How to Calculate Water Footprint?

The expansion of urban areas and dense population growth have led to a serious increase in fresh water consumption, which is vital for life. The need for more water consumption to produce food, energy, and consumer goods makes the conscious consumption of limited resources a necessity. The concept of water footprint creates an opportunity for local and global organizations to assess water consumption and set strategic goals to achieve water savings. Let's look together at the answers to questions such as "What is a water footprint?", "How is a water footprint calculated?" and "What should be done to reduce water footprint?".

What is a Water Footprint?

The water footprint, similar to the carbon footprint, is one of the environmental indicators that measures the volume of fresh water used by consumers. This measurement is made in liters or cubic meters. Measuring how much water an individual, a business producing textile products such as t-shirts or trousers, or a country consumes in their daily, monthly, or annual activities can be done through water footprint calculation.

In a study published by McKinsey & Company, it is estimated that by 2030, global water demand will exceed supply by 40%. The inability to meet this demand due to dwindling resources causes water insecurity in countries.

The concept of water footprint was first introduced by Arjen Hoekstra in 2002. Hoekstra, working at the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, established a Water Footprint Network in 2008 and received support from prominent figures in business, government, and academia while establishing this network. The main purpose of this concept is to raise awareness about how much water production processes and daily life habits consume, thereby encouraging more sustainable and conscious use of water. Measuring the water footprint invites individuals, organizations, and countries to implement conservation measures in water consumption and contribute to a sustainable future.

Water Footprint Types

There are 3 different types of water footprints: blue, green, and gray. These three types of water footprints show the amount of water consumed, evaporated, and polluted. The details of these water footprint types are as follows:

Blue Water Footprint

It shows the amount of surface and groundwater evaporated or directly used to be utilized in the production processes of products. The amount of water consumed for growing agricultural products or for daily use in households constitutes the blue water footprint.

Green Water Footprint

It shows the amount of rainwater stored on the surface. The water required for the growth of agricultural products or plants can also be expressed as the amount of rainwater. The green water footprint is extremely important for measuring water stress on agricultural production or ecosystems.

Gray Water Footprint

It indicates the amount of fresh water required to clean the water polluted due to chemicals and pollutants arising during the production process. In other words, this footprint category points to the capacity of water to dilute or treat pollutants and shows how critical water is for ecosystem health. This process can increase fresh water demand to ensure the sustainable use of water resources and protect ecosystems.

Different types of water footprint can help in understanding the usage areas and environmental impacts of water resources. Taking conscious steps to ensure sustainable management of these resources and to minimize their impact on the environment has gone beyond being a preference and has become a necessity.

How is Water Footprint Calculation Made?

During water footprint measurement, many factors are taken into account and the results obtained are generally approximate, not exact. The more accurate the data included in the water footprint calculation, the closer the result is to reality. The data included in the calculation process for individuals, companies, or countries may differ from each other. When measuring water footprint, the following data are generally used:

1. Total Consumption Volume and GDP

The first factor considered when calculating a country's water footprint is total water consumption volume. One of the most important factors determining the size of water use in a country is the level of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Directly related to water consumption, GDP represents the economic size of a country. This is because countries with large economies generally consume more water for industrial applications, agricultural activities, and domestic use. In other words, it can be said that countries with high GDP also have high water consumption volumes. For example, the water footprint of the United States, which is among the industrially developed and densely populated countries, is larger than that of smaller economies.

2. Consumption Patterns

Consuming food products such as dairy products and meat, which require a lot of water in their production, causes the water footprint to grow to the same extent. For example, beef production requires a high amount of water, whereas grain production requires much less water. Therefore, countries with high meat consumption may have a larger water footprint than countries with a grain-heavy diet. Consumption habits are not limited to food products; clothing and industrial products also contribute to increasing the water footprint.

3. Climate Conditions

Climate plays an important role in calculating water footprint. In countries with hot and dry climates, the amount of water used in agriculture is generally higher. High temperatures accelerate evaporation, causing crops to need more water. For example, in countries located in North Africa or the Middle East, temperatures are high and precipitation is low. Therefore, the amount of water needed for agricultural production is also quite high. In these regions where water resources are limited, climate conditions are a critical factor in water management.

4. Agricultural Practices

The efficiency of agricultural practices is another important factor that directly affects a country's water footprint. Water use is generally higher in countries that do not have efficient agricultural methods. For example, in countries like Thailand and Mali, low agricultural efficiency leads to a high water footprint. Failing to use efficient irrigation techniques can lead to waste of water and excessive water consumption in production processes. Modern agricultural technologies and sustainable practices, on the other hand, can contribute to shrinking the water footprint by reducing water use.

Various platforms, software, or websites can be used to calculate water footprint. To calculate your approximate water footprint, you can enter the requested information into a reliable software and calculate your estimated water footprint.

Individual Solutions to Reduce Water Footprint

Small changes made in daily life can make significant contributions to protecting water resources and building a sustainable future. Simple but effective measures that can be taken by individuals to reduce water footprint can support the conscious use of natural resources.

Shorter Showering Times

Shortening shower times is one of the simplest ways to use water more efficiently. This is because long showers lead to water waste. Limiting shower time to 5-10 minutes can save a significant amount of water.

Water-Saving Shower Heads

Water-saving shower heads, which promote efficient use of water, ensure less water consumption by balancing the intensity of the water flow. Thanks to this small change, hundreds of liters of water can be saved per year.

Consumption of Local and Sustainable Foods

The production of animal products, especially meat and milk, requires much more water than plant-based foods. Consuming less meat and developing a plant-based diet habit can support reducing the water footprint. In addition, preferring sustainable and local agricultural products also contributes to the efficient use of water resources. Supporting local farmers can also reduce the amount of water used in the production and logistics processes of food.

Adoption of Circular Economy

Encouraging the reuse of circular economy resources minimizes both water consumption and negative environmental impacts. Using products for a long time or choosing recyclable products can ensure the efficient use of water resources.

Corporate Solutions to Reduce Water Footprint

In addition to individual consumers, businesses can also take many steps to reduce their water footprint. Implementing environmental quality systems and focusing on water conservation can both protect the environment and make it possible to develop sustainable business models. Brand reputation can be strengthened by carrying out activities focused on economy and sustainability, and a wider audience can be reached by creating awareness. Some of the steps corporations can take to reduce their water footprint include:

Increasing Water Efficiency

A transition can be made to new generation water-saving technologies. Technologies that make irrigation activities more economical, such as drip irrigation, can provide water efficiency. Regularly monitoring plumbing and preventing water leaks can prevent unnecessary water loss.

Water Recycling Activities

Especially industrial enterprises can save water by treating water polluted due to industrial activities and reintegrating it into production processes.

Resource Monitoring and Management

Today, digital water tracking and monitoring systems, which can work integrated with many industries, can provide a regular data flow on issues such as the amount of water consumed and wastewater management. The data obtained can help establish the necessary strategies for the management and efficient use of water resources.

Improving Production and Supply Chain Processes

Innovative approaches may need to be adopted to optimize the amount of water used in production processes. Turning to materials that require less water consumption in their production, and choosing companies that offer transparent and realistic data on water efficiency when receiving supply chain and logistics services can help protect water resources.

Why is it Important to Reduce Water Footprint?

Reducing water footprint should be seen not only as an individual task but also as a social responsibility. Even the smallest initiatives to reduce water footprint can create effects such as:

• Consuming less water, eating sustainable foods, and supporting recycling is one of the most effective ways to secure access to water resources for future generations.

• Consuming sustainable foods is a critical step both for leading a healthy life and protecting the environment.

• Choosing local and seasonal products by considering the impact of agricultural practices on water contributes to both water conservation and prevention of food waste.

• Supporting recycling is one of the important components of reducing water footprint. Re-evaluating used materials reduces the amount of water required to produce new products.

• Social awareness and sensitivity trainings conducted for the protection of water resources can enable individuals to be more conscious of water resources.

• Proper implementation of waste management and reducing the use of chemicals that have the potential to pollute water resources can both protect water ecosystems and prevent biodiversity loss.

Your Solution Partner for Water Footprint Calculation

QuickCarbon offers a comprehensive solution for organizations wishing to simplify water footprint calculation and reporting processes. Our user-friendly QuickCarbon software allows you to perform all your calculation and reporting processes in accordance with ISO 14064-1:2018 Standard and GHG Protocol principles. In this way, it becomes possible to calculate the carbon footprint and set sustainability targets based on the data obtained.

You do not need to receive any consulting services while writing data into our QuickCarbon software. Multiple dashboards and graphics allow you to monitor your greenhouse gas emission amounts according to many different parameters. All reports you receive through QuickCarbon can be used nationally and internationally. You can also contact us to get more information about QuickCarbon software and request a demo.