Clean Water for Thousands of Central Asian Families

Uzbekistan ranks 34th out of 164 countries in the world regarding water scarcity, according to data from the World Resources Institute (WRI). This situation poses significant water management challenges, especially in rural and remote areas with limited access to clean drinking water.

The high level of water stress necessitates innovative solutions to manage and improve the efficiency of this vital resource to prevent depletion and pollution. In this context, projects to enhance water supply are crucial for the country’s socio-economic development and adaptation to climate change.

Coca-Cola, the largest beverage producer globally, is actively working to reduce water consumption at its plants and is implementing advanced treatment technologies. In collaboration with partners, the company is also undertaking projects to provide clean water to rural areas and improve water treatment infrastructure.

Kursiv Uzbekistan talks to Nazi Aripdjanova, the Public Relations and Communications Manager at Coca-Cola, about how the company is addressing the issue of water scarcity in Uzbekistan.

Water access

— Coca-Cola is actively involved in social and environmental initiatives. What prompted the company to focus on improving the water supply in some regions of Uzbekistan?

— Our goal is not only to produce drinks but also to make the world better. We align our efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and focus on supporting women and youth, disaster relief, climate change mitigation, and pollution reduction. A key area of our focus is water, as ensuring access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right.

We have chosen to concentrate on water supply issues in Uzbekistan due to the urgent need for clean water in certain areas. Enhancing the water supply can significantly improve residents’ quality of life. Coca-Cola has always viewed it as its responsibility to positively contribute to society in its operating regions, including initiatives to improve water supply.

The care for water resources is closely linked to our principles of environmental sustainability. Implementing such projects in Uzbekistan aligns with our global objectives to enhance water usage. Successful collaboration with local authorities and organisations enables us to carry out these initiatives effectively, providing maximum benefit to local communities.

— Which areas of Uzbekistan were the primary targets of your project, and what criteria were used for their selection? Are there any plans to broaden the project’s geographic scope?

— The Coca-Cola Foundation funds all projects in Uzbekistan in collaboration with longstanding partner UNDP Uzbekistan. These initiatives align with the company’s continuously improving global water management strategy.

Coca-Cola began focusing on water issues in the early 2000s and launched a global Water Stewardship program in 2007. This program is dedicated to the sustainable use of water, which includes reducing consumption, increasing efficiency and enhancing water quality.

The company has also prioritised improving water efficiency in its production processes. In 2010, Coca-Cola set an ambitious target to return 100% of the water used in beverage production to nature by 2020. By 2016, the company achieved this goal and decided to enhance its strategy. By 2030, Coca-Cola is committed to returning 100% of water to the basins where resources are scarce and where the company operates.

Before initiating a project in a specific location, Coca-Cola and its partners comprehensively analyse local water resources. They assess the potential for ongoing community support and identify the needs of the local population. Water scarcity is a critical factor in decision-making, and the social and demographic characteristics of the region are also considered, as the company aims to promote job creation. To date, Coca-Cola has implemented projects in Uzbekistan’s Aral Sea region (Khorezm region and Karakalpakstan) and Samarkand and Navoi regions.

— Water supply is a significant problem for many regions in Uzbekistan. What specific challenges in this area are you addressing in your project?

— Our project aims to address several critical issues, primarily ensuring access to clean drinking water, particularly in rural and remote areas where this resource is scarce.

In collaboration with UNDP Uzbekistan, we are installing new water treatment plants and modernising the existing infrastructure so that all residents can access safe drinking water.

We also tackle water management challenges, considering the impacts of climate change. Our initiatives include implementing technologies that promote the efficient use of water, minimise losses, and enhance its quality.

A key aspect of our work is educating residents. We conduct educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation.

Every liter counts

— What strategies and technologies is Coca-Cola implementing to enhance water supply in Uzbekistan?

— In collaboration with its partners, Coca-Cola is actively introducing innovations and modern technologies while optimising production processes at the factories where our beverages are made.

To ensure drinking water quality, we use advanced purification technologies, such as ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, which effectively remove contaminants. Coca-Cola Ichimligi Uzbekistan adopts a circular approach at its plants, treating and reusing water throughout production. Additionally, rainwater is collected for irrigation. Since 2020, we have reduced water consumption for producing one liter of beverage from 2 liters to 1.76 liters, and we are committed to further reducing this figure.

We are implementing smart water management systems with sensors that monitor quality, flow and leaks. This technology improves efficiency and minimises wastage. Innovative solutions, such as secure storage systems and energy-efficient pumping stations, ensure a stable water supply, even in remote areas.

We pay special attention to using sustainable technologies. For example, solar panels are installed to power water pumping stations, which helps to reduce our carbon footprint.

One notable innovation is the construction of a water reservoir in Karakalpakstan, developed in partnership with Sanfa and six leading universities in Tashkent. Students collected PET bottles to create a geomembrane for the bottom of the tank, which prevents water from leaking underground and reduces evaporation. A solar-powered pump regulates the water level, ensuring it always remains available in the tank.

— What notable achievements can you highlight regarding efforts to enhance water supply?

— Thanks to our initiatives in Uzbekistan, we are returning 50 mln liters of water to nature each year. This effort contributes to our global goal of restoring 2 trillion liters of water by 2030. These projects not only improve the environmental situation but also significantly enhance the lives of residents. For instance, due to our initiatives, over 10,000 people in rural and remote areas can now access clean drinking water, previously unavailable.

Sustainable future

— How will Coca-Cola ensure the sustainability of the improved water supply after the project is completed?

We are dedicated to the long-term sustainability of our project outcomes and employ several key strategies to achieve this goal.

We collaborate closely with local authorities, organisations, and residents to integrate our projects into existing systems and foster community ownership. We provide education and training for regional professionals responsible for operating water treatment plants, and we facilitate the establishment of local water committees that oversee water quality and resource management.

Coca-Cola offers grants and partners with organisations to secure long-term funding. We are also implementing monitoring systems that use smart technology to assess infrastructure and water conditions. We also invest in green technologies and run educational campaigns to raise awareness about resource conservation.

These initiatives contribute to a sustainable water supply, directly enhancing the lives of residents, particularly farmers and women. Farmers gain access to stable irrigation and modern irrigation technology, leading to increased yields and incomes. Women benefit from access to clean water, allowing them more time for education and work, improving their economic status and sanitation.

Our projects also include educational programs for women and farmers, helping to develop their knowledge and improve their quality of life.

— What were your main challenges in Uzbekistan, and how did you overcome them?

The projects faced minimal difficulties, as they received a positive response from local communities and mahallas. Our partner, UNDP Uzbekistan, has significant experience implementing similar initiatives and facilitating the process. While challenges such as difficult climatic conditions and the remote locations of the regions existed, they were manageable.

— What are your plans and ambitions for improving water supply in Uzbekistan, considering sustainable development?

Coca-Cola is dedicated to executing long-term and sustainable projects both globally and in Uzbekistan. We must support existing initiatives and launch new ones in the regions where our plants operate, particularly in areas facing significant water resource challenges. We will continue to reduce water consumption at our production facilities by adopting innovative technologies and strategies.