Several practices have been applied over the past few decades to ensure the responsible use of water resources and provide sustainable urban development. In this article, you will understand the pillars of water management, learn about the main laws on the subject and the challenges for the preservation of this precious asset.

What is water management?

Water management is the set of measures and actions aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of water resources. Its main objective is to promote strategies that reconcile diverse demands such as human consumption, irrigation, electricity production, transportation, industrial activities, among others.

Integrated water management is comprised of three fundamental pillars:

• efficient use: to avoid waste, it is necessary to invest in technologies and processes that allow the most efficient use of water;
• equality in allocation: it is important to ensure that water distribution is equitable and fair, considering different needs and priorities of use;
• protection of ecosystems and water resources: there must be specific measures for the conservation of rivers, lakes and other water sources to prevent pollution and ensure the integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

How is water managed?

Water management must follow the parameters required by legislation and specific regulations of municipal, state, and federal agencies. A Federal Constitution of 1988 defines water as a public good to be managed in an integrated and participatory manner by governments, companies, civil society organizations and citizens.

Already 1934 Water Code determined the rules for the use of water resources in the country and the creation of regulatory and supervisory bodies. In addition, we have Water Act 1997, which establishes the National Water Resources Policy based on the following guidelines:

• promote the multiple use of water, prioritizing human supply and animal desettlement, in addition to economic activities, such as irrigation, industry, power generation, navigation and fishing;
• preserve aquatic ecosystems and ensure the availability of quality water for present and future generations;
• grant water use rights based on technical criteria to ensure rational and sustainable use;
• continuously monitor and evaluate water quality parameters;
• promote research, development, and technological innovation to improve water management.

One of the most important measures in this regard is the preservation and reconstitution of riparian forests, which help protect waters and reduce pollution by sediments and nutrients. Another aspect that deserves special attention is the optimization of the techniques adopted in the various stages of water treatment to avoid contamination.

What are the challenges of water management?

One of the main challenges of water management is to develop viable models compatible with the concept of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), which has been adopted by companies and investors for the development of more sustainable businesses. As the acronym itself suggests, its basic premises are:

• environmental, which refers to the responsible management of natural resources and the environmental impacts resulting from business activity;
• social (social), which addresses social responsibility practices in relation to employees, suppliers, customers and the community in general;
• governance, referring to the corporate management practices, transparency, and ethics adopted by the organization.

Adapting to this new market demand requires the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) to identify the consequences of productive activities and develop measures capable of minimizing or eliminating them. A cycle of continuous process improvement must be established to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

One of the most important steps to consider is the treatment of industrial effluents, especially with regard to emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, hormones, pesticides, and industrial chemicals.

Once released into the environment, these substances accumulate in water bodies, causing the death of aquatic organisms and contaminating soils and sediments.

In addition, the presence of these wastes in water used for human consumption can result in serious health damage, such as hormonal disorders, neurological diseases, and reproductive problems.

The identification and monitoring of emerging contaminants is fundamental to developing treatment strategies and minimizing risks associated with them.

Does your company need to improve water management methods? Learn about 6 preservation actions to take today!

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