UK Water Footprint Impacts World’s Water Use

Poor countries are using significant proportions of their water resources to produce food and goods that are imported to developed countries, causing a severe imbalance, according to a report.

The report says two-thirds of the water used to make UK imports is used outside its borders.

According to forecasts, the world’s population will exceed eight billion within 20 years, pushing the demand for food and energy up 50% and fresh water by 30%.

Cambridge University’s centre for sustainable development head Professor Peter Guthrie said the water crisis will pose a serious threat to the UK’s future development due to its impact on vital resources.

An alliance of engineering bodies, Engineering the Future, says countries such as the UK must help poorer nations curb water use.

The report recommends UK companies re-examine their supply chains and reduce the water used.

The report suggests goods may carry a label denoting their embedded water content in the future.

The alliance includes the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management, according to BBC News.