More droughts this year as groundwater reserves are expected to dry up by summer across the continent

Climate change is affecting the Earth’s water cycle ( the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface) , leading to more frequent and intense droughts which, in turn, are having a significant impact on our reserve levels .

This reduction is disrupting supply chains and procurement processes for water-intensive industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing. As the demand for water continues to ever increase, companies are facing the challenge of securing sufficient water resources to meet their needs. This has resulted in turning to alternative sources, such as desalination (the process of removing salt from seawater) to ensure business continuity of their supply chains. Climate change is not only worsening existing water scarcity issues, but also creating new challenges for procurement and supply chains, highlighting the need for proactive planning and adaptation strategies.

Europe is now facing a potential water catastrophe as groundwater reserves are drying up year on year. The increasing heat from global warming, particularly in the form of hot summers has led to a sharp drop in surface water levels since 2018 that have not been restored due to heatwaves across the continent. As a result, this is affecting wildlife, habitats and agriculture.

Dr Torsten Mayer-Gurr, a professor at the Graz University of Technology in Austria and author of this research has stated he never would have imagined water being a problem in Europe only a few years ago. The research was conducted using satellite gravimetry, a specialised method of measuring groundwater resources and their changes, which showed that the water situation in Europe is becoming increasingly precarious.

The UK experienced its warmest year on record in 2022, with an average temperature of over 10C and reaching 40C.

Procurement professionals can play a crucial role in mitigating and preventing groundwater loss through their supply chain by implementing the following measures:

1. Conducting water footprint assessments of suppliers and products to identify high-risk areas.
2. Promoting water-efficient practices among suppliers, such as reducing water use in production processes and promoting water-saving technologies.
3. Incorporating sustainability criteria, such as water use and management, into procurement processes and supplier selection criteria. Encouraging the use of recycled water and alternative sources of water for production processes.
4. Collaborating with suppliers and other stakeholders to implement sustainable water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and recharge of aquifers.

By taking these steps, procurement professionals can help reduce the impact of their supply chain on groundwater and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Public sector procurement can be the lever and answer for positive change and a leader in achieving a net zero future. Which is why we’re encouraging procurement professionals, stakeholders and the wider community to sign the petition to amend the Procurement Bill to enshrine positive environmental legal obligations.