Water footprint refers to the volume of water used from all sources both directly in terms of consumption and indirectly in terms of what is required in the global production of goods.

When we think of cities, one of the first things we probably think of is that image of sprawling built-up concrete landscape with tall buildings. The sponge city concept naturally comes with some drawbacks, including costs associated with the urban redesign and the implications of an oil spill were to occur on a more porous road surface.

Read all about this month’s reflections of our consulting director and share your thoughts.

For the first part of this century, water purification systems were centered on chemical clarification, granular media filtration, and chlorination. As the needs for clean and safe drinking water increases, advanced technologies and methods are slowly but steadily penetrating the market.

It is not a secret that the fashion industry is a water intensive activity, but have we ever thought of it as being the second most polluting industry? Indeed, the water use of one single cotton t-shirt uses as much water as any of us would need during three years, 2700 litres[1]. The challenge begins with our closets, we all have more than one cotton t-shirt.

Technology is changing the way we access, produce, manage, and monitor water supplies. Some of the new and emerging developments will play a vital role if we are to avoid the predicted global water crisis.

Urban growth is one of the major factors affecting water scarcity. With the UN predicting that around 5 billion people – over half of the global population – could experience water shortages by 2050, it's clear that something needs to be done to change the way we organize society and use water.

Falling regularly from the sky and surrounding us in waterways and underground reserves, water feels like it's the most abundant and renewable resource of our planet.

Inefficient water management is one of the factors that contributes to today's global water crisis.

Whether a trigger, weapon, or a casualty, water has played a major role in conflicts around the world. With climate change altering rainfall patterns and causing extended droughts all over the globe, disputes over water appear to remain a challenge for some regions. On the other hand, history has also witnessed water being the source of cooperation between nations.

Today’s society is characterized by being dynamic and fast-paced and the more we move towards the future, the more goods and resources we consume. Since water is present in the lifecycle of any products we consume, our footprint is growing bigger every year.

Moving to a more sustainable long-term model for managing water supplies is essential if we are to avert a future water crisis. However, many countries still lack access to even basic clean water. The World Bank estimates that the poorest countries need to spend around $150 billion a year just to deliver safe and clean water for all.

In this climate, is it realistic to expect countries to achieve water sustainability? Where do we stand regarding water sustainability at the moment and what can be done to improve the situation in the future?