Summary:

Water resources are coming under increasing pressure by the dual effects of climate change and population growth. This affects businesses in direct and measurable ways:

• Increasing cost of water supply as a result of increasing pressure on water resources;
• Disrupted rainfall patterns or extreme weather could mean your business operations are more frequently disrupted – either directly or indirectly through your supply chain; and
• Increasing customer awareness places greater emphasis on environmental issues when making purchasing decisions. Whilst carbon may currently be the major concern, water sustainability is becoming increasingly significant.

The water footprint of a business is the total volume of freshwater used directly or indirectly to run and support that business. The water footprint of a business has two parts: the direct water use by the business (for its business activities or supporting activities) and the indirect water use (in the supply chain). By calculating and analysing your water footprint you can:

• Identify water related impacts of your operations on the environment;
• Calculate your businesses’ water consumption and water efficiency; and
• Identify the risks in your supply chain and formulate an action plan.

Further resources:

• Water Footprint Network – International organisation promoting water footprinting
• Envirowise – Water efficiency initiative 'Ripple effect'