Blockchain tech will transform global water access and management | Opinion

Access to clean water is a fundamental human need, yet billions of people worldwide still struggle to obtain it. According to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress, and this number is only expected to grow due to climate change and population growth. 

Traditional water management systems have struggled to address these challenges, often hampered by inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and inadequate resource allocation. Blockchain technology offers a promising solution to these challenges, providing equitable access and sustainable utilization of this crucial resource.

The current state of water management

Water management today faces several pressing issues. Inefficiencies in water sourcing, distribution, and usage, combined with the lack of real-time monitoring, frequently result in wasted resources and misallocation. Many water sources fail to exploit their full potential due to infrastructure and funding shortages. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report indicated that the United States would need to invest $625 billion over the next 20 years to fix, maintain, and improve the country’s drinking water infrastructure due to aging pipelines and other infrastructure issues. Additionally, in the United States alone, household leaks can waste nearly 900 billion gallons of water annually nationwide. That equals the annual household water use of almost 11 million homes. 

Additionally, corruption and mismanagement in water resource management can result in unequal distribution, with disadvantaged communities often bearing the brunt of water shortages. For example, South Africa is grappling with myriad challenges to its water security—droughts, inadequate water conservation measures, outdated infrastructure, and unequal access to water resources. The country faces significant water scarcity, with demand expected to surpass supply by 2030, creating a projected gap of 17%.

Furthermore, the global water industry is heavily monopolized, with a few key players controlling a significant portion of the market. These companies exert substantial influence over the water supply chain, often prioritizing profit over fair distribution and environmental responsibility. This concentration of power can lead to inflated prices and limited access for vulnerable populations. The global bottled water market alone is projected to reach $509.18 billion by 2030, with these major corporations capturing a significant revenue share. This monopolization exacerbates existing inequalities in water access and highlights the need for more decentralized and community-driven water management solutions. 

The potential of blockchain in water management

Blockchain technology can address these issues by providing a transparent, secure, decentralized platform for managing water resources. This approach offers several advantages:

• Transparency and accountability. The immutable ledger of blockchain guarantees that all transactions and data entries are transparent and cannot be altered once recorded. This transparency can reduce corruption and ensure that water resources are allocated fairly and efficiently. For example, blockchain can be used to track water usage from source to end-user, providing a clear record of how water is distributed and used. This level of transparency can help hold authorities accountable and manage water resources sustainably.
• Efficient resource management. Blockchain can facilitate the creation of smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. These contracts can automate water distribution based on real-time data, directing water to where it is needed most. For instance, smart contracts could be used to manage urban water supply systems, automatically adjusting water distribution based on consumption patterns and real-time demand. This can help optimize water use, reduce waste, and ensure that households and businesses receive the appropriate amount of water at the right time.

In Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has implemented a blockchain-based smart water grid initiative as part of its broader smart city strategy. This project integrates blockchain technology with IoT sensors to monitor water usage in real time, manage distribution, and detect leaks. The decentralized ledger ensures data integrity and transparency, allowing for more efficient water management and reduced waste. DEWA’s initiative aims to enhance sustainability and resource management in the rapidly growing city, highlighting the potential of blockchain to support urban water management and conservation efforts.

Community participation and ownership

Through blockchain, individuals can directly control and monetize their access to water resources, eliminating the need for third-party intermediaries. This direct control model allows local communities to make collective and transparent decisions about their water usage. By managing their water directly from the source, communities can tailor water management practices to their specific needs, promoting fair distribution and fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship.

Moreover, future models could enable people to monetize their water access through web3 technologies. For example, a community-to-business (C2B) model could allow individuals to sell water directly to businesses. In this model, individuals do not need to own the water outright but can profit from staking their tokens during event sales pools. This approach not only supports sustainable water management but also creates economic opportunities for community members. Additionally, a “Burn to Secure” protocol can be used to provide water allocation rights. This protocol offers a real sense of water security and financial opportunity, allowing individuals to redeem their rights. This system not only secures future water allocations but also enhances token scarcity and value.

Furthermore, a pure sense of investment is achieved through investments in water sources. This leads to potential financial returns and dividends, tackling the inefficiencies in water sourcing mentioned earlier. By investing to fund infrastructure projects, such as building factories and improving distribution systems, more water can be brought to communities, creating additional economic opportunities.

Monetizing water access through the C2B model, the “Burn to Secure” protocol, and investments in water sources all generate economic benefits for the community, promoting a more equitable and efficient water management system.

Overcoming challenges

While blockchain technology has the potential to improve water management, there are challenges to its adoption. The complexity of blockchain systems and the need for technological infrastructure can be barriers, particularly in developing regions. Additionally, there are concerns about the substantial energy consumption of blockchain networks. However, technological advancements and the development of more energy-efficient blockchain solutions are helping mitigate these concerns. Moreover, education and capacity-building are crucial to ensure that stakeholders understand how to use blockchain technology effectively. Governments, NGOs, and private sector partners need to work together to provide training and support for communities and water management authorities.

Blockchain technology offers a practical and effective means to improve water management. Beyond addressing inefficiencies, blockchain empowers communities, promotes sustainable practices, and opens new economic opportunities through models like community-to-business (C2B). As we confront the escalating challenges of climate change and population growth, blockchain is not just an innovative solution—it represents a fundamental shift in how we manage and value water resources. Embracing blockchain in water management is essential for creating a sustainable, equitable future, changing how we interact with and protect our most vital resource.