The Art of Sustainable Living Handbook

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Virtual water

Much of the water we use is visible; we turn on the tap and the water flows. On average we use 137 litres of water a day; for drinking, cooking food, washing our clothes, cleaning our homes, bathing and showering. This however does not give the full picture. 

We consume much larger quantities of water which we don't see. This is referred to as virtual water, a concept developed by Professor Tony Allan for which he received the Stockholm Water Prize in 2008.

Virtual water is the water used to produce the goods we use and the food we eat. When we consider virtual water our average daily consumption increases significantly to 3,800 litres.  The majority of this invisible water can be found in the food we eat and is calculated by analyzing food production, e.g. wheat, coffee, beef, etc. 

 

 

 

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