In recent years, we have all become familiar with the phenomenon of grid congestion: the electricity grid is so overloaded that companies can no longer be connected or receive additional capacity. But it’s not just the power grid that is under pressure, our water supply is becoming overstretched as well. Water scarcity is emerging as a new form of congestion that companies are increasingly facing.
Closing the loop
In more and more regions, groundwater levels are under pressure, wastewater discharge permits are becoming stricter or more limited, and industrial (drinking) water use is being discouraged.
At Colubris, we experience this every day in our conversations with customers. From slaughterhouses to vegetable processors: entrepreneurs want to move forward but are being told by governments that expansion is only possible if they close their water cycle. Using water more efficiently and sparingly is becoming an essential requirement.
From threat to opportunity
Water scarcity is not just a threat, it also offers opportunities for structural sustainability. With smart technologies, wastewater can be treated, and, where legislation allows, reused. This reduces companies’ dependence on external sources, lowers their water footprint, and strengthens the resilience of their operations. This is precisely where Colubris excels: tailor-made solutions that combine technology, expertise, and efficiency.
In countries such as Namibia, Belgium, Germany, the US, and Australia, wastewater reuse is permitted, sometimes even as drinking water.
- VEOS (Belgium): By purifying and reusing water in their process, VEOS saves 45 million liters of groundwater each year. Read more >>>.
- HEIDEMARK (Germany): Here we implemented a complete system for water treatment and reuse of energy from the purified water. The result: greater sustainability and continuity in production. Read more >>>.
Just as grid congestion has reshaped how we think about energy, water scarcity must do the same for industrial water use. The problem is already here. Let’s acknowledge it, make it part of the conversation, and work together to solve it.