Why Water is an Important Issue

Water is at the heart of every aspect of human development. We need water to nourish us, sustain the natural world, produce food and energy, and propel economic growth.

But water scarcity is a growing problem that impacts people around the world. Globally, 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries and 21 of the world’s 37 largest groundwater reservoirs are being depleted faster than they can be refilled. By 2030, scientists predict a 40% shortfall in the available global water supply. The low water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell – two of the largest reservoirs in the U.S. – are the result of 20 years of drought and could lead to water and power shortages for millions of people in the American west. 

Water quality is also a growing concern, with over 80% of wastewater flowing back into the environment without being treated or reused. In the U.S., forever chemicals (PFAS) are present in over 100 waterways across 29 states and the District of Columbia. 

Rising demand for water and deteriorating water quality threaten the safety and health of people and impact the balance of nature. Businesses are expected to play a significant role in achieving the bold and transformative steps urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path. Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is committed to doing our part to ensure sustainable water use. That’s why we named "Water" as one of our four environmental sustainability focus areas.

Our Water Strategy

In North America, we are moving beyond an onsite water management approach to one of site and watershed water stewardship. To us, water stewardship means using water in a way that is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial, and is achieved through working with stakeholders on site- and watershed-based actions. Our projects focus on:

Conserving Water in our Operations

Team members are always on the lookout for ways to improve water efficiency in direct operations and use recycled/reused water when applicable. The more water we recycle and reuse, the less we have to withdraw from freshwater sources. This is especially important in areas of water stress, where water isn't always readily available. We've installed reverse osmosis systems and membrane bio reactors and implemented a variety of projects to get more out of every drop.

Reducing Water Use in our Value Chain

In TMNA’s Green Supplier Requirements, we include a requirement for suppliers to track water withdrawal, discharge and consumption volumes. We also request that they develop water reduction plans and targets. We are also asking dealerships participating in our Dealer Environmental Excellence Program to track their water use and develop reduction plans.

Protecting Water Ecosystems

We engage with communities, NGOs and strategic partners to conserve, restore and protect water and water-related ecosystems. Our outreach activities are a vital part of our commitment to collective action to solve local water challenges.

TMNA provides funding to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to acquire, secure and monitor the delivery of water volume for environmental restoration in the Colorado River Delta. TNC seeks to permanently protect sufficient and reliable water supply for over 16,100 acres of wetlands along the Hardy River and in the Santa Clara Marsh, the lower Colorado River and the upper Colorado River Estuary where aquifer recharge takes place. Read the full story here.