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Why Hydraloop supports a Water-Centered Economy
Supporting a Water-Centered Economy through smart water reuse
At Hydraloop, we believe water is far more than a basic utility—it is the foundation of every thriving society and economy. We were inspired by the recent article in Nature Water by Musonda Mumba, Henk Ovink, and Johan Rockström, titled “Water is the silent currency that keeps the global economy flowing.”
Their message is clear: water is undervalued, poorly integrated into economic models, and dangerously overlooked in global policy frameworks. Yet, it is water that fuels agriculture, powers industry, sustains ecosystems, and ensures human well-being. Without reliable access to clean water, every economic system is at risk.
The authors call for a shift to a water-centered economic model—a perspective Hydraloop fully endorses. This means:
- Recognizing water as a finite, essential asset—not an afterthought.
- Embedding water value into economic accounting systems, both nationally and globally.
- Aligning international policy frameworks such as climate (UNFCCC), biodiversity (CBD), desertification (UNCCD), and wetlands (Ramsar) with water as the core unifier.
- Rewarding those who restore ecosystems and protect water resources through mechanisms like Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES).
Hydraloop’s role in building a Water-Centered Economy
At Hydraloop, our portfolio of circular water solutions—including decentralized water recycling systems and circular showers—helps homes, businesses, and buildings reduce freshwater demand safely and efficiently. By closing the loop on water use, we support exactly the kind of circular water thinking this article champions.
We also share the authors’ concern: without bold action, global GDP losses due to water scarcity could reach 8% in high-income regions and 10–15% in low-income areas by 2050.
1. Closing the loop on water waste
Hydraloop’s patented greywater recycling systems and circular shower solutions allow users to cut total freshwater use by 25–45% and reduce shower water use by up to 80%. By treating and reusing water on-site, we reduce the burden on municipal supplies, build household resilience, and bring to life the principle that every drop counts.
2. Aligning with global policy frameworks
Mumba, Ovink, and Rockström emphasize aligning global frameworks—such as the UNFCCC (climate), CBD (biodiversity), and Ramsar (wetlands)—under a shared, water-centric vision. Hydraloop supports this by helping buildings achieve top-tier sustainability certifications (like LEED and BREEAM), illustrating how local water innovation can advance global environmental goals.
3. Rewarding sustainable practices
The article highlights Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) as a tool to incentivize conservation. In parallel, Hydraloop empowers users to reduce costs, minimize their water footprint, and gain recognition for sustainability. By making smart water reuse accessible and measurable, we help individuals and organizations become active stewards of water.
4. Embedding water’s value into economics
Hydraloop’s solutions make it possible to quantify the value of water reuse. Lower utility bills, reduced wastewater fees, and energy savings are direct, tangible benefits that turn water stewardship into sound economic strategy. This directly supports the call to treat water as a critical economic asset—not an invisible input.
Hydraloop’s vision: water as the cornerstone of resilience
To build a water-centered economy, we need scalable innovation at every level. Hydraloop is proud to be part of this transformation with solutions that are:
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Decentralized – reducing reliance on aging, overburdened infrastructure
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Circular – reusing water efficiently without compromising comfort
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Scalable – adaptable for homes, hotels, commercial buildings, and entire developments
Water must be the common denominator of sustainability, resilience, and economic stability. It’s time we give it the central role it deserves. At Hydraloop, we’re building solutions that help make that shift possible—one building, one shower, one home at a time.
Read the full article in Nature Water: “Water is the silent currency that keeps the global economy flowing” by Mumba, Ovink & Rockström.
