Editor’s note: This week in honor of World Water Day we’re running a 6-part interview series with leaders of organizations working on water-related issues. Check back for a different interview each day through Friday, March 23.

1) More than 1 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water. This number is expected to increase with the rise in the global population. Scarcity doesn’t seem to be the issue, so what can to be done to improve access to clean water?

Actually, the scarcity of freshwater is an issue. Although it appears that there are plentiful amounts of water on our planet, in fact, less than one percent of the world’s water supply consists of readily available freshwater. Most of the water is salt water, or trapped in ice formations that are difficult to reach. Moreover, global warming is exacerbating the water scarcity crisis by increasing the severity of droughts and floods, and altering patterns in precipitation.

This highlights the need to not only conserve our existing accessible freshwater, but also keep the quality of our freshwater clean. Access to clean water is also a matter of financing and political will. We can improve access to clean water by raising awareness – in the public and among decision-makers – about the urgent need to make it available and affordable for those who need it most.

2) The UN has reported that water shortages may already be having political and economic effects worldwide. How does the restricted water supply constrain economic growth in countries like China and the US?

Limited water supplies do not have to constrain economic growth if we use our resources efficiently. Water efficiency measures and development of alternative supplies such as water recycling and stormwater capture, will help stretch limited water supplies and help ensure that there is enough water to meet the needs of business, residents, and the environment.

We need measures that promote water efficiency and focus on energy resources that do not depend on the use of massive amounts of freshwater. Poor quality also constrains growth indirectly by causing sickness and early death. Lack of water in schools will limit girls’ attendance once they reach puberty; girls are also needed to help mothers fetch water every day in developing countries. Providing clean drinking water will have significant economic benefits in terms of increased working days, fewer lost school days, and less disability and death.

3) A number of the earth’s freshwater sources cross borders and are shared by multiple countries. Do you anticipate these transboundary bodies of water to be the source of conflict in the future? What can be done to minimize the fight over these shared resources?

Transboundary conflicts are only likely to get worse in the future, as pressures such as population growth and global warming further stretch our water resources. To minimize conflicts over shared resources, we can promote measures that preserve watersheds and manage water resources appropriately, with dialogue across political countries in order to share responsibility for this management. Countries can also work together to promote access to clean drinking water through measures like rainwater harvesting to increase the water supply on both sides and therefore reduce conflict.

4) What technological innovations are currently being developed that will help alleviate the stress put on the global water supply in the future?

There are several technological innovations ready today that will begin to alleviate the water constraints faced by many in areas where drought and increasing irregularity of rainfall is occurring. Measures, like rainwater harvesting again, can help conserve water while the use of cost-effective point of use purification systems, such as chlorine treatments, can ensure that water is safe for drinking.

5) What can be done to address the causes of shortages such as population growth, consumption and pollution?

We have smart-water technology for the 21st century already available to help us boost water efficiency. Water efficient fixtures and appliances already on the market can dramatically reduce water use and help communities meet their water needs. In some areas of the United States, landscape irrigation represents almost half of urban water use. Using regionally appropriate landscaping and irrigating efficiency can substantially reduce the amount of water needed for landscape irrigation. Using green infrastructure methods such as permeable pavement and other measures to capture stormwater before it washes into our rivers and streams can both reduce water pollution and also provide a new source of water supply for water-short communities.

We can also focus on energy sources that do not require massive amounts of water. We can fight pollution and improve water quality by increasing the efficiency of industrial processes, so that less pollution is generated in the first place, as well as control and treat wastewater discharges, and prevent stormwater runoff from carrying pollutants from farms and city streetscapes to our waterways.

6) What initiatives is your organization focusing on in the next year to address water-related issues?

In the U.S., we will continue to push both Congress and key government agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and Department of State, to take a leadership role in addressing the global water crisis through effective implementation of existing legislation and greater political leadership. In particular, NRDC is focused on passing the federal Clean Water Restoration Act, which would restore the historic protection of the Clean Water Act for headwaters streams and wetlands; passing federal climate legislation that includes provisions to protect water resources in light of climate impacts; and making the use of green infrastructure the mainline development paradigm in the U.S. to restore urban streams.

We will work to strengthen the U.S. EPA WaterSense Program which certifies water efficiency products and services. We will also fight for improved water efficiency standards at the state and federal level. In California we will be pursuing better integration of water, energy, and global warming policies, and sponsoring state legislation (AB 49) that would require a 20 percent per capita reduction in urban water use.

As the world gathers this year to reach a global agreement on climate change under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adaptation to climate change is a key element to this global deal. NRDC plans to discuss the link between adapting to climate change and expected water impacts.

In China, NRDC is working to reduce water pollution from the textile industry by helping factories increase their production efficiency and minimizing waste. Our goal is to spread these techniques throughout the supply chains of several major U.S. apparel retailers and brands.

On an individual level, we will ask our members to be better stewards of our freshwater first by calculating their water footprint at www.waterfootprint.org and learning what they can do to conserve their water use. NRDC’s Guide to Greener Living has tips for things people can do around the house and in their everyday life to conserve water. You can read it here.

7) How can our readers take part in your organization’s campaigns?

Readers can sign up to be a member of NRDC by visiting www.nrdc.org and express their interest in water issues. We will keep you involved with our Earth Action alerts which call on you to tell your Congress member why he/she should prioritize and support legislation that promotes access to safe water in countries in greatest need. Readers can also look support organizations such as WaterAid America, PSI and rotary groups who effectively deliver safe water and sanitation in developing countries.

takepart with the NRDC’s Water Team

(Images courtesy of the Natural Resources Defense Council)