A new book aims to explore the value of water—as a business, and to businesses—in a collection of 40 essays from water industry thought leaders that discuss water's relationship to brand, reputation, business continuity, economic success, public health and more.
"The Value of Water: A Compendium of Essays by Smart CEOs" was produced in partnership with the Value of Water Coalition and features many names you might recognize from past articles in SWS and its sister publication, WWD.
The interesting thing about this book is that its intended audience is not plant operators, engineers, scientists or environmentalists—it's businesspeople. The essays aim to show that the "business as usual" exploitation of water resources needs to change, as well as demonstrate how water can pose a threat to economic growth, reputation and profit margins—but also create value and business opportunities.
Positioning water as a business commodity—and the lack thereof as an economic problem—is a good way to get people to pay attention to this issue. It sounds cynical, but it does tend to be true that hitting 'em where it hurts—in the wallet or stock portfolio—gets things done.
Check out the book, and let us know your thoughts on it, and whether you plan to read it.
