Water, which is of vital importance for the continuation of life, sustains all life, from the smallest living organism to the largest. There is no alternative source that can replace water. In other words, in today's world, where the problems of drought and drought are increasing, it is necessary to take an attitude to support the solutions produced urgently or to be on the side that produces solutions to the problem.
What is a Water Footprint?
Did you know that 71% of the water in our world, 97% of which is covered with water, is covered by salt water and oceans? The rate of fresh water that we use in many activities from trade to industry is only 3%. In fact, two-thirds of the 3% water is made up of mountain glaciers. 97% of the water on earth consists of salty sea and ocean waters. It is of great importance to measure the amount of water we use today, where concepts such as drought, global warming and climate change are frequently mentioned and sustainability is prominent. The measurement of the amount of water used based on consumption is defined as the water footprint. The water footprint can be calculated by a person or businesses as well as the amount of water consumed by individuals.
How is Water Footprint Calculated?
As you can calculate your personal water footprint, it is possible to calculate the water footprint of your family, a city, a business or a group. Thanks to the ISO 14046 standard, the water consumption of a product, individual or society can be observed and evaluated. For example, the water footprint of an apple is 822 liters.
What Color Is a Water Footprint? What Color Is The Water Footprint Indicating Freshwater Pollution?
The volume of fresh water used is evaluated in 3 groups as blue, green and gray based on the quality of the water. Water footprint calculations are made according to these water qualities.
Blue water footprint refers to surface and ground water consumption.
The green water footprint is, in the most general sense, rainwater. It is possible to express it as water stored in soil with soil moisture.
Gray water footprint means calculating dirty water, as the color suggests. It refers to the amount of fresh water used to reduce pollution according to current water quality standards.
What Should Be Done to Reduce the Water Footprint?
Water pollution is a bigger problem for the world day by day and poses a threat to the continuity of life. Water is not only directly important for life, but also indirectly affects life. A lot of water is consumed in sectors such as agriculture and industry where production takes place. So, what measures should be taken in order not to waste the water used, that is, to reduce the water footprint?
First of all, we will talk about simple but effective methods that everyone can easily apply at home and are effective in reducing water footprint. For example, turning off the water while brushing your teeth, using an economical shower head, reducing your shower time, choosing economical methods when washing clothes and washing clothes by saving, not throwing substances that will pollute the water are just some of these methods. In a system where everyone applies these methods at home, a significant reduction in water footprint can be seen.
It will be of great benefit for institutions to be aware of water pollution and to make water footprint calculations, at the point of creating a cleaner and more livable world.
Be the first to comment