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5 Reasons to use a water footprint calculator

Updated on
June 2, 2025

These are the 5 reasons why you should start measuring your water footprint today:

1. Because what isn’t measured can’t be improved
2. Because water is already a strategic factor
3. Because you could lose bids or contracts if you don’t report
4. Because identifying inefficiencies can save you a lot of money
5. Because it positions you as a future-ready company

Measuring with a water footprint calculator is no longer just a technical matter.
It's a strategic decision. Every product, service or process we use consumes water, directly or indirectly.

And if we don’t measure it, we’re flying blind.

How much water are you really using?

We’re not just talking about visible water, but all the hidden water behind it: from raw material cultivation to transport and product use.

Knowing how much water you use lets you act.
And that translates to efficiency, savings and competitive advantage.

It's not just about complying with regulations.
It’s about not falling behind in a market that increasingly demands transparency.

Here’s why measuring your water footprint matters, how to do it properly, and what benefits you can gain by starting today.

5 reasons why you should start measuring your water footprint today

1. Because what isn’t measured can’t be improved

If we don’t know how much water we’re using, there’s no way to optimize anything.
Every process has a water cost, and if we don’t measure it, that cost only goes up.

Measuring is the first step to making smart decisions and gaining real efficiency.

2. Because water is already a strategic factor

Access to water is no longer guaranteed.
Tensions are emerging in sectors and regions that never even considered it before.

The companies that realize this early are the ones making a difference.

3. Because you could lose bids or contracts if you don’t report

More and more regulations and clients demand real data on water use.

Not having it affects your reputation, and can also close doors.
Losing opportunities by not measuring is a luxury we can no longer afford.

4. Because identifying inefficiencies can save you a lot of money

If you don’t know where you’re wasting water, you’re losing money without noticing.
Measuring allows you to detect leaks, excesses and quick improvement points.

The water footprint is not an expense, it’s an investment that pays for itself.

5. Because it positions you as a future-ready company

The rules are changing, and water use is a key issue.
Companies that act early and have data are the ones winning contracts and credibility.

Measuring today means moving forward tomorrow.
Not doing it means being left out of the game.

What is a water footprint calculator and what is it for?

A water footprint calculator lets you know how much water you’re using in each part of your operation.

It’s not just a counter, it’s a strategic tool.
Knowing your water footprint is key if you want to optimize, report, and truly compete.

Measuring water consumption is no longer optional.

More and more regulations demand transparency in resource use.
And if we’re not keeping track, we won’t be able to meet market demands.

Knowing how much water we use helps us understand risks, reduce inefficiencies, and make better decisions.

It’s that simple. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about doing better than the rest.

Why measuring the water footprint is increasingly important for companies

Because water is a limited resource, and data on its use is becoming mandatory.

Companies that don’t measure will fall behind in bids, regulations and contracts.

The water footprint is now part of the full ESG performance picture.

And if you don’t have that information, you’re unlikely to join those who are already doing it well.

Also, it’s not just about direct consumption.
There are also indirect impacts that matter and carry weight.

Especially if we want to anticipate upcoming regulations like CSRD, ISOs or the Taxonomy.

What data do you need to calculate your water footprint?

1. Direct data on water consumption

This includes all the water entering your processes.
From production to maintenance or cleaning.

It’s important to have clear and updated records.
Without them, accurate calculation becomes very difficult.

2. Indirect data related to your supply chain

Not everything happens inside your company.
The water used to make your raw materials also counts.

This includes your suppliers, especially if they belong to water-intensive sectors.
Measuring these impacts is key if we want a complete picture.

3. Regional and sector-specific factors to consider

Consuming water in a water-scarce area is not the same as in one with abundance.
Location matters. A lot.

Also, not all sectors have the same water impact.

That’s why we need to adapt the calculation to our real context.
This helps avoid errors and take more precise steps.

Common challenges when calculating the water footprint (and how to address them)

1. Complexity in data collection

The first obstacle is often getting the necessary data.
Many times, it’s scattered, incomplete or simply not being recorded.

Without reliable data, no calculation is valid.

What we need is to centralize information.

And that means working with all teams, from production to procurement, to get a clear picture.

2. Difficulty tracking indirect impacts

Most emissions and water use don’t occur in our own facilities.

They come from the supply chain. And that’s where things get complicated.

Tracking these impacts requires traceability, collaboration with suppliers and digitalization.

And if we don’t do it, we’re leaving out a large part of the real impact.

3. Lack of tools or technical knowledge

Many teams don’t know where to start or don’t have the right tools.

And manual calculation is unrealistic if we want to scale or report seriously.

This is where the value of a specific technological solution comes in.

And we’re not talking about auditing or consulting.
We’re talking about a solution that handles it quickly and with reliable data.

Can the water footprint be calculated without external help?

In theory yes, but in practice it doesn’t make much sense.
Manual methods are slow, error-prone, and hard to scale.

A technological solution lets us save time, money and headaches.

Automating calculations, consolidating data and generating reports is what we need if we’re serious about our ESG strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly is a water footprint calculator?

It’s a solution that lets us know how much water we’re using in every part of our activity.

From production to suppliers, it helps us understand the real impact of our consumption.

And most importantly, it gives us the data we need to take action and improve, just as we would when managing our Carbon Footprint.

What’s the difference between blue, green and grey water footprint?

The blue water footprint refers to water extracted directly from sources like rivers or aquifers.

The green water footprint is rainwater, mainly used in agriculture.
The grey water footprint is the amount of water required to dilute pollutants and meet quality standards.

Which sectors usually have the highest water footprint?

Industry, agriculture and food are the sectors with the highest water consumption.

But they’re not the only ones. Any company with intensive processes also has a relevant impact.

Measuring this impact is no longer exclusive to certain sectors.
It’s now a cross-cutting need.

Is it mandatory to report the water footprint?

It depends on the country, the sector, and the applicable regulations.
But what’s clear is that more and more regulatory frameworks are starting to require it.

Having the data ready now gives you room to adapt before it becomes mandatory.

What digital tools can I use to calculate it?

There are specific solutions that allow you to automate the calculation and centralize the data.

Forget doing it manually.
If you want to scale and comply with regulations, you need to go digital.

The sooner you do it, the easier it will be to integrate this metric into your ESG strategy.

How does Dcycle help with this?

At Dcycle, we’re not auditors or consultants.
We’re a solution for companies that want to manage their ESG impact efficiently.

We gather all your data, analyze it, and turn it into reports tailored to your needs:
CSRD, ISO 14046, Taxonomy, or any other framework.

We centralize your water information in a platform that also covers your other ESG indicators.
So you work with real data, ready-to-go reports, and no unnecessary complications.

Take control of your ESG data today.
Take control of your ESG data today.
Start nowRequest a demo
Cristina Alcalá-Zamora
CSRD Specialist | Content Creator

Domande frequenti (FAQ)

Come si può calcolare l'impronta di carbonio di un prodotto?

Analisi del calcolo dell'impronta di carbonio tutte le emissioni generate durante il ciclo di vita di un prodotto, compresi l'estrazione, la produzione, il trasporto, l'uso e lo smaltimento delle materie prime.

Le metodologie più riconosciute sono:

  • Valutazione del ciclo di vita (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • FINO AL 2050

Strumenti digitali come Dcycle semplifica il processo, fornendo informazioni accurate e fruibili.

Quali sono le certificazioni più riconosciute?
  • ISO 14067 — Definisce la misurazione dell'impronta di carbonio per i prodotti.
  • EPD (Dichiarazione ambientale di prodotto) — Impatto ambientale basato sull'LCA.
  • Da culla a culla (C2C) — Valuta la sostenibilità e la circolarità.
  • PIOMBO E BREAM — Certificazioni per edifici sostenibili.
Quali settori hanno la più alta impronta di carbonio?
  • Costruzione — Elevate emissioni da cemento e acciaio.
  • Tessile — Intenso utilizzo di acqua ed emissioni prodotte dalla produzione di fibre.
  • Industria alimentare — Impatto su larga scala sull'agricoltura e sui trasporti.
  • Trasporto — Dipendenza dai combustibili fossili nei veicoli e nell'aviazione.
In che modo le aziende possono ridurre l'impronta di carbonio dei prodotti?
  • Usare materiali riciclati o a basse emissioni.
  • Ottimizza processi di produzione per ridurre il consumo di energia.
  • Passa a fonti energetiche rinnovabili.
  • Migliorare trasporto e logistica per ridurre le emissioni.
La riduzione del carbonio è costosa?

Alcune strategie richiedono investimento iniziale, ma i benefici a lungo termine superano i costi.

  • Efficienza energetica riduce le spese operative.
  • Riutilizzo e riciclo dei materiali riduce i costi di approvvigionamento.
  • Certificazioni di sostenibilità aprire nuove opportunità di business.

Investire nella riduzione delle emissioni di carbonio non è solo un'azione ambientale, è un strategia aziendale intelligente.