives it a second life. By promoting water reuse, the irYs® reduces pressure on natural resources and decreases the volume of polluted water discharged, while limiting the consumption of chemicals and electricity. In times of drought, the irYs® ensures a continuous water supply for major users (farmers, municipalities, and industrial facilities). This enables the continuity of economic activities.

On the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, let us remember that every action counts. Conserving water resources means protecting the environment, strengthening the resilience of economic activities, and preparing regions for the climate challenges of the future in a sustainable way.

Is your business prepared to cope with increasingly severe droughts?

Which of the following statements apply to your site?

☐ I know exactly how much water I use.

☐ I have identified the water uses that are essential to my business.

☐ I know what the consequences of a drought declaration would be for my site.

☐ I have implemented a business continuity plan in the event of water restrictions.

☐ I regularly monitor drought orders in my area.

☐ I have already taken steps to reduce my water usage.

☐ Water leaks and losses are monitored and controlled.

☐ I am researching or using solutions for the reuse of treated wastewater (REUT).

☐ I have identified alternatives to ensure a reliable water supply.

☐ Preserving water resources is part of my environmental strategy.

Results

• 8 to 10 boxes checked: You are well prepared to deal with drought-related risks.
• 5 to 7 boxes checked: You’re on the right track, but some areas could use improvement.
• Fewer than 5 boxes checked: It’s time to take action to preserve water resources and ensure the continuity of your business.