Water is life. It keeps our bodies functioning, our food growing, and our world turning. Yet, did you know that even in the UK - a country known for its rainy weather - water stress is a growing concern? The Environment Agency has warned that parts of England could run out of water within 20 years due to climate change, population growth, and unsustainable water use.
While large-scale initiatives like government policies and corporate action are essential, your daily choices play a significant role too. From what’s on your plate to the products you buy, small shifts in your habits can contribute to the solution. Let’s explore how you can reduce your water footprint - while staying mindful of the unique challenges faced by the water industry.
What Is a Water Footprint?
Your water footprint is the total amount of freshwater used to support your lifestyle. This includes the water you see (such as for drinking, showering, and cooking) and the hidden water embedded in the production of food, clothes, and gadgets.
For instance, beef is credited for using an astonishing 15,000 litres of water to produce 1 kilogram of beef. Compare that to growing vegetables, which uses far less, and it becomes clear how your choices can have an impact. But anyone looking to adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet for environmental reasons may also want to consider whether there are some plant-based foods that also come with a heavy price. The UK water industry is already innovating with leak detection, water reuse, and advanced treatment systems to address water scarcity, but we all need to implement actions to address a reduction in overall water usage.
Ready to make a change? Here are six simple ways to shrink your water footprint.
1. Eat Less Meat and choose your vegetables and fruits wisely
Did you know that meat production is a water guzzler?
Calculating water footprint for meat depends on the method of meat production. The amount of water used for one kilogram of beef can vary greatly. In the UK, the water required for production is relatively low as most beef consumed is fed on rain-fed grass and crops.
Did you know that some fruits and vegetables are also water guzzlers too?
The water impact of plant-based diets can vary depending on the specific foods consumed. Consider their growing location as many are exotic and not grown in the UK and have to be transported into the country.
Consider this:
A kilogram of mangoes requires 686 litres of water while the same amount of plums needs 305 litres. Plums also grow locally in the UK compared to mangoes being transported many thousands of miles and having a greater water footprint.
Dairy milk requires 628 litres of water whilst Almond milk requires 74 litres of water to make a single glass. However, dairy milk can be obtained far more locally than almond milk.
The water footprint divides water into green, blue, and greywater. The green water stands for precipitation. The blue water represents the water reserves from ground and surface water used by livestock and irrigating the fields. The greywater is the water that is drained out.
Even making small decisions and changes in your diet can lead to big water savings.
2. Choose Smarter Meat
If you’re not ready to cut out meat entirely, opt for sustainably sourced options. Organic and pasture-raised meat often requires fewer resources and supports healthier ecosystems.
How to choose better meat:
Look for UK certifications like the Red Tractor logo or Soil Association Organic.
Support local farmers who use sustainable practices.
Treat meat as a luxury and enjoy smaller, high-quality portions.
3. Support Water-Friendly Farming
The UK is home to many farms that use water-efficient techniques and avoid polluting chemicals. Organic farming, for example, conserves water and builds healthier soil that retains moisture better.
Start small:
Buy certified organic fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Support local farmers’ markets to reduce the water footprint of transportation.
Try growing your own herbs or vegetables at home, even if it’s just on a windowsill.
4. Choose Whole Foods
Processed foods have a surprisingly large water footprint. That chocolate bar you love? It might have taken 1,700 litres of water to make! By sticking to whole foods like fresh produce, you can reduce your water usage while supporting your health.
Quick tips:
Cook simple, wholesome meals from scratch.
Avoid overly packaged foods by buying in bulk where possible.
Explore seasonal recipes using fresh UK produce - it’s better for the planet and your taste buds.
5. Waste Less Food
Wasting food also wastes water. Imagine throwing away an uneaten chicken drumstick - made up of 66% of its weight in water down the drain! Food waste is a critical issue in the UK, with households discarding millions of tonnes annually.
Here’s how to cut food waste:
Plan your meals and shop smart to avoid overbuying.
Store food properly (e.g., keep leafy greens in water-filled containers to stay fresh).
Get creative with leftovers—you might discover a new favourite recipe.
6. Support Local Agriculture
Imported food often comes with a hefty hidden cost, including large volumes of water used for irrigation and transportation. By choosing locally produced food, you’re saving water and reducing carbon emissions.
Ways to eat local:
Visit local farmers’ markets for fresh, seasonal produce.
Look for labels indicating “British-grown” or “locally sourced”.
Join a CSA (community-supported agriculture) scheme to enjoy farm-fresh goods.
Every Drop Counts
Reducing your water footprint isn’t just about conserving water—it’s about shaping a sustainable future. Small actions, like reducing meat in a meal or buying local produce, add up over time. Together, with smart habits and support for innovations in the water industry, we can tackle water stress and ensure a better tomorrow.
Why not start today? Choose one or two tips from this list and take action. Every drop saved brings us closer to a more sustainable future—for you, our community, and the planet.
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