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Marking the State of Water Stewardship
If no one leads on water, the world will run dry. Under current conditions, the World Resources Institute projects that our planet faces a 56% water deficit by 20301. The lasting effects of water stress impact the communities where we work and thrive, compelling businesses, governments and individuals alike to take urgent action. As a global leader in water, Ecolab releases the Ecolab Watermark Study every year to learn where and how to protect this finite resource. By understanding the views and needs of the general population, Ecolab builds the business case for positive change towards a water-secure future.
Brazil Key Findings
Concern About Water
87%
Over the following timeframes, percentages of consumers that are most concerned about:
Clean and Safe Water
64% Today
20% 1-5 Years
8% 6-10 Years
7% 10+ Years
1% Never
Access to Water
61% Today
22% 1-5 Years
9% 6-10 Years
7% 10+ Years
1% Never
Government and Business Responsibility and Care
Share of responsibility each of the following entities should be responsible for:
Conserving Water*
33%
Government
24%
Manufacturing/Businesses
21%
Individuals
18%
Non-Profits/Conservation
Share of responsibility each of the following entities should be responsible for:
Funding Efforts to Conserve Water**
93%
Government
91%
Manufacturers/Businesses
78%
Individuals
78%
Non-Profit/Conservation
How much each of the following types of leaders care about the impact of their organization on:
Water Conservation**
49%
Government Leaders
49%
Business Leaders
63%
Non-Profit/Conservation Organization Leaders
How much each of the following types of leaders care about the impact of their organization on:
Climate Change**
51%
Government Leaders
51%
Business Leaders
64%
Non-Profit/Conservation Organization Leaders
Which industry do you think holds the most responsibility when it comes:
Using the Most Water
44%
Agricultural
37%
Mining
37%
Food & Beverage and Manufacturing
Which industry do you think holds the most responsibility when it comes:
Reducing Overall Water Usage
40%
Mining
39%
Agricultural
33%
Food & Beverage and Manufacturing
Consumers in some regions don't believe governments or businesses are taking enough action to address climate change or water challenges, but they do value communications and reporting on climate progress.
Less than half of global consumers believe governments or businesses have made significant progress towards their sustainability goals.
How much do you agree that Governments and Manufacturers/Businesses have made significant progress towards their respective climate and sustainability goals over the past year?
58%
Manufacturers/Businesses
57%
Governments
Yet the majority of consumers value reporting transparency and believe progress when it is reported.
Percentage of consumers who believe when Manufacturers/Businesses report on their progress
against climate and sustainability goals.
56%
Consumers’ Support for the Environment
78%
58%
Percentage of consumers who have stopped using/purchasing products because of how much water it takes to manufacture them**
72%
Percentage of consumers who are willing to pay a premium for sustainability (everyday items)**
Consumer awareness of climate change policies, such as climate agreements
and regulations, varies heavily by region.
China and IMEA are the most well-versed and aware of these policies,
while the United States and Europe have the least amount of awareness.
How familiar are you with the following current/future policies and forces
that aim to address climate change?
62% The Paris Agreement
55% Net Zero Goals
62% Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
74% United Nations' Conference of the Parties on climate change
68% The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
56% The European Green Deal
53% The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
57% The United States' Inflation Reduction Act
51% Singapore Carbon Pricing Act
Population density had a notable correlation to consumers’ level
of concern for climate and water issues.
Overall, how concerned are you about: Access to Water*
87% Urban
82% Suburban
81% Rural
Overall, how concerned are you about: Climate Change*
89% Urban
85% Suburban
88% Rural
*Total concern = Very concerned + Somewhat concerned
**Percentage shown is total agreement = Strongly agree + Somewhat agree
Advancing Water Stewardship
For over 100 years, Ecolab has worked to protect the resources vital to life by prioritizing water stewardship in our own operations and those of our customers. Across more than 40 industries worldwide, Ecolab helps businesses respond to climate and water challenges by minimizing their water use in critical processes. We help our customers drive lasting impact and achieve an exponential return on investment (eROI) by aligning climate, water, and business growth goals.
Our Expertise
Interested in water stewardship? Explore the following articles for news and trends related to water:
Our Solutions
With more than one trillion gallons of water managed annually, Ecolab combines Connected Chemistry™
with digital insights and industry expertise to drive sustainability and growth in tandem.
Learn more about how Ecolab can help you take a smart water management approach in your operations.
Identify Opportunities with the Smart Water Navigator
Take an Enterprise Approach with Ecolab Water for Climate™
Manage Water Performance with 3D TRASAR™ Technology
