With the diminished supply of water across the globe, from warmer temperatures and growing populations, it is increasingly important to understand where our water is coming from, where it is going, and how it is being used.  It has been estimated that by 2030 the global demand for water will outstrip supply by 40 percent.

To track these conditions, it can be useful to assess water footprints which are measures of water used directly, or consumed indirectly for things we use, buy, sell, wear and eat.  Direct water use is when you turn on a faucet or a hose for water. Some examples include brushing teeth, showering, flushing the toilet, washing a car, or watering a garden.   Indirect water is needed to produce, grow, or manufacture the items we use every day. This water is necessary for producing steel for your car, growing cotton for your jeans, and processing your hamburger meat.

The foot can belong to an individual, a group, a business or industry, or geographic area, including a country or continent.

Some further ideas to explore on Water Footprint

Look for the most complete calculator for your personal water footprint.

Determine the water footprint for each food product of your typical breakfast, using one of the most complete calculators.

Adjust several of the products in your typical breakfast and see how it affects your person water footprint.

Sources:

“Water Matters Crash Course: What is Water Footprint?” EU Environment (10 July 2024). Video bit.ly/475IUba

“What is a water footprint?”,  Water Footprint Network bit.ly/3X7OogW

“What is a water footprint?” Water Footprint Calculator bit.ly/4cMxDhd

Linda Sims, “The Water Footprint of Food: How does Our Diet Affect Water Resources?” Water is a Right  https://bit.ly/3Mrov6U

What is your Water Footprint?  Athens-Clarke County Unified Government  www.accgov.com