Environmental problems led to the first Earth Day in 1970 Environmental problems that led to the creation of the first Earth Day in 1970 included (among many) air pollution that made people sick, pesticide pollution that made birds die and water pollution that made rivers burn. Since then, the United States has seen many gains […]
High temperatures are are making drought conditions worse in the American West During times of drought, it might rain and even pour, but drought could persist and climate change can still create water scarcity. Despite some recent precipitation, higher than average seasonal temperatures in the American West are wiping out the water stored in soil […]
Virtual water in food is necessary for productive, sustainable food supplies. What happens when water is scarce because of drought and overuse or misuse? Virtual water in food is an essential part of agriculture. Virtual water in food is part of the “hidden” water in the products, services and processes people buy and use every […]
It is national Fix a Leak Week in the United States. This EPA-initiated event happens every year around World Water Day, March 22. Do you think water leaks are no big deal? Think again, since the EPA estimates that every year in the US one trillion gallons of treated water goes to waste from leaks. […]
Food and water are closely connected. The Water Footprint of Food Guide helps users figure out how much water their food uses and why. Food and water are closely connected. The Water Footprint of Food Guide shines a light on just how much water it takes to make some of the most common foods you […]
Online Tools Show How Water and Food Are Bound Together Online Tools Help Teach About the Connections Between Water and Food Online tools help educators teach complex topics. To illuminate the complex and vital connection between water and food, the Water Footprint Calculator project created the Water Footprint of Food Guide and the Water Footprint […]
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 […]
Water shortages that impact business operations could create risk for investors by lowering stock prices, but not all companies report water use data. Water Shortages Lead to Water Risks Water shortages could impact investors in unfortunate ways through reduced company productivity, and, consequently, reduced stock prices. Unfortunately, while many companies might have policies that address […]
Drought covers almost the entire Western US, which means the biggest water user — agriculture — must adapt to water shortages. Drought now extends across 96 percent of the American West, with more than 50 percent either in “exceptional” or “extreme” drought. With the coming summer and dry months ahead, prospects don’t look promising for […]
