The 10 Best Companies for a Water Footprint Audit
Why Consider a Water Footprint Audit for Companies
6 Reasons to Conduct a Water Footprint Audit in Your Organization
4 Main Challenges in Corporate Water Footprint Audits
How a Water Footprint Audit Is Carried Out in 5 Steps
Why Dcycle Leads the ESG Solutions Market for Water Audits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are the best companies to carry out a water footprint audit in 2025:
Although many companies are already measuring their emissions, the water footprint audit remains a largely overlooked issue. And that’s a mistake.
Water consumption directly affects your operation, costs, and market positioning.
If you don’t know how much water you use, where, or what for, you won’t be able to make strategic decisions or comply with regulations that are already in place.
Measuring water usage properly is not optional, it’s a necessity. Doing it well from the beginning saves you time, money, and surprises with ever-changing regulations.
In this article we’ll explain what a water footprint audit is, why you should care, and how it can help you make better decisions in your company.
We are not auditors. We are not consultants. We are a solution. And that changes everything.
At Dcycle, we gather all your ESG data (Environmental, Social and Governance) and organize it so you can use it across all areas: EINF, CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISO or whatever you’re working on.
A water footprint audit shouldn’t be seen as just another task, but as a tool for clear decision-making. That’s where we come in: we help you measure, understand, and act.
What sets us apart? We don’t sell empty reports or endless processes. We connect your data to results that truly serve you.
What you can do with us:
Measuring water properly is just the beginning. The real difference is in what you do with that data afterward. That’s where our solution gives you an edge.
Aqualia is one of the largest water management companies in Europe. It also offers water footprint audit services for companies in water-intensive sectors.
They work with in-house infrastructure, technical expertise, and operational capacity, which allows them to assess water use in industrial processes and complex urban networks.
A strong option if you’re looking for a more technical and on-the-ground vision of water use.
Anthesis is a global sustainability consultancy that also performs water footprint audits. Their approach combines strategic consulting with digital tools.
An interesting alternative if you're looking to align your water footprint with a broader sustainability strategy and are in an advanced ESG maturity phase.
Quantis is a consultancy that specializes in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and environmental impact evaluation, including water. Their approach is very technical and science-based.
Recommended for companies that require highly detailed studies and need to report to international stakeholders.
Waterplan offers a digital platform specialized in water risk management. They go beyond footprint measurement, helping companies understand physical and operational water risks.
A good option for those who need real-time water management, not just a static audit report.
Veolia is a multinational specialized in water, waste, and energy management, with the capacity to carry out water footprint audits in complex industrial settings.
Ideal if your company seeks complete technical support and large-scale operational experience.
ERM is one of the most recognized consultancies in corporate sustainability. They offer water footprint audits as part of their global ESG approach.
A good option for companies needing to align their water footprint with regulatory or financial strategies.
EcoAct, part of the Atos group, provides environmental audits with a strong focus on data. Their water work is framed within climate neutrality and resilience strategies.
Recommended if you're looking to align your ESG strategy with frameworks like CDP or SBTi, and need to justify your progress with solid data.
South Pole is known for its work in climate and carbon, but also carries out water use and risk evaluations. Their approach combines measurement, mitigation, and financing.
A good fit if your strategy aims for a broader environmental impact, beyond basic compliance.
Although Acciona is known for infrastructure and energy, it also executes specific projects for efficient and responsible water use.
A solid choice if you need practical evaluations with concrete engineering solutions that can be implemented immediately.
A water footprint audit is not just a technical exercise. It’s a direct way to understand how much water we consume, where we do it, and what real impact it has on the business.
Proper water measurement means evaluating the entire usage cycle, from extraction to discharge, covering internal processes, suppliers, and even the final product if applicable.
It’s not only about how much is used, but what type of water, in which stage of the process, and whether there is a risk of scarcity in that region.
Doing this audit allows us to make decisions based on real data. It’s not about reducing usage just for the sake of it, but identifying critical points that affect operations, costs, and market perception.
More and more regulations are requiring these data to be reported. Without proper control, we risk losing market access or even contracts.
But more importantly, if we don’t know how much water we use or how, we won’t be able to manage it effectively. That means less efficiency and greater exposure to operational and reputational risks.
The water footprint audit is a strategic tool. It helps us anticipate regulations, reduce costs, avoid risks, and strengthen our position with clients and investors.
And if you’re already measuring emissions or working with frameworks like CSRD or SBTi, integrating water into your ESG system is the logical next step.
You can’t build a complete strategy while leaving out one of the most critical resources for any business.
If you don’t know how much water you’re using, you’re surely losing efficiency.
An audit helps you identify unnecessary use, hidden leaks, or poorly optimized processes.
Cutting this waste results in real savings, both in direct costs and production impacts.
There are increasing regulations demanding concrete data on water use.
It’s no longer enough to say “we’re using less.” You have to prove it with clear figures.
An audit gives you that technical support to comply with ISO 14046, GRI, CSRD, or whatever applies now or in the future.
What if your key supplier is in a water-stressed region?
What if water becomes unavailable for a crucial part of your operation?
An audit allows you to map these risk points and make decisions before the problem hits you.
Beyond compliance, a good audit helps you save.
We often use more water than necessary just out of habit.
Reviewing processes and comparing them to industry benchmarks offers direct, quantifiable room for improvement.
Water data is now part of the ESG criteria that investors, funds, and institutional clients look at.
If you don’t have them, you’re off their radar.
An audit shows you’re managing your resources with a clear strategy, and that improves your positioning and access to capital.
Transparency requirements are growing.
If you don’t control your water data now, you’re already behind.
An audit provides a solid foundation for mandatory reports like CSRD, EINF, or industry-specific standards.
And if you work with a solution like Dcycle, this data connects automatically with any format you need.
This is not about producing pretty reports. It’s about understanding what’s happening, making smarter decisions, and staying competitive.
Water footprint is a key part of that complete picture.
You can’t audit what isn’t measured.
Many companies still don’t have their water data well-structured, or don’t have it at all.
The issue is not just technical. Often, we don’t even know where the data is, who manages it, or how often it’s updated.
Without a clear foundation, any audit becomes slow, costly, and ineffective.
Most of the water isn’t used directly by us, it’s used by suppliers.
And that complicates things.
Tracking that consumption requires collaboration, traceability, and digitalization.
Without connected systems, it’s impossible to know where the critical points are.
And most suppliers also don’t know how to report this properly.
Many companies still see the water footprint as a checkbox for a report.
That’s a strategic mistake.
Water is a critical resource. If we measure it properly, we can make better decisions, anticipate operational risks, and improve efficiency.
But if we treat it as just another task, it won’t bring any real value.
Waiting for a regulation to force you to measure water means you’re already late.
By the time you react, others in your industry will be using this to their advantage.
The cost is not in doing the audit.
The real cost is in losing market access, contracts, or financing because you don’t have the data or don’t know how to present it.
With a solution like Dcycle, you can automate the process, gain real-time visibility, and connect those data with any reporting system you’re already using.
No hassle, no endless processes, and no dependency on external consultants.
If we want sustainability to be a competitive advantage, we need to start by measuring the basics properly.
And water is right at the foundation.
Conducting a water footprint audit is not a complex process if it’s done right from the beginning.
The challenge lies in organizing the data and applying the correct methodology so everything makes sense.
In our case, we do not act as auditors or consultants.
We are a solution that lets you connect your ESG data and turn it into something useful for whatever you need: CSRD, EINF, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs, or what’s next.
Here’s how an audit is developed step by step, with no unnecessary extras.
Everything begins by knowing how much water is being used.
That includes what comes out of the tap, and also what we don’t see:
what suppliers, materials, or outsourced processes consume.
We need reliable, up-to-date, and centralized data.
Because if the information is scattered or incomplete, the result will not be useful for making decisions.
Having a single, well-structured data source is the foundation of any accurate audit.
What parts of the company are we going to analyze?
It’s not just about factories or offices.
We also need to include locations, processes, or relevant business units.
Defining these boundaries correctly prevents calculation errors and ensures the analysis is coherent.
If you measure the wrong thing, the report is useless, no matter how polished it looks.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
We can work with methodologies like Water Footprint Network or ISO 14046, depending on the company, sector, and goals.
The important thing is to use a recognized standard that allows you to:
Choosing the right methodology affects credibility, compliance, and the usefulness of the information.
This is a crucial step.
It’s not enough to just gather data.
We need to analyze, cross-check, and detect errors or inconsistencies.
This is where we apply technology to automate calculations and save time.
Proper validation at this point prevents nasty surprises later when it’s time to report.
It also builds confidence among stakeholders and regulators.
The final report should not be a static document.
It must serve to make decisions, set priorities, and drive improvements.
That’s why we deliver clear results, with:
Everything is connected to your ESG goals and adapted to today’s regulatory demands.
A water footprint audit is not just a snapshot of the present.
It’s a tool to understand where you are, where to go, and what actions will help you compete better.
That’s the key.
Not all companies offering water audits are the same.
And if we’re going to invest time and money into doing this right, we better choose carefully.
Here are the key factors you should consider.
Water use isn’t measured the same across all industries.
So it’s critical to work with a firm that has real experience, not just theory.
We need someone who understands:
not just someone good at making spreadsheets look good.
Look for companies with proven case studies in your industry.
If you’re going to measure, make sure the data is usable.
The audit must be able to connect with your ESG system, whether for:
An isolated audit that can’t be used later is a wasted opportunity.
Seek solutions that work with your data and automatically integrate it.
The technical part is useless if it doesn’t follow the rules of the game.
You need a provider that understands the regulations affecting your sector and market.
From ISO 14046 to CSRD or the EU Taxonomy, there are frameworks that require specific, comparable data.
Failing to meet them can leave you out of key opportunities.
Audits are no longer done with pen and paper.
You need platforms that automate processes, reduce errors, and provide real-time visibility.
The more digital the process, the easier it is to scale and keep it updated.
The goal is not to audit once, but to make it a part of your ongoing management system.
A one-time audit doesn’t solve anything if you don’t get ongoing support.
You need a service that can offer:
A solution that becomes obsolete quickly is not useful.
What matters is having a partner that grows with you over time.
When it comes to auditing the water footprint of a company, choosing the right methodology is essential. It ensures that the results are credible, comparable, and can be used in regulatory or strategic contexts.
These are the main standards you should know:
ISO 14046 is the most recognized international reference.
It defines how to measure water use and its environmental impact across the entire life cycle of products and processes.
Using ISO 14046 allows companies to:
It’s a solid starting point for any company that wants to treat water seriously and integrate it into a formal sustainability strategy.
The Water Footprint Network (WFN) methodology goes deeper into the types of water used, helping organizations understand the quality, origin, and treatment needed for the water they consume.
This framework divides water use into three categories:
This classification is key for identifying water stress, especially in industries that rely heavily on agriculture or manufacturing.
For example:
A company with high grey water usage might be releasing significant pollutants, even if its total volume of water use appears low.
Using the WFN method gives a more nuanced picture of water-related risks.
GRI 303 is not a methodology for calculating the water footprint, but a guideline for reporting water-related data as part of an organization’s sustainability disclosures.
It defines what stakeholders expect to know about water usage, including:
This standard is particularly useful for companies that already follow GRI reporting and want to ensure consistency and completeness in their environmental performance data.
It helps tie the technical findings of an audit to the communication strategies that matter to investors, customers, and regulators.
Measuring just for the sake of it doesn’t make sense. The data from a water footprint audit must be useful, actionable, and connected to broader goals.
That’s why it’s crucial to integrate the audit results with frameworks like:
Without this alignment, water data becomes isolated and fails to support broader strategic objectives.
Companies that succeed in tying their water footprint to their ESG narrative can:
Frameworks like the sustainable finance frameworks are gaining relevance for companies seeking to align their environmental efforts with access to capital and market credibility. Including water footprint data in these strategies not only enhances transparency, but also supports eligibility for green finance mechanisms.
There’s no need to wait for a crisis or regulatory requirement to start measuring your water use.
In fact, being proactive gives you an edge.
Here are the best moments to initiate a water footprint audit:
If you want to build a solid ESG strategy, you need to start with data.
And water is one of the pillars you can’t afford to ignore.
Conducting a water audit before defining your strategy gives you:
It’s the most efficient way to make sure your sustainability roadmap is grounded in reality.
New regulations like CSRD and EINF are non-negotiable.
They will ask for concrete water data if your business activity justifies it.
The best time to audit is before you're required to.
That way you can deliver a quality report, on time, with no shortcuts.
A rushed audit done just to meet a deadline can lead to inaccuracies, which could damage your reputation or regulatory standing.
When a company expands, its use of natural resources increases.
A water footprint audit helps identify bottlenecks before they hurt operations.
Some markets now require water data to let you enter or compete.
Having your footprint measured and audited gives you an advantage over less prepared competitors.
It also helps in supply chain planning and site selection, avoiding high-risk areas for future facilities.
In water-intensive sectors, water often represents a hidden cost that directly affects profitability.
Without measurement, you're likely wasting money.
An audit helps you:
These actions result in immediate operational benefits and build long-term resilience.
At Dcycle, we don’t treat audits as just another service.
We are a complete solution that connects all your ESG data and adapts it for:
We don’t act as auditors or consultants.
Instead, we work with technology, automation, and data that’s actually useful.
Useful to comply, but also to improve.
We bring all your data together in one platform, from:
And we turn it into KPIs, real-time alerts, and tailored reports.
What sets us apart?
You can use everything instantly, no long processes, no waiting, no external dependencies.
If you want your water footprint audit to do more than just meet minimum requirements, it must be integrated with your ESG strategy.
That’s exactly what we deliver:
No complications. No empty promises. Just data, clarity, and action.
There are three main types of water footprint:
Measuring each type separately allows companies to understand not just how much water is used, but how it’s used and what environmental impact it generates.
For example, a company might have low blue water use but a high grey footprint, which indicates a pollution problem rather than consumption.
Understanding the balance between these three types is key to managing water sustainably.
It depends on your sector, your location, and the regulatory framework you operate in.
Some companies are already required to report on water use, especially those subject to:
Even if it’s not mandatory today, it likely will be soon.
More and more regulators, investors, and clients are demanding water-related data.
Getting ahead now gives you control, foresight, and a competitive edge.
And if your competitors are already doing it, delaying puts you at a disadvantage.
The cost varies depending on:
Auditing a single office is not the same as measuring an entire global supply chain.
But in all cases, the audit should be seen as an investment, not a cost.
The data you obtain allows you to:
And with platforms like Dcycle, the process is automated, reducing costs associated with consulting fees or manual reporting.
The sectors where a water footprint audit is most critical include:
In these industries, water is not just a resource, it’s a core input.
Without it, operations simply stop.
Additionally, these sectors often operate in regions under water stress, which increases both operational and reputational risks.
That’s why regulators and investors focus heavily on how water is used, treated, and reported in these areas.
By knowing your water footprint, you gain real insights to make smarter decisions.
It allows you to:
It also demonstrates to stakeholders that your company is not just reactive but proactive in facing environmental challenges.
In many industries, the ability to manage water properly is already a differentiator.
Those who do it best are already reaping the benefits.
Yes. And in fact, that’s exactly how it should be.
A water footprint audit only makes sense when it’s part of an integrated strategy.
With platforms like Dcycle, your audit results are:
That means no bottlenecks, no duplicate data entry, and no disconnect between what’s measured and what’s reported.
That’s the difference between measuring out of obligation and measuring to win.
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Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.
The most recognized methodologies are:
Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.
Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.
Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.
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