By Mark-Hans Richer, Fast Company
Water quality and scarcity issues are on the rise, but we can help turn back the tide.
Photo: 4kodiak/Getty Images
The United States has faced various economic bubbles, but one lesser-known phenomenon is taking its toll nationwide: the “water bubble.” Earth has a finite amount of water; only 0.5% is accessible, fresh, and usable. It’s our most precious resource, and it’s under incredible stress. Water scarcity is increasing, water quality is deteriorating, and cities and states are scrambling to address these challenges.
The biggest challenges facing water today
Water faces challenges in three key areas: climate change, infrastructure, and water waste. These issues are raising awareness and concern about the future of our water resources.
Climate change: States are struggling with water scarcity due to climate change. Portions of the U.S. are experiencing mega-droughts, leading to prolonged drought events with critically low water levels and prompting many communities to implement water use restrictions. Nowhere is more noticeable than in the western U.S. Moen conducted a 2022 water perceptions survey and found that of the 77% of Americans surveyed who were worried about water scarcity, 87% of them lived on the West Coast.
Infrastructure: America’s aging infrastructure is also detrimental to our drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. As infrastructure continues to decline, it can create water quality and accessibility issues for communities. Areas of concern include the corrosion and maturing of old pipes, pumps, treatment facilities, and sewer lines, all of which can cause devastating water damage and health risks.
Water waste: Water waste is a significant factor contributing to the water bubble. Many Americans use water inefficiently and thoughtlessly, neglecting to fix leaks and using outdated plumbing fixtures. Among the challenges facing water today, Moen has found that water waste, including that caused by daily tasks in the home, is generally the easiest to address and can offer cost-saving benefits. Consumers who repair leaky fixtures and fittings and make efforts to decrease waste can often see a noticeable reduction in their water bills.
To help minimize waste, intelligent solutions such as a Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff can turn off a home’s water supply if it detects a catastrophic leak, plus monitor water usage, so users can make behavior changes to use less water and lower their water bill.
Make a difference
The water bubble affects everyone, even if they don’t realize it. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that lower water levels can contribute to higher concentrations of pollutants, both natural and human, in our water supply. One way to counter that trend is through reduced water usage, which means less water entering the drains and more remaining in natural bodies of water used by wildlife and for human recreation.
Moen’s survey shows that while people want to save water, they sometimes fall short of their good intentions. They don’t turn off the water while brushing their teeth or they leave the shower running to warm up a little too long. One way to address this is through smart technology, which we integrated into our products to help automate water savings.
As the smart home market continues to mature, we’re seeing other companies also offer water monitoring and protection systems that improve consumers’ home life while contributing to a healthier planet. Micro behaviors add up to macro impacts.
Education and advocacy
Not only does water damage create financial and emotional hardship for homeowners, it also strains the home insurance industry. Our research shows that nationally, insurers pay out over $15 billion in water claim damages annually.
Moen is collaborating with major insurance providers such as Farmers to make the adoption of leak-detection products more accessible. Usage can significantly reduce residential leaks, and thus, lower insurance claims for catastrophic water damage.
Household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide. Product innovation and awareness programs can minimize this leakage. We’ve launched a program called Mission Moen to save 1 trillion gallons by 2030, protecting and preserving the world’s most precious resource. Since 2020, Moen has saved over 178 billion gallons of water through product innovations alone.
The water bubble is a looming and often underestimated threat. If it bursts, the consequences will be far reaching, affecting our health, food supply, and the planet’s biodiversity. To make a difference, a wide-reaching effort is needed. Other companies also can help address water issues by investing in research, developing innovations that elevate water use in the home and even through philanthropic support for groups that promote clean water practices. By proactively taking steps to address this critical issue, organizations can not only educate consumers on how to help protect this essential resource for generations to come but also contribute to a more sustainable future.