What is your 'water footprint'?

[Are_grits_groceries]

Calculate your water footprint at this site.


The relation between consumption and water use
"The interest in the water footprint is rooted in the recognition that human impacts on freshwater systems can ultimately be linked to human consumption, and that issues like water shortages and pollution can be better understood and addressed by considering production and supply chains as a whole,” says Professor Arjen Y. Hoekstra, creator of the water footprint concept and scientific director of the Water Footprint Network.

"Water problems are often closely tied to the structure of the global economy. Many countries have significantly externalised their water footprint, importing water-intensive goods from elsewhere. This puts pressure on the water resources in the exporting regions, where too often mechanisms for wise water governance and conservation are lacking. Not only governments, but also consumers, businesses and civil society communities can play a role in achieving a better management of water resources."

Some facts and figures
The production of one kilogram of beef requires 16 thousand litres of water.
To produce one cup of coffee we need 140 litres of water.
The water footprint of China is about 700 cubic meter per year per capita. Only about 7% of the Chinese water footprint falls outside China.
Japan with a footprint of 1150 cubic meter per year per capita, has about 65% of its total water footprint outside the borders of the country.
The USA water footprint is 2500 cubic meter per year per capita
http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/home

Most people don't realize that water is transferred between countries in the form of crops, animal products and other goods.
Each of these uses a measurable quantity of water.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. A rather goodly amount of water is tied up in animals and humans. n/t

[Are_grits_groceries]

2. I don't think people realize how much.

Water is going to be the next big shortage, and it's already on the way. People may start to get a clue.

[MadHound]

3. Like other calculators of this type, it makes too many generalizations

It assumes that everybody's meat comes from factory feedlots, mine doesn't, it comes from my neighbors. It has nothing about catching rainwater for garden irrigation, or drip irrigation, etc. Instead, just how many minutes you water the garden.

I get that the purpose of these sort of things is to shock people to the severity of the water crisis, but I would like something that is a little more realistic.

[Are_grits_groceries]

4. True.

That amount would be minimal in the overall supply and demand IMHO.

In addition, most people need scaring.

[Fla_Democrat]

5. Zero

I can't walk on water. :evilgrin:

[mainer]

6. I'm not sure water usage is a zero-sum thing

If someone in rainy Kauai uses a ton of water to irrigate his crops or take lavish baths, that doesn't affect the farmer in parched Africa.

[Are_grits_groceries]

7. It depends on a lot of things.

Here is one article that gives an example of water transfer.

http://www.alternet.org/water/140795/do_exports_of_water-intensive_crops_hurt_drought-prone_areas/

An exchange from Hawaii to Africa may not be possible. However, there may be ways to use crops in Africa to bring needed change. In the worst regions, it will probably take a combination of factors such as finding feasible sources of water, getting them to certain regions, growing certain crops, etc.