What is one effective approach for reducing the volume of water needing treatment in industrial settings?

One effective approach for reducing the volume of water needing treatment in industrial settings is to modify the manufacturing process. By altering the production methods, it is possible to minimize the amount of water used, thereby decreasing overall water consumption. This can involve changing formulations, introducing dry processing techniques, or employing water-efficient technologies.

For instance, if a process is traditionally water-intensive, such as washing or cooling, streamlining or eliminating certain stages can significantly cut down on water use. Not only does this reduce the volume of wastewater generated, but it can also optimize resource use overall, leading to both environmental and economic benefits.

While other options, like recycling water intensely or installing advanced filtration systems, also contribute to managing water use, modifying the manufacturing process fundamentally changes the way water is utilized, leading to potentially larger reductions in wastewater generation than treatment or recycling alone can achieve.