Water Footprint

Water footprint refers to the total volume of freshwater used directly and indirectly to produce a product, service, process or activity. It includes water consumed in operations, water used across supply chains, and water affected by pollution. In sustainability reporting, the concept helps organizations assess how their activities depend on and impact freshwater resources. A water footprint is often divided into blue water, from surface and groundwater sources; green water, from rainfall stored in soil and used by plants; and grey water, the volume needed to dilute pollutants to acceptable quality standards. For data centres, the water footprint can include cooling water used on site, water linked to electricity generation, and upstream water used in equipment manufacturing and infrastructure.