The Future of Water: The Invisible Water Crisis and the Virtual Water Footprint

The Invisible Water Crisis

When discussing the global water crisis, the first things that come to mind are drying rivers, depleting lakes, and the increasing demand for drinking water. However, there is a much deeper and often overlooked issue: virtual water consumption. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, from technological products to energy sources, every item requires large amounts of water during its production processes. This hidden water usage is a significant factor exacerbating the global water crisis. In this article, we will explore the concept of virtual water and the steps that can be taken to address this invisible crisis.

What is Virtual Water?

Virtual water refers to the total amount of water used throughout a product's production process. This concept encompasses not only the visible water consumption but also the water used during agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation processes. For instance:

• Producing one hamburger consumes approximately 2,400 liters of water, most of which is used to grow the feed for the cattle.

• Manufacturing a single pair of jeans requires 10,000 liters of water, from cotton cultivation to dyeing processes.

• Enjoying a cup of coffee means consuming 140 liters of water, which is needed for the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of coffee beans.

Virtual Water Footprint: Personal and Industrial Dimensions

Personal Dimension

Every individual consumes a certain amount of virtual water daily, depending on their lifestyle. This consumption originates from the production processes of the items they use in their everyday lives. Examples include:

• Food Consumption: One slice of bread requires 40 liters of water, mainly for growing and processing wheat. A glass of milk consumes 200 liters of water, primarily for producing the feed and caring for the livestock. Meat consumption significantly increases water footprints. For example, one kilogram of beef requires 15,000 liters of water.

• Clothing and Fashion Habits: Producing a single pair of jeans consumes about 10,000 liters of water, while a t-shirt requires 2,700 liters. This amount equals an individual’s drinking water needs for 2.5 years. The "fast fashion" trend not only harms the environment but also depletes water resources. Consuming less and opting for high-quality clothes can alleviate this crisis.

• Energy Consumption: Electricity usage has a virtual water footprint as well. Fossil fuels and nuclear energy production, in particular, consume large amounts of water for cooling purposes.

Tips for Conscious Consumption: Individuals can reduce their virtual water footprint by:

• Consuming less meat and dairy products.

• Preferring local and seasonal foods.

• Buying longer-lasting and sustainable clothing items.

• Reducing electricity consumption and supporting renewable energy sources.

Industrial Dimension

Industries account for the largest share of virtual water consumption. Production processes consume water both directly and indirectly. Prominent sectors include:

• Agriculture and Food Sector: Approximately 70% of the world's total water consumption occurs in agriculture, mostly for irrigation. Water used during industrial food processing also represents a significant portion of total consumption. For example, producing one kilogram of rice requires about 3,000 liters of water.

• Textile Sector: Cotton production is one of the most water-intensive processes in the textile industry. Producing one kilogram of cotton requires approximately 10,000 liters of water. Dyeing and processing fabrics involve chemical procedures that consume large amounts of water.

• Energy Sector: Thermal power plants use vast amounts of water for cooling processes, often lost to evaporation during production. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power minimize water consumption.

• Manufacturing and Technology Sector: Electronic device production, especially for chips and circuit boards, requires significant amounts of water. For example, producing a single computer chip consumes approximately 1,400 liters of water. The automotive sector consumes an average of 40,000 liters of water per vehicle.

Solutions to Reduce the Virtual Water Crisis

Individual Solutions

Individuals can significantly reduce their virtual water footprints by changing their daily consumption habits. Some practical solutions include:

• Making Smarter Food Choices: Reducing meat consumption, especially beef, which is one of the most water-intensive food types. Opting for plant-based proteins, such as lentils, which require significantly less water than meat. Choosing local and seasonal foods to avoid the water costs of production and transportation. Minimizing food waste to ensure that the water used in production is not wasted.

• Adopting Responsible Fashion Habits: Buying fewer but higher-quality clothes, as fast fashion is a major contributor to water overuse. Participating in the circular economy by purchasing second-hand items or donating clothes.

• Saving Water in Daily Life: Reducing water use in daily activities, such as shorter showers or using water-efficient appliances, can also indirectly reduce virtual water consumption.

Industrial Solutions

Industries must adopt innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce virtual water consumption. Some potential solutions include:

• Wastewater Recovery and Reuse: Establishing wastewater treatment facilities and reusing the treated water in production processes can significantly reduce water use. For instance: In the textile sector, recycled water can be reused for dyeing and washing processes. In food processing plants, recovered water can be used for cleaning or cooling.

• Efficient Production Technologies: Developing water-efficient technologies, such as: Membrane technologies like ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis. Low-water-consumption dyeing systems in the textile industry.

• Automation and IoT (Internet of Things): Smart sensors and automation systems allow for real-time monitoring and optimization of water usage.

• Alternative Materials and Methods: Using raw materials that require less water during production. Developing innovative processes that replace water usage with other solutions, such as CO₂-based textile dyeing.

• Transition to Circular Economy: A circular economy emphasizes reusing waste and reintroducing it into production processes. Examples include: Using agricultural waste for biogas production. Incorporating recycled materials in textile production.

Political and Societal Solutions

Resolving the virtual water crisis requires support from governments and societal organizations:

• Legal Regulations and Standards: Implementing mandatory standards to reduce virtual water consumption. Increasing incentives for wastewater reuse.

• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Organizing campaigns to raise awareness among individuals and businesses about virtual water consumption. Providing education programs about the importance of water conservation.

• International Cooperation: Developing global standards for optimizing water-intensive products. Regulating imports and encouraging less water-intensive production in water-scarce regions.

Future Perspective: Sustainable Virtual Water Management

The solution to the virtual water crisis lies in redesigning the future with a broader perspective. Governments, industries, and individuals must all work together to create a sustainable water management system. With the adoption of innovative technologies, responsible consumption habits, and global cooperation, the invisible water crisis can be addressed effectively. Every drop matters, and the future of water is in our hands.

 Aydan Mine EMİRDAĞ

Standart Treatment Environmental Technologies Consultancy Ltd

www.standartsu.com

aydan@standartsu.com I info@standartsu.com