The COP26 global environmental forum that took place earlier this year in Glasgow, Scotland included continuing commitments by many countries to funding and implementing climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. This need for agricultural practices that can withstand current and future climate crises has never been more urgent. The United Nations recently sent out a warning about a current famine in Madagascar, one of the world’s first brought on by climate change. Scientists and government leaders note that this is just the beginning of many such famines caused by environmental changes.
A Need for More Water Conservation
In certain areas of the United States, there is a growing need for more climate-resilient agricultural systems. In California, for example, ongoing droughts have threatened many of the state’s important agricultural crops. With 80 percent of the state’s water being used by the agricultural industry, it is essential that water conservation and recycling efforts be undertaken to more efficiently use what little water is available.
Using recycled water for agriculture is one possible solution to water shortages caused by continuing climate crises. However, many farmers have been unwilling to make the switch to recycled water, based mainly on a belief that recycled water is unsanitary.
The Truth About Recycled Water
Many farmers and members of the general public have had a hard time accepting recycled water as a realistic solution to their water shortage issues. This is mainly due to what can be described as the “yuck factor”, a belief that recycled water is unsanitary.
In a survey of farmers by The Washington Post, most growers (about 83 percent) were willing to use recycled water on ornamental plants. However, when it came to using recycled water for food crops, only 36 percent expressed a willingness to do so.
Recycled water, or municipal treated wastewater, is often seen as being contaminated with bacteria or viruses. However, recycled water that has been treated in wastewater plants is safe for many uses, including agricultural ones. Informational campaigns that educate farmers about the safety of recycled water, and address misunderstandings on how recycled water is produced, may help more farmers get on board with the use of recycled water.
A Troubling Water Future
Current climate projections show that ongoing droughts and other environmental threats will continue to threaten the supply of global freshwater. This just amplifies the need for greater water conservation and recycling efforts.
In order for farmers and the general public to get on board with the use of recycled water, more needs to be done to address misinformation about the safety of recycled water. Targeted information campaigns can educate people about the need for climate-resilient agricultural systems, and the technology (including water recycling) that will help create a more water-secure future.
About Aqua Bio Technologies, LLC
Founded in 2010, Darien, Illinois-based Aqua Bio Technologies is a leading provider of innovative biologic restoration, water reclaim, rain harvest, odor control and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. None of its solutions use ozone, UV, or chemicals of any kind to control odor – only nature. As the manufacturer of the first vehicle wash industry closed-loop water treatment system, the company is able to deliver a substantial savings in time and money to its customers with dramatic reductions is water and sewer costs.
For more information about Aqua Bio and how our systems are designed to save you and your car wash a ton of money by reusing 100% of the water collected contact us today.
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