ABSTRACT
The narrow focus on the price and economic value of water has been one of the key elements in the move from water management to water stewardship. The value of water as a strategic business issue is tied to sustainability as a driver of company value creation. Sustainability has moved from a vague concept to providing quantifiable, tangible and intangible value to the public sector, private enterprises and the natural environment. Water is unique and creates unique value beyond any sustainability value proposition. The value of water includes dimensions such as: brand, ecosystem/environmental contributions, cultural and spiritual norms, a driver for economic development, business growth and innovation in technology, public policy, business models and financing. Water as a critical resource for business and economic growth is just being understood and quantified. Historically, water was assumed to be essentially free and abundant. Quantifying the brand value from water stewardship enables companies to make "better" long-term investments to support business growth.
