According to the United Nations, around 30% of the world’s population lacks access to clean drinking water, by 2030, the majority of Mexicans may share this situation.

Professors, researchers, and working group members gathered at the event The Next Decade: Water Disruption” to explore solutions to prevent future water scarcity. 

At their conference: “Water Opportunities in 2050,” researchers Mario Ménez and Isabel Martínez emphasized some of the opportunities that must be taken and the solutions that must be found to address the issue of water shortages in the future.

Water scarcity: opportunities and solutions

The “Water Opportunities in 2050” conference discussed strategies for managing water resources and mitigating the effects of environmental catastrophes.

Promoting improvements in human culture about water conservation is one of those important efforts.

They also underlined the importance of using technology to improve water procedures.

Both advise looking at changing people’s water consumption habits and behaviors to safeguard the future of water.

In addition to habits like using less water when taking a shower and avoiding water waste, new agricultural production regions, ideas like the creation of sustainable business methods, and water conservation in the agricultural sector were also shared.

The researchers also emphasize the necessity for developing and implementing technology that promotes water reuse, recycling, and consumption reduction from sources including rivers, lakes, and wastewater.

To do this, they point out the need of creating solutions for water treatment and purification that can eliminate impurities and guarantee the supply of high-quality drinking water.

Water monitoring and intelligent management using sensors and automated systems are examples of other technologies that can help.

Ocean water and water use regulations

The experts highlighted the need to explore the use of salt water and other water sources to guarantee the future.

The abundance of easily available saltwater and the possibility to develop effective desalination and water-to-potable conversion technologies and processes is by far one of the most important improvements the water future could bring.

That action would help reduce reliance on traditional sources, such as rivers and aquifers, among others.

Additionally, they emphasized the need for specific measures including technology, conservation, and improved water management.

This involves influencing people’s behavior, promoting morality, and cutting back on excessive consumption.

Another important factor is the creation of governmental policies that increase water consumption efficiency in both homes and industries like agriculture and industry.

They also pointed out the importance of creating regional, national, and international policies for the equitable distribution of water, the preservation of aquatic ecosystems, and the mitigation of water-related disasters.

“We need to educate our populations to adopt a water culture and promote rational use of this resource,” declared Ménez.

The Future of Water, and the Next Decade

The Next Decade: Water Disruption was organized by INCmty, the Tecnológico de Monterrey entrepreneurship festival.

Experts, researchers, academics, and representatives of organizations, institutions, and businesses concerned with water conservation attended the event.

This initiative was also impulsed by Ruta Azul, the university’s overall sustainability strategy plan, and organizations like the Center for Future Cities, the Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, and Venture Café.

“The success of this mission will be a reflection of collaboration. We have the challenge, opportunity, and responsibility to work together to address the water challenges on the planet,” stated Hugo Garza, Vice President of Strategic Projects at Tec, during the event.