The concept of rethinking water refers to an innovative water management approach. Sustainable food security needs a fundamental shift in how we manage precious water by recognising that it is getting scarce and moreover, that it is a crucial resource which is essential for food processing, agriculture as well as human survival, specifically with demand planned to surpass supply, thereby entailing improvements such as efficient waste water systems and furthermore, reusing that water to reduce strain on freshwater. It projects that even though water seems abundant, it is a serious bottleneck for feeding this much growing population, thereby affecting everything, from growing several crops to packaging our food.
For processing food efficiently concerning water, it is important for the industries to emphasise not just water reduction but also recycling and reusing this water throughout the complete cycle of production. This incorporates adoption of new technologies and approaches, changing functional behaviours and enhancing processes – everything to minimise the overall water footprint of the production of food.
Why rethinking water is crucial
- Scarcity of water: The demand for freshwater is expected to exceed the supply of water globally by 40% by the year 2030, thereby creating massive pressure on food and beverage industries.
- Steps on the Value Chain: Water is essential as it is integral to agriculture, for the growth of food and also for processing food, such as for the process of cooling, cleaning and packaging, as well, thereby making its responsible management crucial.
- Functional Efficiency: People are finding major savings by executing smarter water use.
- Adapting to climate change: As the climate is changing year by year, future climate scenarios suggest increased amounts of water deficits, thereby making the reuse of water and integrated management crucial for food supplies in future.
The process of rethinking water
- Innovation: It involves implementing modern advanced technologies, such as efficient treatment for wastewater, and reusing the systems in the production of food.
- Water Stewardship: It incorporates shifting beyond functions for the purpose of collaborating on the responsible use of water across entire regions globally.
- Integrated management: This encompasses the designing of system-wide water portfolios that are in combination with reservoir management, allocation, and also reuse in order to meet the diverse needs.
- Shifting Mindsets: It is crucial to recognise the true value of water, which is the same as the diamond water paradox, for ascertaining sustainable availability for ecosystems, communities and business.
Core strategies for efficient water use in the processing of food
- Water audits:
- Treatment of wastewater
- Recycling water and reusing
- Automation and precise control
- Modern design of equipment
- Waterless alternatives
- Optimised production scheduling
- Management of water quality
Conclusion
With the help of the implementation of the above-mentioned strategies, it is possible for the food industry to significantly reduce the functional costs, thereby lessening the strain on local as well as global water supplies and enhancing the overall sustainability of the environment. NK Dairy Equipments provides you with all the tools and machinery for your needs. Mrs Himpreet Kaur works towards supplying the best quality equipment for dairy needs. You can buy water RO plants and other dairy processing-related plants. We are trusted by more than 10,000 clients. And you can be one of them. Visit us today and buy for your specific needs.
FAQs
Q1: How can we manage water scarcity?
A: You can manage water scarcity by implementing water-efficient technologies such as smart metering and recycling water in processes, thereby optimising workflows and enhancing irrigation on farms.
Q2: What are the biggest challenges in rethinking water?
A: The biggest challenges are scarcity, ageing infrastructure, pollution – metals, pesticides and pathogens, energy costs and climate change impacts.
