Critical Water Risk Strategies Urged for German Businesses to Prevent Million-Euro Losses

A recent analysis reveals that about 60% of companies are heavily dependent on water, yet a significant one-third dismiss water issues as insignificant, risking costly repercussions. Many businesses tend to focus their water-related strategies narrowly on consumption and wastewater management, overlooking critical threats such as low water levels, supply chain disruptions, rising insurance costs, and potential production losses. These gaps highlight water as a central risk factor that can undermine industries if not managed comprehensively.

To address these challenges, a specialized webinar was organized featuring experts from BDO AG, HDI Risk Consulting, NABU, and Evonik. The event, moderated by Boris Greifeneder from the German Water Partnership, aimed to equip executives, location managers, and risk managers with the tools to assess water risks holistically and integrate them into corporate and investment decision-making. Participants learned how to classify water risks like drought and flooding as concrete business risks, identify effective protective measures already in use, and consider water infrastructure as critical to resilience building.

This initiative underscores the urgent need for companies to rethink water from an environmental concern to a fundamental factor in business strategy and risk management. Developing a robust water risk strategy not only prevents potential multimillion-euro losses but also builds resilience and competitive advantage in an increasingly water-stressed economic environment.