User:Ebarke10/Water footprint

For this assignment, I plan to expand on the “Water Footprint” Wikipedia article. I was planning on expanding the “History” part of the article. I was also going to add recent research under the “History” section. (Kylie)

For this assignment, I plan to extend on the "Blue water footprint", "Green water footprint" and "Grey water footprint" paragraphs, and also add "ground water footprint" to the article. (Payton)

For this assignment, I plan to add onto water footprint of companies "Industral Sector" portion of our article. I am going to do this by using a part of an article from the company Enel where they talked about water footprints of companies. (Eli)

Kylie

Water footprinting is a complex method to measure the volume of water consumed, directly or indirectly, to produce goods and services. This measurement can be applied to any of consumer or producer groups, ranging from single individuals, companies, and all over the world.

History (Extended):

In the 1990s, a new dimension to water consumption was introduced by Professor Tony Allan through the concept of “virtual water” (Allan, 1998). This term was created to offer insight into the water-intensive nature of various commodities, especially in global trade where water was scarce in nations that might import water-intensive goods.

Fair Water Footprinting

Globally, many water footprints lead to negative impacts such as pollution, over-abstraction of resources, and degradation of ecosystems. Hoekstra and Mekonnen (2016) observed that 50% of the UK's external blue water footprint is situated in river basins and aquifers with unsustainable water usage. Studies have consistently found unsustainability in water use across our footprints, especially in relation to the production of food, clothing, and mining in the Global South

Components of Water Footprinting:

Water footprints are categorized into three main segments:


 * Green Water Footprint: Rainwater stored in soil and used for crop growth or ecosystems (WWF & AfDB, 2012). The volume of water from soil moisture consumed in the production process, primarily through agricultural activities.
 * Blue Water Footprint: Volume of surface and groundwater used from sources like rivers and aquifers (WWF & AfDB, 2012). This water is used for various purposes such as irrigation, industrial processes, and domestic consumption.
 * Grey Water Footprint: Freshwater volume required to assimilate pollutants in water bodies (Chapagain and Hoekstra, 2006). This category is particularly relevant when considering industrial waste or agricultural runoff.

Glasgow Declaration for Fair Water Footprints:

At the COP26 event in 2021, international attention was garnered towards the Glasgow Declaration for Fair Water Footprints. This was a significant step towards noticing the environmental and socio-economic ramifications of water footprints. This statement added to the rising worries that the "Global South" is carrying too much of the environmental load to meet the needs of the "Global North's" consumption habits.

Recent Advancements in Research:

Records, which were limited to data from 1996-2005, have been revisited and expanded upon. Contemporary research has shed light on nations' water footprints ranging from 2000 to 2020. This updated information provides valuable insights for policymakers and environmentalists.

Data Collection & Analysis:

Accurate water footprint assessments are based on the collection of precise data. It shows a detailed analysis of water withdrawals for various uses, studying evapotranspiration rates in agriculture, gauging the quality and quantity of water return flows, and monitoring wastewater discharge. Institutions like FAO's AQUASTAT and the Water Footprint Network have provided indispensable tools and databases for these assessments.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA):

To understand a product's water footprint is through its Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). An LCA looks at a raw material from the time it is made, when it is used, and when it is thrown away or recycled.

Equipment for Data Collection:

Databases and computing tools are very important for figuring out an individual's water footprint. However, specific equipment is essential for primary data collection such as:


 * Flow Meters: Measures water usage across sectors.
 * Evapotranspiration Sensors: These are crucial for understanding water usage in agricultural activities.


 * Water Quality Test Kits and Analyzers: Instrumental in evaluating pollutant levels, thereby aiding in the estimation of the gray water footprint.
 * Soil Moisture Sensors: Provide real-time data on soil water content, enhancing the accuracy of green water footprint assessments in agriculture.

Key Insights and Considerations:


 * Estimates of water footprint are difficult, but they also include direct observations and computer methodologies (Green & Taylor, 2019)
 * It's crucial to differentiate between the “water footprint of a nation” and the “water footprint of national production,” as they serve distinct analytical purposes.
 * A sustainable approach to water management and policy formulation hinges on understanding the external water footprint associated with international trade.

“Fair water footprint” ensures sustainable water usage, reduces pollution, protects ecosystems, guarantees access to clean water, and strengthens resilience to water-related challenges.

In-Depth Country Analysis:

Major “Global North” nations including the UK, Austria, Switzerland, and others were studied to understand worldwide consumption of water. A separate research examined the "Global South," including Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This extensive analysis shows how global water consumption is complexly connected to issues, difficulties, and solutions.

Important Remarks:

The worldwide water footprinting issue shows how important fair and sustainable resource management is. A transition toward fair water impact looks like the best way forward as water shortages, climate change, and environmental issues grow. With this fair and thorough method, the world may move toward effectively managing water resources so everyone succeeds.

Payton:

Blue water footprint:

According to “Evaluation of Environmental Impacts Due to Blue Water Consumption in China from Production and Consumption Perspectives.” by Multidisciplinary Digital Publish Institute it claims that “Based on the study of Kummu et al., the global blue water consumption per capita has increased from 209 m3/(year∙capita) in the 1900s to 230 m3/(year∙capita) in the 2000s, and total blue water consumption increased fourfold within the same period when taking the increase of the global population into consideration.” Blue water consumption as shown in this article, is a huge part of everyday lives based off of the drastic increase between the years. “We use blue water scarcity to measure the environmental sustainability of the blue water footprint. It’s a measure of the blue water footprint compared to the water available after considering environmental flow requirements. When the blue water footprint is larger than the available water, environmental flows are not met and over time, freshwater ecosystems degrade”, says Water Footprint Network in the “What is Water Footprint” article. Based on this article, maintaining a consistent blue water footprint can be highly advantageous, but it can also become a problem if it grows too big and isn't taken care of. It is important to assess blue water footprint to understand the environmental impact of water consumption and to promote sustainable water management practices. Managing and reducing blue water footprint is important to ensure sustainable water use, and address water scarcity

Green Water Footprint:

Green water footprint is important for many different reasons. One being sustainable agriculture. Understanding the green water footprint helps in sustainable farming practices. According to “The Value of Rainwater: Why Green Water Footprints Matter.” by GRACE communications foundation, “Shifting precipitation patterns under climate change have changed the timing and amount of precipitation compared to the past. As this shift towards less predictable “drought and deluge” cycles occur, risks increase for farmers in terms of planning, planting and eventual harvests. Just because a given crop in a certain place or time depends more on irrigation and less on rainwater doesn’t mean it can survive without the rainwater.” In the Article "Water Footprint and Why it is Important" by Rick LeBlanc it states as well "If coffee plants are not irrigated and rely on green water from rainfall, then they are utilizing water but not consuming it, as they would be if the water was being drawn from an aquifer or a body of water. It is important to consider the geographical and climatic context. Where there is abundant rainwater, the impact of water usage by the coffee plants on the ecosystem is minimal compared to more arid growing areas." This demonstrates that while a plant can use water without the green water aspect, it cannot consume it. It will therefore become less healthy than if the green water from the rain had been used. Green water footprint is essential mainly for the purpose of agriculture because without it, especially in dryer climates, it is almost impossible to create healthy crops.

Grey Water Footprint:

Grey water is known as wastewater produced by everyday activities including bathing, cleaning dishes, and washing clothing. Understanding the environmental effects of our daily actions, such as water use and pollution, is made easier by looking at our grey water footprint. There are multiple benefits to including a greywater recycling system in homes. “Benefits of Greywater Recycling Systems” by Global Water Group of Companies states that, “ By reusing your household greywater, you are contributing to water conservation. Usage of tap water declines by 16-45 percent in households that reuse their greywater. Beyond your backyard, greywater can also be reused to become an additional source to existing water supplies in drought-stricken areas.”  Although there are benefits to including greywater recycling in everyday lives, there are also downsides to it. Grey water can also be considered a dangerous water footprint. According to “What is Gray water” by Friends of the Earth, it states “Gray water can lead to oxygen depletion and spread bacteria. It also leads to higher levels of nutrients in the ocean ecosystem which can result in toxic algal blooms and dead zones”. This is why it is so important to manage this water footprint correctly. Being able to manage this footprint is crucial for minimizing pollution and optimizing water use in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Ground Water Footprint:

According to “Water balance of global aquifers revealed by groundwater footprint” by Tom Gleeson, Yoshihide Wada, Marc F. P. Bierkens & Ludovicus P. H. van Beek, “Ground Water Footprint is the area required to sustain groundwater use and groundwater-dependent ecosystem services of a region of interest, such as an aquifer, watershed or community.” It refers to the total amount of groundwater that is taken from aquifers to meet human needs. According to “Our Oversized Groundwater Footprint” by Sandra Postel, it is claimed that “the size of the global groundwater footprint – defined as the area required to sustain groundwater use and groundwater-dependent ecosystem services — is about 3.5 times the actual area of aquifers tapped for water supplies”. This is showing the clear importance of groundwater footprint, but also how in demand it is as well. Majority of people rely on groundwater as their source of water and having enough aquifers along with keeping it sanitary is extremely important. "For example, water foot printing, provides quantitative evidence to indicate which water bodies are preferable for extracting or discharging water." Is said in the "The how and why of measuring your water footprint". by Adrian Johnson. This is further explaining how Ground Water footprint is more preferred as the way of extracting water, initiating how important it is to keep healthy. Due to the fact that most people around the world depend on groundwater, it is extremely important to keep the environment it is found in sanitary as well. “Without groundwater it can lead to things like reduced water levels in rivers and lakes and altered ecosystems”. Managing the groundwater footprint is extremely important to maintain long term water sustainability.

Elijah:

According to the “Water footprints of nations: Water use by people as a function of their consumption pattern” in the book “(integrated Assessment of Water Resources and Global Change) internal water footprint is, the volume of water used from domestic water resources. “The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home.”

Internal Water Footprint:

The internal water footprint of a country refers to the amount of water resources consumed within its borders to meet various domestic needs and production demands. In the case of the

United States:

Domestic Water Usage: The internal water footprint includes water used for domestic purposes, such as drinking, sanitation, and household activities. It also encompasses water used for public services like firefighting and municipal water supply systems.

Industrial Water Usage: Industries in the U.S. rely on water for various processes, including manufacturing, energy production, and cooling. Water is essential for industrial sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and mining. Sustainable practices and water-efficient technologies play a vital role in managing the internal industrial water footprint.

Agricultural Water Usage: Agriculture is a significant consumer of water in the United States, accounting for a substantial portion of the internal water footprint. Irrigation for crop production, livestock farming, and aquaculture all contribute to this footprint. Sustainable farming practices, precision irrigation, and crop selection can help optimize water use.

Ecosystem Needs: The internal water footprint also considers the allocation of water for maintaining natural ecosystems. Ensuring sufficient water flows in rivers and wetlands is crucial for supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Urbanization and Land Use: Changes in land use and urbanization affect the internal water footprint. Urban development can lead to increased impervious surfaces and changes in the hydrological cycle, affecting water availability and quality. Sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure can mitigate these impacts.

External Water Footprint:

The external water footprint of a country refers to the water resources consumed outside its borders through the production and consumption of imported goods and services. For the United States:

Imported Goods: The U.S. relies on a global supply chain for various products, from electronics to clothing and food. The production of these goods often involves significant water use in other countries. The U.S. external water footprint includes the virtual water embedded in imported products.

Exported Goods: Similarly, when the U.S. exports goods, it indirectly exports its water footprint. The water used in the production of exported goods contributes to the external water footprint of the importing countries.

Global Water Impact: The U.S. has a substantial external water footprint due to its extensive global trade network. Understanding this footprint is crucial for recognizing the environmental impact of U.S. consumption patterns on water resources worldwide.

Sustainable Trade Practices: Managing the external water footprint involves considering the environmental and social impacts of international trade. Efforts to reduce the external water footprint may include promoting sustainable supply chain practices, reducing waste, and supporting water-efficient technologies in partner countries.

Recognizing both the internal and external water footprints is essential for the United States to adopt responsible water management practices, ensure domestic water security, and contribute to global water sustainability. It highlights the need for international cooperation\

Government, U. (2023, October 2). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | US EPA. U.S Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/

Taseo, I. (2023, February 6). Daily per capita water use in households by select U.S. City 2014. Average per capita household water use in the United States in 2021, by select city. https://www.statista.com/statistics/886597/us-city-per-capita-water-consumption-households/

Reed, B. (2023, March 17). Global Fresh Water Demand will outstrip supply by 40% by 2030, say experts. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/17/global-fresh-water-demand-outstrip-supply-by-2030

References

Brown, C. (n.d.). “watersheds and problemsheds: Explaining the absence of armed conflict over water in the Middle East.” http://web.archive.org/web/20061127104256/http://meria.idc.ac.il:80/journal/1998/issue1/jv2n1a7.htm

Chapagain, A., & Mekonnen, M. (2023, March). Full+Report+-

+Towards+Fair+Water+Footprints+-+Understanding+water+footprints+and+global+inter-dependency+.pdf. Woking; Chapagain Consulting Ltd

Enel. (2022, October 17). The water footprint: How to safeguard the most precious resource. The water footprint: what is it, and how can it be measured and reduced? | Enel Group. https://www.enel.com/company/stories/articles/2022/10/water-footprint

Pierrat, É., Laurent, A., Dorber, M., Rygaard, M., Verones, F., & Hauschild, M. (2023). Advancing water footprint assessments: Combining the impacts of water pollution and

scarcity. Science of the Total Environment, 870, 161910

Valk, M. van der. (n.d.). Water balance of global aquifers revealed by groundwater footprint • hydrology.nl. https://www.hydrology.nl/mainnews/1-latest-news/365-water-balance-of-global-aquifers-revealed-by-groundwater-footprint.htm

References

Gleeson, T., Wada, Y., Bierkens, M. et al. Water balance of global aquifers revealed by groundwater footprint. Nature 488, 197–200 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11295

Lacota, D. (no date) Benefits of Greywater Recycling Systems: Global water, Benefits of Greywater Recycling Systems | Global Water. Available at: https://www.globalwatergroup.com.au/our-blog/benefits-of-greywater-recycling#:~:text=By%20reusing%20your%20household%20greywater,supplies%20in%20drought%2Dstricken%20areas.

Liu, J., Wu, M. and Yu, Z. (2018) Evaluation of environmental impacts due to blue water consumption in China from production and consumption perspectives, International journal of environmental research and public health. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267180/#:~:text=The%20results%20indicate%20that%20environmental,environmental%20impacts%20in%20the%20future.

Sandra Postel, originally published by N.G.N. et al. (2020) Our oversized groundwater footprint, resilience. Available at: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2012-08-15/our-oversized-groundwater-footprint/

The value of rainwater: Why green water footprints matter (2022) Water Footprint Calculator. Available at: https://www.watercalculator.org/footprint/rainwater-green-water-footprint/#:~:text=Water%20footprints%20are%20important%20for,precipitation%20compared%20to%20the%2

What is gray water? (2022) • friends of the earth • cruise ships, Friends of the Earth. Available at: https://foe.org/blog/what-is-gray-water/#:~:text=Not%20only%20does%20it%20introduce,algal%20blooms%20and%20dead%20zones. (Accessed: 08 October 2023).

What is water footprint assessment? (no date) Water Footprint Network. Available at: https://www.waterfootprint.org/water-footprint-2/what-is-water-footprint-assessment/

References

Brown, C. (n.d.). “watersheds and problemsheds: Explaining the absence of armed conflict over water in the Middle East.” http://web.archive.org/web/20061127104256/http://meria.idc.ac.il:80/journal/1998/issue1/jv2n1a7.htm

Chapagain, A., & Mekonnen, M. (2023, March). Full+Report+-

+Towards+Fair+Water+Footprints+-+Understanding+water+footprints+and+global+inter-dependency+.pdf. Woking; Chapagain Consulting Ltd

Enel. (2022, October 17). The water footprint: How to safeguard the most precious resource. The water footprint: what is it, and how can it be measured and reduced? | Enel Group. https://www.enel.com/company/stories/articles/2022/10/water-footprint

Pierrat, É., Laurent, A., Dorber, M., Rygaard, M., Verones, F., & Hauschild, M. (2023). Advancing water footprint assessments: Combining the impacts of water pollution and

scarcity. Science of the Total Environment, 870, 161910

Valk, M. van der. (n.d.). Water balance of global aquifers revealed by groundwater footprint • hydrology.nl. https://www.hydrology.nl/mainnews/1-latest-news/365-water-balance-of-global-aquifers-revealed-by-groundwater-footprint.htm

References

Gleeson, T., Wada, Y., Bierkens, M. et al. Water balance of global aquifers revealed by groundwater footprint. Nature 488, 197–200 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11295

Lacota, D. (no date) Benefits of Greywater Recycling Systems: Global water, Benefits of Greywater Recycling Systems | Global Water. Available at: https://www.globalwatergroup.com.au/our-blog/benefits-of-greywater-recycling#:~:text=By%20reusing%20your%20household%20greywater,supplies%20in%20drought%2Dstricken%20areas.

Liu, J., Wu, M. and Yu, Z. (2018) Evaluation of environmental impacts due to blue water consumption in China from production and consumption perspectives, International journal of environmental research and public health. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267180/#:~:text=The%20results%20indicate%20that%20environmental,environmental%20impacts%20in%20the%20future.

Sandra Postel, originally published by N.G.N. et al. (2020) Our oversized groundwater footprint, resilience. Available at: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2012-08-15/our-oversized-groundwater-footprint/

The value of rainwater: Why green water footprints matter (2022) Water Footprint Calculator. Available at: https://www.watercalculator.org/footprint/rainwater-green-water-footprint/#:~:text=Water%20footprints%20are%20important%20for,precipitation%20compared%20to%20the%2

What is gray water? (2022) • friends of the earth • cruise ships, Friends of the Earth. Available at: https://foe.org/blog/what-is-gray-water/#:~:text=Not%20only%20does%20it%20introduce,algal%20blooms%20and%20dead%20zones. (Accessed: 08 October 2023).

What is water footprint assessment? (no date) Water Footprint Network. Available at: https://www.waterfootprint.org/water-footprint-2/what-is-water-footprint-assessment/