BC Environmental and Occupational Health Research Network

The project objectives include: (1) to synthesize and assess the growing body of work on the concept of “virtual water” that represents the total water embedded in consumer goods and activities, commonly called “water footprints,” for an examination of the importance of this concept to the work of drinking water utilities, (2) to consider questions of whether and how the concept and metrics of water footprints may offer a new approach, or supplement other water sector initiatives, in conveying the value of water to a public that is often unwilling to pay the full cost of the water on which they depend, (3) to identify opportunities for drinking water utilities to integrate the water footprint into appropriate planning and communications to support a sustainable water utility and sustainable communities; and (4) to propose a water footprint road map for leadership, research or integration opportunities for utilities and the water sector.