Preserving Water: A Crucial Challenge for Municipalities and Hydroelectricity

Oct 04, 2024By H INNOV

HI

The scarcity of fresh water has become a major global concern. In France, as in other countries, drastic measures have been taken to limit the use of this vital resource. In regions like the French Riviera and Corsica, the construction of new residences or swimming pools has been halted due to water shortages.

Fresh Water: A Precious and Diminishing Resource

Fresh water accounts for only 2.5% of the Earth’s water, and only a fraction is available for human use. Climate change and intensive human activities are leading to a worrying decrease in this resource. According to the French Agency for Biodiversity, water withdrawals have increased by 5% over the past 20 years[^1^].

Impact on Municipalities, Agriculture, and Hydroelectricity

• Municipalities: Cities face challenges in ensuring the supply of drinking water. Restrictions affect citizens’ daily lives and urban planning.

• Agriculture: As the primary consumer of water, agriculture is directly impacted by shortages, affecting yields and food security.

• Hydroelectricity: Energy production depends on water levels in reservoirs. The decline in water resources compromises energy production and the transition to renewable energies.

Our Solution: Innovative Floating Covers for Reservoirs and Basins

To address these challenges, we offer innovative floating covers designed for reservoirs, storage basins, and other water management infrastructures. These covers provide several significant advantages:

• Reduction of Evaporation by up to 98%: By limiting the exposure of water to open air, our covers drastically reduce evaporation, thus preserving millions of liters of water.

• Decrease in Chemical Usage: By protecting water from external contaminants, they reduce the need for chemical treatments to maintain water quality.

• Improved Energy Efficiency: For hydroelectric installations, maintaining consistent water levels optimizes energy production.

• Protection Against Climatic Phenomena: By reducing evaporation, we limit the contribution of evaporated water to extreme climatic events related to atmospheric humidity.

Evaporation: A Key Factor in Water Management

Evaporation is a natural process that has intensified in the current context of global warming. It represents a direct loss of water resources and contributes to increased atmospheric humidity, which can amplify extreme weather events.

Case Studies and References

• Australia: Australian farmers use floating covers to preserve water in reservoirs, achieving significant water savings[^2^].

• United States: Californian water companies have adopted reservoir covers to combat persistent drought, reducing evaporation and improving water quality[^3^].

Call to Action

It is essential for municipalities, farmers, and hydroelectric producers to adopt innovative solutions to preserve water. Our floating covers offer an effective and sustainable response to this challenge. Together, we can act to secure access to water and contribute to environmental preservation.

References

[^1^]: French Agency for Biodiversity. (2020). Quantitative Water Management.

[^2^]: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Australia. (2019). Water Efficiency Projects.

[^3^]: California State Water Resources Control Board. (2021). Water Conservation Initiatives.

For more information on our solutions and their implementation, please feel free to contact us or visit our website.