However, the rising consumption and careless handling of water resources have unfortunately contributed to global water crises – an alarming concern faced by many people in the world today.

In fact, studies show that two billion people today do not have access to clean water. When population of the world reaches eight billion by the year 2025, annual precipitation around the globe will no longer be enough to meet humanity’s needs, based on research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This means, two thirds of the world’s population will then no longer have access to natural water resources.

Experts say that population growth, water contamination, waste, and the expansion of infrastructure, which increases exploitation of resources, cause the increasing scarcity of natural water resources.

In Asia alone, the World Bank forecasts that the urbanization rate will reach 85 percent. Based on these estimates, by 2030, more than 90% of the Korean population will live in an urban environment. In Mongolia, Malaysia and here in the Philippines, it will be three quarters of the population, and in China and Myanmar, about half. Given the inevitable population increase in Asia, wastewater disposal definitely creates big problems for the governments, not to mention the consequences of poor water quality and the severe ecological damage it brings, since contaminated sewage has been polluting the environment for decades.

UN-Habitat figures show that more than 1.2 billion city dwellers obtain their drinking water from ground water reserves. There are 1.8 billion people who rely on obtaining their water from lakes, rivers, or streams. It is sad to note that these water reserves have become contaminated by organic, pathogenic, and microbiological pollutants. Heavy metals, toxic constituents and microorganic contamination from industry often make water undrinkable.

The World Health Organization (WHO) puts the number of deaths caused by diarrhea at around 1.8 million people per year; 21 percent of all deaths of children below five years of age in developing countries are attributed to this cause.

Hence, the need to find strategies in managing natural potable water reserves. "It is only with additional water treatments and closed-circuit solutions that greater demand and higher expectations of water quality can be satisfied," shares Roger Radke, Siemen’s Water Technologies (WT) Division head (Industrial Solutions and Services Group), during the recently held Asian Media Summit in Singapore.

"Through further development of our product lines and systems for disinfection, we are making a contribution to meeting the rising demand for fresh water from industry and the population," adds Radke, who also heads the USFilter Corporation in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, USA.

Siemens currently has the broadest range of products and process knowledge for every stage of water treatment and provides all-embracing solutions for industries and municipalities. According to Radke, it is impossible anymore to cover fast-rising increase in water demand in the major cities in Asia. That is why, there is a need for solutions to recycle wastewater and surface water. Siemens water technology has the answer. Proven methods of disinfection treatment are UV irradiation or the addition of chlorine or chlorine dioxide. These technologies kill pathogenic bacteria and viruses and prevent re-infection in the pipe network.

Access to affordable and pure water is an important competitive advantage for industrial nations. Governments and companies now realize that the reuse of this resource can cut down expenses, minimize water shortage and improve availability. In face, a Memorandum of Understanding between Siemens and Public Utility Board (PUB), Singapore’s national water agency, was signed to collaborate on water R&D projects, making Singapore as model of sustainable water management.

Today, many nations in Asia consider wastewater as a valuable raw material. "By reusing purified wastewater, communities and industrial operations can save not only substantial amount of money, but also natural water resources," Radke shares.

Health problems are consequences of poor water quality. While technology can make a difference in purifying drinking water, it is still important to take precautionary measures such as better hygiene to help reduce the number of cases brought about by water-borne diseases.

The treatment and recycling of water together with careful and efficient handling of water establishes the preconditions for further growth and development of nations here in Asia. With water scarcity and health-risk water supply as global concerns, technology and management can help prevent undersupply, overcome poverty and bring health and prosperity to millions of people. After all, water is life.