By the Milwaukee Water Council

The world is undergoing a quiet shift that will have a dramatic impact on every aspect of our lives – including our health and well-being. The reason: The majority of the world’s population now lives in cities, a milestone hit in 2007. Today, we must ask ourselves how to nutritiously and effectively feed our expanding urban populations. In reviewing the facts, water emerges as one of the most importing issues affecting sustainability:

• Current agricultural practices put a high stress on water as vast amounts are needed to grow food (150 gallons for one loaf of bread).

• Significant energy resources are expended to transport water to farms and, in turn, food to its final destination (more than 1,500 miles on average).

• As fish becomes a growing food staple, natural bodies of water are undergoing stress cause by prevalent fish farming methods.

• Cities face increased problems with water management, including the availability of and production of water suitable for drinking and farming.

• To improve access to more nutritious food for healthier societies;
• To reduce food and transportation costs;
• To become more efficient by reusing water and reducing energy consumption;
• To create a global network of “smarter cities” that share innovations in urban agriculture systems.