Some 53% of Saudi consumers list clean and safe water as a significant environmental concern, while 80% of them agree that water scarcity can be effectively addressed, said a study. 

 

About 74% of Saudi consumers believe manufacturers/businesses lack clear guidance and/or plans to combat water scarcity, said Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water solutions and services, and the parent company of Nalco Water.

 

Approximately 75% of Saudi consumers perceive government leaders to have a higher level of concern about their impact on water conservation and climate change compared to business and non-profit leaders, said the inaugural Ecolab Watermark Study. About 66% of Saudi consumers believe clean and safe water will be an issue within the next 5 years.

 

Sense of urgency

The study is the first to include Saudi consumers’ attitudes towards climate change and water, and highlights a growing sense of urgency in the kingdom regarding water safety, conservation, and the need for industry to increase sustainability measures. 

 

By 2030, the planet is set to face a 56% water deficit, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI), and 1.6 billion people will lack safely managed drinking water, according to the United Nations. The Middle East and Northern Africa (Mena) region has been recognised as the most water-stressed region in the world, with some 83% of the region's population exposed to water stress caused by climate change. (WRI)

 

Stefan Umiastowski, Ecolab’s Senior Vice-President & Market Head India, Middle East and Africa said: “The findings of the inaugural Ecolab Watermark Study show there is a growing sense of urgency in the kingdom regarding water security, conservation, and pressing need for industries to adopt more sustainable water management practices. 

 

“The good news for industry is that meeting this responsibility will not only deliver positive sustainability but tangible business outcomes too. Through the study, we hope to encourage, educate, and inspire others to take action in protecting this vital resource.” 

 

Working together

By focusing on water and consumer perceptions of the ongoing crisis, Ecolab’s Watermark Study provides insights on where and how stakeholders—whether government, businesses, NGOs or even individuals—can work together to successfully address critical global challenges.

 

Ecolab has played a significant role in developing Saudi Arabia's industrial landscape, collaborating with industries crucial to the kingdom, combining connected chemistry, digital innovation, and expertise to minimise environmental impacts while maximising efficiency. 

 

Ecolab's strategic expansion of the Ecolab Global Intelligence Centre (EGIC) to Saudi Arabia, one of six centers around the globe, underscores its commitment to the kingdom's digital transformation. EGIC is an international network of remote intelligence facilities that specialise in monitoring and analysing the performance of critical technologies. 

 

Building upon its commitment to The National Water Strategy, a cornerstone of the Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps to address global water security challenges. 

 

International Water Organisation

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has recently announced the establishment of the International Water Organisation, headquartered in Riyadh, with a mission to unify global efforts across all facets of the water sector, fostering innovation, technology development, financing, and policy enhancements, all contributing to the cause of water sustainability.

 

“Proactive measures by governments underscore the vital role of responsible water management in a region grappling with the constraints of limited freshwater resources. The insights derived from Ecolab’s Watermark Study should inspire leaders from the private and public sectors to embrace a more significant role in safeguarding this invaluable but limited resource,” Umiastowski added. 

 

Ecolab’s dedication to water sustainability is underscored by a global team of 1,200 scientists, engineers, and technical specialists, operating from 20 cutting-edge technology centres worldwide, including a vital centre at King Abdullah University for Science & Technology (KAUST) in KSA.

 

Science-based solutions

A trusted partner for millions of customers, for over 100 years, Ecolab has been delivering the industry’s most innovative science-based solutions, data-driven insights and service to improve operational efficiencies and sustainability. In 2020, Ecolab was appointed a founding member and co-chair of Water Resilience Coalition, an industry-led initiative of UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate.

 

The Ecolab Watermark Study was conducted in partnership with Morning Consult in 2023 among a sample of general population adults. Ecolab will update and release new editions of its Ecolab Watermark Study.--TradeArabia News Service