Leadership Lacking to Solve Crisis of 2.1 Billion People Without Safe Water

In his guest column for The Hill, BCG’s Chris Holmes talks about the global water shortage crisis and how having strong and skilled leadership, access to crucial water related information, and finances to pay for water systems and infrastructure, are key ways to lessen the water shortage calamity. He says that leaders “need to take advantage of advances in information technology and water-related finance to improve sustainable water supply.” Digital technology, related analytics of the Internet of Things, and the application of artificial intelligence to interpret and apply data, can also improve knowledge on water supply and water use, while reducing water loss and costs. Ultimately, Holmes says that the most critical tool that global leaders and organizations can utilize is leadership itself. “Without effective leadership, water utilities will not successfully apply the significant advances made in water technology and finance,” says Holmes.