WATER
WHAT IS YOUR WATER FOOTPRINT?
In 2008 an average UK citizen used 150 litres of freshwater a day.
Although taking into account the water used to produce all the products we use or consume daily (food and clothes) each one of us actually consumed 4,645 litres of water a day called "virtual water". And this was 10 years ago.
WHAT IMPACT DOES MY CONSUMPTION HAVE?
All the water you consume is withdrawn from ecosystems that have a fragile balance between minerals and livings. If extraction rates outstrip the natural rate of regeneration of the source, water becomes scarce. Such an unbalance ensues from poor water management and can result in:
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Water flow and climate disturbances
Decrease in the capacity of ecosystems to purify contaminated ​waters
Weakening of natural barriers against storms and erosion
Loss of water's social benefits to local and indigenous communities
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THEN WHAT CAN I DO?
As a consumer you can choose to consciously source your everyday products to limit your water footprint. The more local the higher chances good water management has been implemented for the production of your good. You can also ask your local businesses what actions their suppliers are taking to tackle this issue.
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Your second power is to limit your water consumption to your basic needs as to ensure you limit wastewater and the excess water is fairly shared with other users.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
We share tips and tricks for you to reduce your water consumption in your everyday life as well as information to help you take meaningful decisions and choices as an Edinburgh resident. It's all down there, you just need to scroll down! And remember:
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​Only 4% of the drinkable water used everyday is actually drunk;
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A bath uses three times more water than a shower;
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A toilet that is leaking wastes 344,470 liters per month;
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5% of the UK greenhouse emissions is produced to heat water up.
source: WWF UK Water Footprint Report available hereafter. We strongly recommend you read pages 02 and 03.
https://waterfootprint.org/media/downloads/Orr_and_Chapagain_2008_UK_waterfootprint-vol1.pdf
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