An industrial operation is typically designed for indefinite production outputs. It is maintained and organized accordingly. When humans expect such indefinite production outputs from nature, they must proceed in a similar manner if they do not wish to deplete resources. The approach presented here aligns the services (production) of nature with societal production systems. Using water as a resource as an example, it highlights the urgent need for changes in societal action and value structures, as well as in the direct relationship between society and nature.