Four New Collaborations to Promote Water Stewardship and Sustainable Agriculture
Water Stewardship Goals and Progress
In 2021, a commitment was made to ensure that 120% of the freshwater used in our offices and data centers would be replenished by 2030. As we observe World Water Day, it’s an excellent opportunity to share the strides we’ve made toward this target. To date, we have been involved in 112 projects across 68 watersheds globally. Our efforts are projected to replenish about 4.5 billion gallons of water in just 2024. Once these initiatives are fully operational, we believe they will be capable of replenishing over 8 billion gallons of water every year.
The Connection Between Agriculture and Water Security
Agriculture consumes nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater, making the intersection of agriculture and water security extremely important. This year, we have partnered with several organizations to focus on sustainable water management practices in agricultural regions that provide water to our data centers and offices. Below are details on four partnerships that have been launched recently, aimed at improving water management in these critical watersheds.
Supporting Farmers in Chile’s Maipo Basin
The Maipo River, which begins in the Andes Mountains and flows through Santiago before reaching the Pacific Ocean, experiences high water demand, predominantly for agricultural purposes. Agriculture accounts for about 75% of the total water usage in this semi-arid region, and the ongoing multi-year drought has severely impacted local farmers.
To address these challenges, we are partnering with Agua Segura and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). Our collaboration is focused on crucial water infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of a critical storage reservoir and the lining of irrigation canals. These improvements are vital for smallholder farmers who depend on consistent water access for their operations and well-being.
Additional Initiatives
Our commitment to water replenishment extends to several other projects around the world. Each initiative aims to enhance water sustainability and improve the resilience of local communities:
Rainwater Harvesting in India: In various regions across India, we are investing in systems that capture and store rainwater. This initiative not only helps in replenishing groundwater but also provides farmers with an alternative water supply during dry spells.
Wetland Restoration in the United States: Restoration projects aimed at revitalizing wetlands serve to both filter water and restore natural ecosystems. These projects improve water quality and increase biodiversity, benefiting local flora and fauna while also supporting agriculture.
Water Efficiency Programs in Africa: In several African nations, water efficiency programs aimed at promoting better irrigation techniques and technologies are being implemented. These programs assist farmers in using water more judiciously for crop production, thereby mitigating the impacts of drought.
- Community Education and Engagement: Alongside infrastructure projects, we are actively involved in educational campaigns that teach local communities about sustainable water management practices and the importance of water conservation. This effort helps cultivate a culture of conservation and responsible water use.
Future Directions
As we move forward with our water stewardship goals, the focus remains on innovative solutions and sustainability. By continuing our collaborations and investing in critical projects, we aspire to meet our replenishment targets while making positive contributions to the environments and communities we touch. Through these collective efforts, we aim to secure not just water for our operations, but also for the local communities that rely on these vital resources.
