Industries annually waste billions of liters of invaluable community water through their chimneys
Water is an invaluable resource, essential for life, and in the industrial world, also essential in various industrial processes. Today water waste through industrial chimneys is a hidden and overlooked issue that contributes to both water scarcity and environmental pollution. Industries, regulatory bodies, and governments need to act. The good news is there are solutions within reach.
While most people associate water usage with agricultural, residential, and municipal needs, the industrial sector is a significant consumer and, often inadvertently, waster of water. A lesser-known but concerning issue is the loss of water through industrial chimneys.
Industries often employ evaporative cooling systems to regulate the temperature of equipment and processes, or wet scrubbers to remove pollutants from exhaust gases. Water is frequently used for these purposes, and is partly released as steam through chimneys, as water waste. In many manufacturing processes steam is a critical component, and the generation of steam often involves the release of water vapor into the atmosphere, contributing to water loss.
The exact amount of water lost through industrial chimneys can vary widely depending on sector and the specific processes involved. However, it's safe to say that it accounts for a significant portion of water wastage in the industrial sector.
Estimates say that industries worldwide release billions of liters of water annually through their chimneys, contributing to both water scarcity and environmental pollution.
Now industries, regulatory bodies, and governments need to act
Water waste through industrial chimneys is a hidden and overlooked issue depraving communities on its much-needed water for municipal needs. Today this might not seem like a problem for all communities. But an awakened water awareness is expected in large parts of the world, as climate change and extreme weathers provoke unpredictable water supplies and water scarcity.
We can no longer take global water resources for granted. Recognizing the extent of this problem and acting responsibly is crucial for a sustainable (water) future.
Industries, with the right technologies and practices, can significantly reduce water loss, contributing to water conservation efforts. Governments can play a crucial role by imposing stricter regulations and standards on industrial water usage and emissions. Monitoring and controlling industrial water wastage and encouraging industries to adopt more water-efficient practices.
The good news is there are solutions within reach
Dealing with the chimney-water-waste issue, optimizing the efficiency of these systems, businesses can significantly reduce the amount of water lost, and close in on a more water-responsible and sustainable industrial sector. The good news is that there are solutions within reach:
Upgrading evaporative cooling systems to be more water-efficient can significantly reduce water loss. Investing in technologies like dry coolers, which use air instead of water for cooling, can be a more sustainable choice.
Implementing water recycling systems within industrial facilities can substantially decrease water consumption. Treated water from various processes can be reused, reducing the need for freshwater inputs.
Industries can adopt more efficient scrubbing techniques that minimize water usage and improve the capture of pollutants, thereby reducing water loss through chimneys.
Facilities that use steam in their processes can install condensate recovery systems to capture and reuse water vapor that would otherwise be lost.
Investing in technologies that optimize water usage across all industrial processes can have a significant impact on conserving water. A responsible airborne water management allows water intensive industries to act in coherence with a transforming world. To aim for a sustainable future, even lead the way. Securing their businesses in the process.
Jonas Wamstad,
Water innovator and co-founder of Drupps