While most of America is experiencing one of the driest summers on record, also one of the hottest, it is no wonder that drought and water concerns are becoming headline news. However, according to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., some water experts believe the problem is not that there is less water in the world. Instead, a number of macro-economic changes that have been fast occurring are increasing the need and even the competition for water.
 
Reichardt suggests these changes include:
 
Population increases. The world's population recently surpassed seven billion people and an estimated eight billion will occupy the planet by 2030, increasing the demand for water.
 
Emerging markets. Fast developing countries, often referred to as emerging markets, are using far more water today than they were a decade ago. Most manufacturing requires large amounts of water—even the production of semi-conductors requires huge amounts of water—and this demand for water around the world will continue to grow.
 
More protein. Especially in emerging markets, more people are moving up the ladder economically. As they do, along with more interest in purchasing cars, electronics and bigger homes, they also often change their diets—going from grains and vegetables to higher amounts of protein, which requires more water.
 
Urbanization. More people are living in cities today. When people move from agricultural areas to cities, the demand for water typically escalates significantly.
 
"Even with these challenges, I am convinced if we use water more efficiently, many of our current and future water scarcity problems can be handled," adds Reichardt. "And fortunately, in many areas of the world, this is already beginning to happen."