waterwinning

Waterwinning is the practice or process of securing a sustainable supply of water through integrated strategies that combine harvesting, purification, reuse, and management of water resources. The term is used in policy, engineering, and ecological design to describe a holistic approach rather than a single technology.

Although not tied to a universal definition, waterwinning is commonly associated with integrated water resources management, urban rainwater harvesting, desalination, wastewater reuse, and atmospheric water generation. The concept emphasizes resilience to drought, variability in supply, and equitable access to water.

Techniques used in waterwinning include rainwater harvesting (collecting rainfall from roofs and surfaces), sustainable groundwater management (pumping controls and aquifer recharge), desalination (reverse osmosis and thermal distillation), wastewater treatment and reuse (indirect or direct potable reuse), fog harvesting in arid regions, and atmospheric water generation that condenses water from air. In practice, waterwinning often deploys a portfolio of sources and treatment steps to meet demand while protecting ecosystems.

Applications span urban water systems, rural communities, remote installations, disaster relief, and space habitat concepts in some studies. It is a key topic in discussions of climate change adaptation and water security policy, guiding planners to diversify supply and reduce vulnerability.

Critics point to energy intensity, cost, environmental impacts (such as brine disposal from desalination), social equity, and governance challenges. Effective waterwinning typically requires integrated planning, attention to the energy-water nexus, and transparent governance to ensure sustainable and fair access for present and future generations. Related topics include water security, desalination, rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and atmospheric water generation.