A newly published study from AEM examines how technologies in the agriculture, construction, and utility industries are impacting the ability to do significantly more while using substantially less water.
From Source to Solution: Advancing Water Stewardship in the Non-Road Sector showcases the world-class water stewardship taking place in North America today and how equipment manufacturers are helping to save trillions of gallons of water annually through modern practices and technologies. The study is available to view and download on AEM.org.
“This study demonstrates that North American equipment manufacturers are doing more than just supplying innovative and cutting-edge equipment – they are enabling some of the most advanced water stewardship practices in the world,” said AEM Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of Agriculture Services & Forestry Curt Blades. “It also serves as a valuable resource for AEM, our members, and our peers, as we seek to develop a cohesive and comprehensive message around water management for our industry.”
Highlights from the study, which was produced in collaboration with AEM member company and global management consulting firm Kearney, include:
- Modern irrigation practices are saving the U.S. 9.7 trillion gallons of water annually.
- Innovations in concrete production have been shown to reduce freshwater needs by up to 20% during new concrete production.
- Field-scale conservation practices are producing measurable improvements in water quality across multiple U.S. watersheds.
- Modern utility efficiencies are saving the U.S. and Canada nearly 4 trillion gallons of water annually – avoiding withdrawals that would otherwise be needed to support today’s population.
- North American industrial water use has become more efficient over the last two decades, generating more economic value per unit of water.
“Now that the study has been released, AEM and our members are excited to see it used to help our industry grow in its understanding of the current water landscape and support improved water use efficiency,” said AEM Senior Director of Agriculture Services Austin Gellings.
Specific goals include:
- Coalescing the equipment industry around a unified message on water management
- Informing the general public of progress made
- Influencing lawmakers in devising favorable legislation to continue progress in water management
AEM has commissioned several studies with Kearney (formerly Context) to assist in its mission of supporting and advancing the construction and agricultural equipment manufacturers with advocacy, intelligence, and other support. Earlier this year, Kearney assisted AEM in updating its landmark study, The Benefits of Precision Ag in the United States, which underscored how technology adoption on farms is improving yields, reducing inputs, and strengthening the resiliency of America’s food supply chain.
For more information and to view the study, visit AEM.org’s Insights page or contact AEM’s Austin Gellings at agellings@aem.org.
