Water footprint: The hidden dimension of our water use and why it matters to ecosystems and economies

Everything from food and clothes to cars and computers; these all require significant quantities of water to produce. When we include these “indirect” uses of water, we begin to see that the amount water flowing through our taps and toilets make up only small fraction of our total water footprint.
This diagram shows the amount of water needed to produce a few commonly used goods:

By looking at the hidden dimensions of water use – how water is embedded in the commodities we produce and consume – water footprinting not only paints a more complete picture of how much water our lifestyles require, but also allows us to better understand the complex flow of water through the economy, and the related impacts on the rivers, lakes, wetlands and aquifers that are the sources of our water supply.
As we look closer at the activities that drive our economies – everything from energy generation, mining and agriculture to the manufacturing of goods and the service sector – it becomes apparent that water is deeply embedded in virtually every aspect of the economy.  So when we’re talking about water and the economy, it has to do with so much more than the sale of bottled water or new technologies to treat and conserve water resources.
The role of water in the economy is rapidly emerging as a hot topic in Canada and around the world.  Earlier this month, a report released by the Innovolve Group entitled “Water and the Future of the Canadian Economy” emphasized the importance of water as a driver of economic development.  Recent work by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy highlighted some potential economic implications of changes in water supply resulting from climate change.
To reduce exposure to water related risks, several businesses are also starting to pay more attention to their water footprint.  And at the same time, investors are calling for more stringent water accounting from businesses to identify potential risks – lending further credence to the adage “what gets measured gets managed”.  Click here to learn more.
Globally, WWF is recognized as a leader in water footprinting, both in terms of technical expertise and through our work with major businesses to improve water stewardship.  Working with our colleagues at WWF-US and WWF- Mexico, we here on the freshwater team at WWF-Canada are in the process of producing a groundbreaking North American water footprint study designed to illuminate the ways in which water is embedded in the economy and in the goods and services traded within and beyond our continent.  The study will be released in the first half of 2011.  More information to come in the new year!