Water demand already exceeds supply in many areas around the world.  The UK can only supply 38% of total water demand utilising its own resources with many areas including London and the South East having less available water per person than traditionally dry areas of the Sudan and Istanbul. Total direct and indirect daily consumption in England is at the  unsustainable level of 3400 litres per person.  Agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing account for over 28% of UK water usage...40% more than all household consumption.

Australia’s annual water use increased by over 65% with a 55% increase in industrial and urban consumption.¹ Tightened water restrictions have seen this trend slowly reversing with 2004/05 consumption at 18,767 GL.² With respect to direct water use, manufacturing accounts for only 3% of Australia's water consumption, of which food, beverage and tobacco is the highest user. Further upstream however, agriculture is responsible for 65% of water consumption in Australia of which livestock and dairy activity are two of the top 3 consumers within this industry category.³

As tighter regulation and corporate social responsibility have seen improved environmental performance by the previously nasty industries, increasing focus is now being placed on the agricultural industry’s high consumption of water.  In the UK, strategies to reducing meat consumption is one option currently being explored by government.

There is high reliance by grocery manufacturers on water.  The  recent drought and the theory that usage pushing beyond sustainability will result in greater regulation and/or cost is a major threat facing this industry. As agriculture accounts for over 75% of total water consumption in many countries, this industry is highly vulnerable to resource sustainability policies. Ongoing water restrictions have publicly highlighted the scarcity of this valuable resource.

The Water Leaf analyses the changes in fresh, recycled and reused water from the current to the 2005 base year through two simple questions that can be viewed here. The historical footprint left through upstream behaviour is also included.