Investors and analysts recognize that water consumption represents a real business cost. They look at water assets and liabilities as they would with any other item on a company's balance sheet. If investors feel a company is not strategically managing its share of resources, this will be reflected in the share price. Long-term success requires an ongoing effort to become more efficient, reduce environmental impact, and manage water as an essential and potentially threatened resource.
Internally, water management requires reducing water waste, implementing new and better technologies, improving manufacturing processes and cooling systems, and potentially re-using waste water so that it does not harm surrounding ecosystems and water supplies.
Equipment changes may be viewed as a permanent fix to achieve water efficiency. Changing employee behaviors, such as an operating procedure, may be viewed as a quick and inexpensive way to achieve similar savings without up-front capital expense. In reality, both the technical and human side of water management issues must be addressed. Consistent training and awareness in combination with proper tools and equipment will achieve more permanent water savings.