Water covers more than 70 percent of our planet, yet paradoxically, it remains one of the most limited and mismanaged resources we have. For many people, and indeed many industries, the assumption is that water is abundant and endlessly available. But when we take a closer look at the numbers, a more sobering picture emerges, one that highlights just how little water we truly have at our disposal, and why responsible water management is not only urgent but vital for our future.
The Numbers Behind the Illusion of Abundance
Of all the water on Earth, only about 2.5 percent is freshwater – the type we need for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use. The rest is saltwater, found in oceans and seas, and not directly usable without intensive treatment. Of that 2.5 percent, nearly 70 percent is locked away in glaciers and ice caps. Approximately 30 percent exists as groundwater, much of which is too deep to be economically accessed. This leaves only about 1.2 percent of all freshwater as surface water in rivers, lakes, and swamps – the portion most readily available to us.
When you do the maths, less than 0.03 percent of all the water on Earth is easily accessible for human consumption and use. It is an astonishing figure that underlines the fragility of our freshwater supply. And in countries like South Africa, where droughts, ageing infrastructure, and industrial demand all place stress on available resources, the issue becomes even more pressing.
According to the United States Geological Survey, this scarcity of accessible freshwater highlights the need for sustainable water practices on a global scale.
Why This Matters in South Africa and Beyond
South Africa is classified as a water-scarce country. Climate variability, rising temperatures, and population growth have only exacerbated the situation. Water restrictions have become familiar in many parts of the country, and industries operating here are increasingly aware of the need to improve how they source, use, treat, and discharge water.
Industries such as mining, manufacturing, food and beverage production, and power generation are all heavily reliant on water. However, without sustainable practices in place, the very resource that enables these operations can become a limiting factor. Water scarcity not only threatens business continuity but also places pressure on local communities and ecosystems.
This is why the work of water treatment providers is so vital. The role is not merely to offer technology or chemicals, it is to partner with industries to ensure water is treated with the respect it deserves.
Beyond Consumption: Thinking About the Full Water Cycle
It is not only about how much water we use, but also about how we manage it across its entire journey. The water that enters a facility (influent) and the water that leaves it (effluent) both need to be carefully considered. Reuse and recycling strategies are no longer optional; they are essential tools in building resilience.
Water treatment, effluent management, and chemical usage must all be approached with a long-term mindset. When done right, these efforts not only protect the environment, but they also reduce operational costs and ensure regulatory compliance. But more than that, they demonstrate a deeper commitment to sustainability and a willingness to think beyond the short-term gains and take responsibility for the legacy we leave behind.
The Role of Industry in Safeguarding Our Water Future
There is no doubt that industry plays a critical role in the way water is used and managed. With that comes the responsibility to lead by example. From implementing effective risk assessments and system optimisation, to investing in engineering solutions and quality chemicals that minimise environmental harm, every decision made around water use has a ripple effect.
This is the philosophy that drives us at Rolfes Water. For over three decades, we have worked with businesses across South Africa and Africa to improve water quality, reduce waste, and build systems that last. We understand that our work is about more than just solving today’s challenges, it is about helping to preserve a resource that every generation depends on.
A Shared Responsibility
Addressing water scarcity is not the responsibility of one sector, government, or community alone. It is a shared challenge that requires collaboration, innovation, and awareness. Education is a powerful tool, and the more people understand the finite nature of our water resources, the more momentum we build for change.
As individuals, we can take steps to reduce water waste at home and in our daily routines. As businesses, we must take a strategic approach to water usage, ensuring that efficiency, reuse, and environmental protection are embedded into our operations. As water specialists, our duty is to continue pushing for smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions.
Why Every Drop Matters
The old saying goes, “You do not know the value of water until the well runs dry.” But in our case, we do know the value. We see it every day, in every litre saved, every system improved, and every client we partner with.
Our mission at Rolfes Water is rooted in the belief that water is life and it is our shared responsibility to protect it. Because when we safeguard our water resources, we safeguard our future.
Let us make every drop count – today, and for generations to come.
