Water scarcity affects 40% of the global population, and it is estimated that by 2030, 65% of the population will suffer the consequences of this scarcity. Considering the decreasing availability of natural freshwater, the ability to manage and more effectively trace its availability and consumption by different users is key.

The water footprint, similar to the carbon footprint, is an environmental indicator that measures the volume of freshwater (liters or cubic meters) used throughout the entire production chain of a consumer good or service. It can be used to measure the water consumption of almost anything, from the manufacturing of a pair of pants to the total consumption of a country, including a harvest or the annual activities of a company. Within the amount of water used in this indicator, three types of freshwater are distinguished: blue water (surface and groundwater resources, such as rivers and wells), green water (water evaporated in productive and agricultural processes), and grey water (water contaminated after industrial or agricultural processes).

However, reliable measurement and certification of these water consumption data are challenging due to the varied methodologies and complexities inherent in each sector and community.

This challenge seeks proposals for the measurement and certification of freshwater sources that guarantee the accuracy, transparency, and reliability of the data, thus obtaining a reliable estimate of the water footprint. The measurement of the water footprint, in accordance with international standards, is essential to better understand the impact of our actions on water resources and promote more sustainable practices. A robust measurement and certification system will allow for more effective water management, helping organizations and individuals to make more informed and responsible decisions.

Companies could use these data to improve their processes, reduce their water footprint, and position themselves as leaders in sustainability. For consumers, these data would provide essential transparency, allowing them to make more environmentally respectful purchasing decisions. In addition, a standardized approach could facilitate collaboration and the exchange of best practices among different sectors and regions, thus promoting a more holistic and unified approach to water management.

Solutions that deploy measurement, certification, and/or distributed ledger technologies for the measurement and certification of the water footprint. These solutions must be capable of adapting to different methodologies and sectors, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data. We are looking for proposals that not only align with existing international regulations but also drive innovation in the measurement and management of the water footprint globally.