Your actual water use

The daily use of freshwater per person is 3,800 liters (global average). Most of this water (over 90 percent) is not used because we take long showers - we use it as “virtual water” through the products we buy.

A hidden commodity account for one of the largest trade flows in the world

Water is required in the production of almost all products. The virtual water trade is the flow of water that takes place indirectly when products are traded from one place to another.

And we are not talking about a few drops here. We are talking about a trade so intense that it has dried up a whole sea. The Aral Sea has virtually been dried up because of the massive water demand from the cotton production in the region. In less than 30 years, 90 percent of the sea has disappeared. It’s been called one of the worst environmental disasters in history.

You use water all over the world

As you read this, water is used all over the world to provide you with the food, clothing, electronics etc. you will buy in the time to come.

The impact of someone's water footprint depends on where and when the water is extracted. If the water originates in areas lacking water the impact of the water footprint is much higher compared to a situation where the water is used in areas with abundant water resources.

Water use varies widely

An average person's daily use of freshwater differs a lot between countries. The United States has the highest consumption with 6,800 liters per person. Yemen has the lowest with 1,700 liters per person.

What can you do?

You can help to improve the global water situation. Don't stop drinking water. And don't stop showering. Instead, look at the products you buy, and support those companies who take responsibility for their water usage.

Recycling also works!

For example, aluminium products made from recycled aluminium take just 17 percent of the water required to make the same product from new aluminium.