Why water, why now?

Water is fast becoming a defining business risk and a practical opportunity. Droughts, floods, and scarcity disrupt operations and supply chains. But companies that act now can turn these pressures into more stable operations with lower costs. SIWI’s new brief, Why Water, Why Now?, explains why businesses should lead on water today.

Water-smart business Water and climate Freshwater and ecosystems/biodiversity

For many companies, water can feel like an invisible risk. It runs through supply chains, operations, and communities, often unnoticed until a drought, flood, or regulatory change makes it impossible to ignore. We also know it is not easy to address. Pressures from investors, customers, and regulators are increasing, while businesses are already managing complex sustainability agendas.

But one fact is becoming clear: water is not just a natural resource. It is a business risk — and also a competitive advantage. According to CDP, companies estimate the value of water-related business risks at USD 301 billion, five times greater than the cost of addressing them.

Why water matters to business

The World Bank warns that in some regions, water scarcity could reduce GDP by up to 6 percent by 2050. With agriculture responsible for 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals and industry for around 15 percent, pressure on shared resources will only increase.

Companies are at different stages in their approach to water. Some are just beginning to identify risks. Others are looking at how water connects to business continuity and long-term performance. Wherever you are on that journey, SIWI is here to help.

A partner to navigate complexity

SIWI is a trusted water expert working globally at the intersection of knowledge, policy, and practice. We understand that water challenges are complex, and we help companies turn them into practical steps. Through our expertise, platforms, and networks, we offer:

Policy access and foresight: Analysis, key indicators advice, regulatory insights, disclosure standards, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations—so you can prepare in time.
Planning for shocks: Guidance to plan for water-related disruptions (such as droughts and floods), reduce exposure, protect creditworthiness, and manage insurance risks.
Collective action: Opportunities to join collaborative projects and align with global water and climate agendas alongside peers and partners.
Credible positioning: Ways to demonstrate leadership grounded in evidence and practice—not marketing claims.

We know it can feel daunting to engage with global processes or keep up with shifting disclosure requirements. That is why SIWI creates spaces where businesses can learn with others, test ideas, and shape solutions together.

Why now?

The cost of inaction is rising. Companies that integrate water into strategy not only reduce risk; they also improve day-to-day reliability, protect supply chains, and build trust with investors, customers, and communities. Acting on water is not about being perfect from the start. It is about taking the next right step, learning with others, and preparing for a more water-scarce world.

At SIWI, we are committed to working alongside businesses, offering tailored engagement from foresight briefings to co-created initiatives. Through platforms such as World Water Week companies can share experiences, gain visibility, and help shape the future of water governance.

The message is simple: water-smart businesses are better prepared for the future. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

If you would like to explore how, contact Thomas Rebermark.