As delegates and organisers meet for World Water Week, one thing is clear: water is no longer just an operational concern, it’s a boardroom issue.
With climate impacts intensifying and regulatory scrutiny mounting, strategic investment in water is emerging as the next big opportunity for forward-looking businesses and investors alike.
At Waterscan, we believe water is the untapped ESG frontier, ready for innovation, risk mitigation, and measurable return.
Why water, why now?
31% of global GDP, circa $70 trillion, will be exposed to high water stress by 2050 (WRI). Yet, many companies still lack even a basic water strategy, leaving them vulnerable to operational disruptions, reputational damage, and price volatility.
Unlike carbon, where markets and metrics are now well developed, water remains undervalued and under-managed. But that’s changing – fast.
From food production and pharmaceuticals to data centres and distribution hubs, every sector depends on clean, reliable water supplies. And as resource risk intensifies, so too does investor interest.
The message is clear: water resilience is business resilience.
Investment that pays back fast
Far from being a sunk cost, water efficiency is already proving to be one of the most cost-effective ESG plays available.
The World Resources Institute (WRI) study finds that every $1 invested in adaption and resilience generates $10 of benefits over ten years (WRI). That’s a stronger return than most energy or carbon initiatives can currently offer.
Our clients, including some of the UK’s leading retail, manufacturing, and logistics operators, are seeing this first-hand: measurable cost savings, fewer supply chain disruptions, and enhanced regulatory compliance, all while contributing to their Net Zero and nature-positive ambitions.
Markets and regulators are catching on
The capital markets are starting to price in water risk. ESG ratings agencies are integrating water metrics. And regulators, especially in the UK, are tightening standards on corporate water use and disclosure.
The upcoming PR24 price review in England is already creating sharper cost signals for large water users. Businesses that take control of their water footprint now will be better positioned to weather the pricing and regulatory shifts ahead.
This is no longer just about environmental responsibility — it’s about commercial competitiveness.
Wading into change: join us at World Water Week
At World Water Week 2025, Waterscan will be hosting a special talk show event: ‘Wading Into Change’ bringing together sustainability leaders, investors, and water experts to explore the future of corporate water stewardship.
We’ll unpack:
- What makes water the next carbon for ESG investors
- How leading organisations are already profiting from better water strategies
- Where the market is headed — and who’s poised to lead
If you’re serious about building a future-fit business, now is the time to put water at the heart of your ESG approach.
Our representatives:
Madeline Lockyer, Sustainability Business Manager
Eleanor Pendle, Sustainability Research Lead
Barry Millar, Chief Technology Officer
WATCH: Madeline Lockyer previews World Water Week 2025, and how it’s about elevating the role of water within the global climate agenda.
