Water Footprint Verification Services

A global shortage of water resources is a problem that has gone unaddressed for years. Particularly pressing are the issues of unbalanced water distribution between nations and regions, in conjunction with wasteful inefficient or even profligate utilization.

The term “water footprint” is an indication of water consumption that represents both direct and indirect water use, and introduces the concept of virtual water. From a life cycle perspective, the water footprint of an individual, community or business is defined as the total volume of fresh water directly consumed as well as indirectly by the inherent water used in the manufacture of the products that they consume or use. In general, the water footprint of a product is not only an indication of water consumption, but also includes the dilution of waste water and indirect water consumption factors. The goal is the sustainable management of all water resources.

Our global reputation as one of the world’s leading providers of independent testing, assessment and certification services means our highly qualified experts can accurately assess your water footprint and suggest optimizations.

With TÜV Rheinland as your reliable partner in water footprinting:

• You can benefit from our knowledge on water consumption in various industries and waste water limitation.
• Consumers can choose water-efficient products that are accorded a water footprint mark.
• Businesses and consumers can make purchasing decisions that are both of benefit to themselves and the environment.
• Our team of experts in Greater China and our worldwide network will provide you with a set of comprehensive and integrated sustainability services.
• With a focus on the complete life cycle of your products, we can help you streamline your processes and thereby also help reduce costs.
• We offer you a platform to demonstrate your commitment to the environment and society.

We can provide you with a water footprint verification of your products in accordance with the Water Footprint Assessment Manual 2011, including:

• Verifying the calculation of the entire fresh water usage at specific locations and stages in the product life cycle, including the fresh water consumption, evapotranspiration and the impact of pollutants in the waste water.
• Helping you verify the water footprint of your products by examining the water consumption and demonstrates your responsibility towards sustainable water management. The water footprint statistics provide guidance to consumers who wish to purchase water efficient products.

1. Definition of boundary considerations

• Green water – water in the soil providing moisture to crops
• Blue water – ground water and bodies of surface water
• Grey water – water required to dilute pollutants/fertilizers

2. Data collection

3. Data referencing and checking

4. On-site verification and confirmation

5. Reporting and identification of potential improvements

Determining and optimizing the water footprint of an organization is a growing concern for stakeholders, consumers and is rapidly being incorporated into the environmental policy of many international organizations.

Regulations are being implemented to promote more efficient water consumption and it is necessary to calculate and manage water consumption for both domestic and industrial purposes through independent third-party assessment organizations.

This manual was developed by the Water Footprint Network and it is the global standard for water footprint assessments. It acts as a guide for how to assess water footprints for individual processes and products, consumers, nations, and businesses. Additionally, it includes methods for water footprint sustainability assessment and a library of water footprint response options.

In general, water footprinting helps organizations review the current water usage performance, to identify their dependence on water resources, and adds credibility and transparency to their reporting.

Measuring the footprint for products can be useful in educating consumers about the water effectively used by consuming or using a product. In addition, it can help businesses, either those who produce the product or those who use it in their supply chain, to make decisions on how to reduce their water footprint. it is also worth noting that similar products, with the same evapotranspiration qualities, will likely have different water footprints in different geographical areas.