Policy Focus for Water: Focusing on savings in water use, reuse, and wastewater treatment: Use less. Use it again.

How bad is the water crisis? Every 8 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease. About 50 percent of people in developing countries suffer from one or more water-related diseases and 50 percent of people on earth lack adequate sanitation. Not only is the toll a human tragedy, but it means these people are less able to carry on productive lives, and this undermines social and economic development.

The complexities of a water supply and wastewater system called for an integrated and holistic approach that underpins coordinated, responsive, and sustainable water resource management. Such an approach integrates water sources, water- use sectors, water services, and water management levels at the household, community, and city.

FEWW Strategies for Water Systems Water is a critical resource, and businesses have an important role in managing it sustainably to ensure availability for future generations. Water Conservation: Organizations should assess their water usage and implement conservation practices, including low-flow fixtures, recycling greywater, and rainwater harvesting. Efficient Irrigation: In agricultural settings, smart irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation and water sensors, can minimize waste while optimizing water use. Wastewater Management: Organizations that produce wastewater should invest in treatment systems to clean and recycle water, reducing freshwater consumption and pollution. Watershed Protection: Work with local communities to protect natural watersheds, reducing runoff, preventing pollution, and promoting the health of local water sources.

An integrated water management system looks at water as a resource, that has to be properly collected, treated, supplied, used, and the waste water rendered harmless before being released back into nature - principles that closely resemble those of a circular economy itself. Instituting and operationalizing a circular economy not only requires the prudent use of water at every stage stage of the production and consumption processes, but also its efficient collection, reuse, recycling and treatment.

From the FEWW Nexus perspective, integrated water policies in a circular economy is focused on prudent resource management. Water and waste/gray water are critical inputs for food production and consumption, and also require considerable energy in their collection and treatment before consumption, and in filtering waste water.

Use less! Use it again!

These SDGs aim to ensure access to safe and clean water, improve water management and sanitation, and conserve and sustainably use marine resources.