Learning about water footprints can be an important, if overlooked, first step in managing water risk for the public. Originally published in Water Resources IMPACT Magazine’s January/February 2022 edition. Water risk is at the forefront of contemporary environmental concerns—but it can also have far-reaching socioeconomic impacts. Just look at the past year: economists are still […]
US Electricity Generation is Changing its Fuel Sources, and Water Use Continues to Drop Over Time US electricity generation—or the way electricity is produced—has changed considerably in recent decades. One major power sector change is the reduction of water withdrawals for power plant cooling, according to newly released US Energy Information Agency (EIA) data. Water […]
Data center cooling uses a lot of water, but the industry is beginning to use water more sustainably through various actions. Data center cooling takes a lot of water, which is problematic, especially when areas where data centers are located experience water scarcity issues. Some companies are taking steps to improve their water stewardship and […]
Ultra-processed food has significant environmental implications for Brazil, including an increased national water footprint. Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Has Ecological Implications in Brazil A new study about ultra-processed food in Brazil found that, in addition to health consequences from increased consumption of foods like sausages, prepared meals, margarine, sweets and soft drinks, etc., there are significant […]
The food industry uses a lot of water, but many food production companies are unprepared for water shortages brought about by climate change, drought and over use. The food industry uses a lot of water. According to the FAO, “Agriculture, and especially irrigated agriculture, is the sector with by far the largest consumptive water use […]
A survey finds that Americans aren’t aware of how much water they use A survey from American Water finds that Americans underestimate how much water they use. The survey is unique in that it not only refers to direct, at-home water use, but also includes indirect — or virtual — water use. Virtual water makes […]
The southwest drought that has hammered drinking water and agricultural water supplies alike, has been linked to climate change by NOAA. The southwest drought currently gripping a substantial portion of the western half of the United States has been linked to climate change in a new report by NOAA. The drought is the most severe […]
California water use rose in July, despite calls from the governor to cut use by 15 percent across the state. In July, Governor Gavin Newsom called for all Californians to reduce their water use by 15 percent. While water users in Northern California made strides toward accomplishing that goal, Southern Californians’ water use stayed flat, […]
Wildfire pollution affects drinking water to the point where consumers can see, smell and taste the pollutants. Water utilities face a threat to water quality. Wildfire pollution is so bad in Western states that it has affected water quality in numerous communities. Water utilities must prepare for this constant threat to water quality. An unanticipated […]
