Working with Governments to Deliver Clean Water to the World
We tend to neglect water infrastructure until a crisis occurs, so inefficiencies and threats to public safety build up over time. The Global Water Partnership and the OECD estimated economic losses from water management issues at a staggering $474 billion a year. By repairing water infrastructure, confronting local scarcity, and preparing for climate change, we can create sustainable economic growth and new jobs.
Our consulting solutions identify and mitigate risks associated with municipal and government water projects. Our expert consultants work with your organization to develop a sustainable strategy for resource deployment.
MUNICIPAL SYSTEMS
Our consultants use the latest methods to identify inefficiencies in water management systems.
SAFETY INSPECTIONS
Our inspectors ensure the delivery of clean water to areas with growing demand.
Contact us to learn more about our water consultancy practice.
In the short-run, an increasing number of local governments face water scarcity issues. For example, California suffered from a severe drought between 2014-2017. Much of the American Southwest will have to deal with a broader crisis if the water level of Lake Mead continues to fall.
Another hot spot for local water scarcity is Central Asia, where the Aral Sea has already suffered terrible damage. China's Belt and Road Initiative promises to bring economic development, but it also places significant demands on local water resources. The keys to dealing with local shortages are better planning and systems that can adapt to temporary fluctuations. Developing more robust water systems will also help us to prepare for climate change.
Developing countries may be able to tap into the multi-billion-dollar Green Climate Fund to build water infrastructure. Climate change is a new challenge for all local governments, and EHI’s consultants can help to develop appropriate funding methods. In the developed world, green asset-backed securities may offer a way to fund ambitious long-term projects. Regardless of location, it is increasingly essential to “waterproof” infrastructure investments to protect them from climate change.
As demand pushes water prices higher, political pressure could mount on energy producers to curtail their use of potable water. Some of the water restrictions introduced in California during the drought remain in place. Green parties made substantial gains in recent EU elections, demonstrating increasing public support for environmental protection. Water projects that make economic sense today can also provide protection from political changes tomorrow.
Excluding transportation costs, using freshwater costs about 50 cents per barrel of water. On the other hand, reusing water costs just 27 cents. The simplest filtration technologies remove only large particles, oil, and gas bubbles. Filtration is considerably less expensive than desalination, and filtered water can still be reused for industrial purposes in many cases. Treating wastewater has significant potential to cut costs.
Hear From Our Experts
Benefits and Risks of Public-Private Partnerships
Energy Can Help to Drive Africa's Recovery
Despite declining oil prices, even relatively developed South Africa experienced rolling power outages due to breakdowns. Maintaining and expanding Africa's power generation capacity is crucial to food security today and economic growth in the future. We have a positive outlook for solar, LNG, wind, and on-site generation in Africa.
Improving Water Management in Latin America
Since water resources touch on multiple concerns like food, energy, and the environment, integrated water resources management is frequently the most effective approach. Latin America and the Caribbean have an abundance of water resources, but that abundance can lead to waste. Even though the region has 30% of the world's water resources on 15% of its land, water is scarce in many parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Speak with an expert
Contact us to discuss your water infrastructure project today.