The Future of Water

The world’s supply of cheap and clean fresh water will likely plummet as the climate warms and populations boom. Can we find ways to conserve, cut waste, and find new sources before it’s too late?

The latest installment of our What Happens Next series looks for solutions in an unlikely spot: a city perched on the edge of the world’s oldest desert. For the residents of Windhoek, Namibia, the arid future arrived long before the growing freshwater crisis made headlines around the world.

And this city responded to worsening cycles of drought by tapping water resources from a radical source that was already on hand: wastewater from their own city sewers. And while the technology for building a toilet-to-tap management system isn’t new, the mindset required to do here offers a lesson to any city facing an increasingly arid future.

Retro Report is an award-winning, digital-first documentary news organization dedicated to bringing context to today’s headlines by telling the story behind the news; it is non-partisan, independent and non-profit.

[genkouzenmai]

As long as it is safe to drink, I don’t think I mind where it is coming from

[Lord_Magikarp]

Water is transparent, but people are blind

[daniabadeister]

There's water, but you have to be called Nestle to have access to it

[perspectivism]

It's funny seeing the people against it. Do they not know where tap water comes from?? Is it believed water we drink just comes clear and "pure"? 🤔
- Not all water comes straight from waterfalls. Even then, it still has to be treated.

[ivanandonow]

So, John Snow saved the North back in 1854?

[andrewnicola]

but seriously, the whole world must have wastewater management. like Singapore, NeWater. invest in water.

[donkaputjaza]

Namibia!!! Yes I'm from there. So cool hearing other people speak about my country

[DavidNghiaLe]

We are drinking water that dinosaurs had pee in million years ago

[abhi]

India shud go ahead with this initiative ... lots of wastewater here in India

[johnl.]

Around 70% of water use worldwide is for agriculture.

[milandjuric]

Water is not a problem. Power is not a problem. Oil is not a problem. Tech is there, people who know stuff are there. You know what is the problem?

Capitalism mixed with political malevolence and populace ignorance and short-sightedness.

[DragoNate]

15 years ago in school I was told that we will never run out of water; that it is _impossible_
While watching this, I was wondering why in the hell it is possible for places to be experiencing water shortages. Recycling and cleaning water like this should be mandatory everywhere. I long for the day this technology becomes available on a household basis, where every home has its own treatment facility within it and all its water usage, thought still connected to the greater community, can be cleaned and recycled directly therein.

[toobeast]

If those people didn't drink any fluid for two days they would beg you to drink toilet water

[ssiddarth]

Each & every video you make is so thought provoking, keep up the amazing work 👍👍👍

[andreastryggvijensen]

Thank you for bringing this video. It has affected me

[Alexander-rllx]

Here in the Netherlands we drink water from our taps, since it’s so clean, and the quality is also pretty darned good. Makes me realize how fortunate I am to have been born and living in a first world country.

[Aaron-yrtn]

Thank you for bringing attention to this critical and growing issue that will have a huge impact on the future of humanity. Someone who does is Marshall Vian Summers who has published many excellent publications free online, including The Great Waves of Change, The Shock of the Future and many, many more. I strongly recommend reading these works and beginning your preparation.

[justinengelby]

I love how honest these people are. Thank you

[paupaudod]

Earth:

Humans: *Im about to end this whole man's carrer*

[thehandleiwantedwasntavailable]

100 percent upvotes!! You never see that on YouTube!

Also. This series is inspiring.

It presents problems with solutions. It makes me want to help build a better world for my children.