Biobox - Proactively Responsible

Water, an ever-scarcer resource...

Research tells us that water is the most common substance on Planet Earth. But, only 2,5% of all water is fresh (not salty) and two-thirds of that is locked up in the polar ice-caps so it's inaccessible to humans. It's for this reason that strategists have warned that, in contrast to the past and present times when nations went to war over resources like gold and oil, now there's a growing risk of war over water because survival literally depends on it.

Strategists warn that, in contrast to past and present times when nations went to war over resources like gold and oil, now there is a growing risk of war over water - "Who owns the rights to a given river basin?" - because their very survival depends upon it.

It's in these times when increasing populations are demanding more and more water for enhanced lifestyles, that many countries (not only poor and arid ones, but even prosperous and well-watered countries) are seriously considering recycling their wastewater to provide for human consumption, agricultural and industrial use.

Why should I recycle my wastewater?

• We all have a responsibility to conserve and use water wisely. Potable water is costly – a valuable commodity that shouldn't be wasted. For example, in the context of irrigation, water of a lower quality would suffice. Considering that we all pay for the water used in our establishments (through a metered supply, or borehole pumping costs, or from a dam), it makes sound economic sense to optimise this investment by recycling and reusing the water. In doing so, we're reducing the demand on the potable supply and deriving a benefit from the water.
• By recovering, treating and recycling our waste water, we protect our environment. For example, the quality of the groundwater, including the groundwater that we depend on if our water supply comes from a borehole. More and more, local authorities are prohibiting the use of septic tanks, because of the inevitable risks of groundwater pollution. Once polluted, groundwater requires a similar level of treatment as does surface water.
• All over the world, potable water is a scarce commodity. In South Africa alone, prolonged periods of drought, as well as the effects of global climate change are already increasing pressure on this already scarce resource. Now more than ever the old adage "waste not, want not" rings true.

"WASTE NOT, WANT NOT!"