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Water security

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The world faces a water crisis which is already impacting the stability of the global economy. This crisis is a major financial risk to companies although it also serves as a significant opportunity. Acting on water can create new business models, products and services that bring future commercial value

Through CDP, companies and investors can measure this impact to manage these risks and opportunities, report on progress with transparency, and commit to proactive action. Companies can disclose their environmental data by responding to our water questionnaire. Investors can sign up as an Investor Signatory to request this data from the world’s largest companies and major purchasers.

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Why you? How does CDP help?
Global context The risks The opportunities
<1.2%
of all water on earth is available for human use.
40%
shortfall of the available global water supply is expected by 2030, according to the United Nations.
In many regions, companies can no longer rely on a stable supply of good-quality water to grow their business.
6/10
countries are at risk of having unsustainable water resource usage by 2050, according to a 2021 Global Water Security & Sanitation Partnership report.
$4.5tn
As competition for water intensifies, the World Bank predicts a growth rate decline equivalent to 6% of GDP by 2050.
$392bn
is at risk according to companies disclosing water data to CDP in 2022.
A large, growing number of investors and customers are expecting companies to respond and adapt.
To remain competitive, companies must learn how to do more with less and collaborate.
Companies can drive change faster than governments and it's in their direct business interest to act.
Improving measurement Through disclosure What are the benefits?
In order to manage, we must measure. Effective response strategies can only be developed if we better understand the situation in which we operate.
How secure is your water supply? Knowing where your water comes from and where it goes to are essential for building resilience.
Committing to measuring, monitoring and reducing water impacts are the first steps on a journey to a more resilient company.
Demonstrate your company's commitment to improving water security to hundreds of investors and customers, with transparency.
Benchmark your progress against competitors and peers, and identify opportunities for change.
CDP helps you identify possible partnerships to improve water security and build a stronger company.
Companies that consistently measure and report water data through CDP enhance their understanding of water risks and how to respond.
Companies that transparently measure and report through CDP are viewed more favourably by their investors and customers.
Companies reporting through CDP are taking action to improve water security and deliver a low-carbon world.


Read more about the benefits of disclosure for companies, cities, states and regions, and public authorities.


Latest insights

High and Dry: How Water Issues Are Stranding Assets

Read this ground-breaking report on stranded assets and the deep implications for the financial sector.

Riding the Wave

Learn how the private sector is already seizing water-related opportunities.

The private sector is taking action on water

Explore the numbers which show the growth of water action.

Financial Institutions are Valuing Water

Explore CDP's first-of-its-kind analysis of how investors are responding to the water crisis.

Financial Sector Water Action Platform

Delve into our open platform which visualizes the actions being taken by financial institutions.

Finance Water Action Pathway

Learn more about how investors can drive the transition to a water-secure world.

Interwoven risks, untapped opportunities

Learn why the apparel and textiles sector must act now to reduce water pollution. Published in September 2020.

Setting the high-water mark for water disclosure

Discover CDP’s recommendations for high-quality mandatory water disclosure.

Browse all CDP reports and policy briefs


Tools and other activities

Try our Water Watch tool

Our first-of-its-kind tool ranks 200+ industrial activities across 13 industry sectors according to their potential impact on water resources.

Sign the Open Letter to Governments

Join global investors and sign an open letter urging governments to commit to stronger policy action.

Browse water responses

Take action and reduce your environmental impact through CDP.

Disclose as a company
Become an investor signatory

Further support

Guidance and questionnaires

Browse our latest guidance and questionnaires for climate, forests and water security.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our water security work, email the team at [email protected].

Lead sponsor

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Learn more about our climate change work including our Climate Environmental Action Tracker.

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