Mainstreaming Water Recycling to Support Water Security in Asia

From drinking and showering to food and energy supplies, every aspect of life depends on a stable and clean water supply. Hence, ensuring water security for everyone is crucial to sustaining life everywhere. However, the rapid population growth in Asia and climate change have put pressure on water resources in the continent, making them increasingly scarce. Can water recycling be a potential solution?  

Supply and Demand

The Asian continent is home to nearly 60% of the world’s population. In 2024, there are more than 4.8 billion people in the Asian continent, making it the most populous region on the planet. Despite the projected slowing growth rate and risk of population decline in the upcoming years, the population will still hit an all-time high. 

This trend means the demand for clean water and other resources will continue to increase. Some regions in Asia, especially South and Southeast Asia, are already facing significant water security challenges. In 2023, over 347 million children in South Asia were exposed to high water scarcity caused by poor water quality, lack of water supply, and mismanagement. In Indonesia and the Philippines, millions still lack access to sanitation and are water insecure due to far and contaminated water sources, as well as the inability to afford water. These situations impact their wellbeing as they are prone to diseases, food insecurity, and threatening economic growth. 

A study shows that the water sources of Asia’s major rivers, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the “Water Tower of Asia,” are at risk of a significant reduction in clean water by 2060. This is caused by glaciers that melt faster in the area and could reduce freshwater reserves and destabilize river flows. Other major rivers in the region, such as the Mekong, Ganges, and Indus, are also facing degradation due to irresponsible use that leads to pollution and is exacerbated by climate change-induced extreme events like droughts and floods. 

Future projection shows that the gap between the demand and supply of clean water will reach 40% by 2030. According to the OECD, a large portion of this demand comes from the industrial sector, which is projected to rise by 250%. 

Water Recycling 

As the demand for clean water continues to rise, the issue of the global water crisis could worsen if water management does not adapt to current challenges. One possible option to address this challenge is to implement water recycling. 

Water recycling involves purifying wastewater to turn it into clean water that can be used for industrial and agricultural purposes. The treatment, also known as water reclamation, focuses on reducing dependence on limited natural water resources and minimizing the amount of contaminated water released into the environment. 

Several countries have successfully adopted water recycling. For instance, Namibia became the first to utilize water reclamation by establishing the Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant (GWRP) in 1968. To counter severe water shortages and increasing stress on groundwater due to a growing population at the time, Namibia used direct potable reuse (DPR), which purifies wastewater through processes like ozonation, carbon absorption, and membrane filtration. This ensures the water is safe to use and guarantees the supply of water.

Another example is NEWater in Singapore. After intensive research, Singapore launched the NEWater reclamation plant in 2003. The plant treats wastewater through three stages: microfiltration/ultrafiltration, Reverse Osmosis (RO), and ultraviolet disinfection. Microbiological, chemical, and physical tests show that the water quality surpasses the standards set by the World Health Organization.

Potential Solution

High population growth, urbanization, and climate change affect Asia’s water supply, and immediate solutions are needed. In addition, countries in Asia still rely heavily on groundwater, leading to land subsidence from over-extraction. As a result, cities like Jakarta, Manila, and Hanoi are at risk of sinking. Therefore, large cities in Asia could benefit from large-scale water recycling plants, while rural areas might adopt decentralized systems of water reclamation. 

While water recycling infrastructures need significant resources to build and maintain, the long-term benefits could make it a more cost-effective option. Unsustainable water usage could lead to environmental damage and health risks that may cause high long-term costs. In addition, water recycling reduces the need to transport water from distant sources as it reuses local wastewater. This lowers transportation costs and decreases the energy required for water processing, making it a more sustainable and cost-efficient solution. Still, Asia’s diverse economic and geographical contexts require tailored approaches. When adapted effectively, water reclamation can be a solution to significantly enhance water security across Asia.

Sustainable Practices for Water Security

It is important to note that freshwater takes time to naturally replenish and become suitable for consumption, making its supply limited. Therefore, governments need to recognize the critical link between population growth and resource availability, particularly the supply of clean water. Adopting water recycling and other sustainable practices can help ensure water availability and prevent water scarcity. 

Additionally, sectors with extensive water usage must adopt more sustainable practices to reduce excessive consumption. This includes implementing sustainable agricultural methods and constructing eco-friendly built environments that use water more efficiently. Sustainable water management goes beyond ensuring adequate water supply alone. Equal distribution is crucial to ensure water accessibility and affordability for everyone. Therefore, empowering youth and women, strengthening transboundary water governance, and rebuilding infrastructure to support water access are essential to achieving inclusive reach and contributions. Overall, funding, research, and policies aligned with sustainability goals are crucial to achieving water security for all.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma & Kresentia Madina

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