In the face of growing environmental concerns and increasing demand for water resources, Water Resource Assessment (WRA) has become a crucial tool for sustainable water management. WRA helps in evaluating the usage, efficiency, and impact of water resources throughout various stages of a process or lifecycle. In Indonesia, several regulations support the implementation of WRA, ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources.
Water Resource Assessment (WRA) involves the systematic evaluation of water use and management practices to understand their environmental impact and efficiency. It covers all aspects of water usage, from extraction and consumption to discharge and recycling. The goal is to optimize water use, minimize waste, and ensure that water resources are used sustainably and responsibly.
In Indonesia, the regulatory framework supporting WRA includes:
- PP No. 82 / 2001 – Water Quality Management and Water Pollution Control
- Permen PUPR No. 12 / 2015 – Water Resources Management
- PP No. 121 / 2015 – Water Resources Exploitation
- Permen LH No. 5 / 2014 – Wastewater Quality Standard
- UU No. 32 / 2009 – Environmental Protection and Management
Benefits of Water Assessment
- Optimized Water Usage: WRA helps identify areas where water use can be reduced or optimized, leading to more efficient water management practices.
- Environmental Protection: By evaluating the impact of water use on the environment, WRA helps in implementing measures to protect water ecosystems.
- Regulatory Compliance: WRA ensures that businesses comply with national and international water management regulations.
- Cost Savings: Efficient water use can lead to significant cost savings by reducing water waste and lowering operational expenses.
- Sustainability: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainable water management can enhance a company’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders.
Impact of WRA on Business
- Enhanced Efficiency: Businesses can streamline their water usage, leading to more efficient operations and reduced costs.
- Reputation Improvement: Companies that actively manage their water resources responsibly can improve their public image and build trust with stakeholders.
- Innovation: WRA can drive innovation by encouraging the development of new technologies and practices for better water management.
- Risk Management: Understanding and managing water-related risks can help businesses mitigate potential issues related to water scarcity or quality.
Water Assessment Flow Work Mechanism
- Delineate – The source water protection
- Inventory – known and potential sources of contamination
- Determine Susceptibility – of public water systems to contaminant sources
- Engage the public – about threats identified in the assessment
- Develop an Action Plan – to identify and prioritize specific implementation activities
- Protect – sourcesof drinking water by implementing protective actions
- Evaluate – and update action plan periodically