Society is changing rapidly. Environmental and climate issues are being taken far more seriously. We are changing the way we live, how we travel and what food we buy. Companies who are operating in the ethical arena have seen their profits soar. And they're proving that what is good for the environment is also good for the shareholder. Businesses now place increasing emphasis on the environmental credentials of their markets, often achieve top-line improvements and increased profits.
With the world's legislators required to deliver a 20-50% reduction in use over the next 20-30 years, the pressure on companies and public organizations is likely to get tighter.
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. Companies are being screened against environmental and social criteria and the market will react on that type of information in the future.