Water Footprint

Water Footprint

Water Footprint is a comprehensive indicator of freshwater usage that accounts for both direct and indirect water use by a consumer or producer. It is a multidimensional metric that not only measures the volume of water consumed or polluted but also considers the type of water used and the location and timing of its use. The concept of Water Footprint was introduced to provide a more complete picture of how water is appropriated by humans, going beyond traditional measures of water withdrawal. It consists of three components: blue water footprint (consumption of surface and groundwater resources), green water footprint (consumption of rainwater stored in the soil), and grey water footprint (the volume of freshwater required to assimilate pollutants to meet specific water quality standards). By quantifying the water embedded in the entire supply chain of a product or service, the Water Footprint enables a deeper understanding of the global dimension of freshwater use and the impacts of consumption choices on water resources. It serves as a valuable tool for water management, policy formulation, and public awareness, promoting the sustainable and equitable use of the world's limited freshwater resources.

water consumption, water pollution, virtual water, water scarcity, water management, sustainable water use

— Robert Anderson