Water Footprint Calculator
Estimate your water use—both visible and hidden. Discover how your daily choices affect your water footprint and get personalized water conservation tips.
Water Use Survey
About Water Footprints
A water footprint is the total freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual or group. This includes:
- Direct use: Water you see/use at home—for drinking, showers, washing, etc.
- Virtual/indirect use: Water used to grow food, make clothes, and manufacture goods—often unseen, but a major part of your impact.
Why does it matter? Only 2.5% of Earth's water is freshwater and less than 1% is readily available for human use. Global water scarcity affects billions; understanding your footprint helps drive better choices and policy awareness.
Smart Water Saving Tips
- Take shorter showers and turn off tap when brushing teeth.
- Fix leaks—one dripping tap can waste over 5,000 liters/year!
- Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads only.
- Choose drought-resistant plants and water gardens early morning or late evening.
- Eat less red meat and dairy—these have high virtual water footprints.
- Buy fewer new clothes and recycle textiles when possible.
- Collect rainwater for garden use.
- Consider reusing “gray water” (e.g. from showers) for flushing.
Global Water Scarcity Facts
- ⚠ 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water services (WHO).
- ⚠ 70% of freshwater is used for food production worldwide.
- ⚠ A hamburger requires up to 2,500 liters of water to produce.
- ⚠ By 2025, half of the world’s population may be living in water-stressed areas.