We all need water to live. It makes up 70% of our bodies. Plants and animals also need water, which is why our food contains so much of it. This article explains why and how much water food consumes.
Food water consumption: Reasons and causes
Every food product has its own individual water footprint . This depends on the product, the cultivation method, and the growing region. With more than 70% of total water consumption, agriculture is one of the most water-intensive sectors globally. This is due, among other things, to the need for irrigation.
In regions with high rainfall, rainwater can be used for irrigation , while in dry regions, well water is used. In Germany, rainwater is used extensively in agriculture. In addition, water is consumed that is polluted during food production and can only be reused with considerable effort. Overall, the water footprint of each product can be divided into green, blue, and grey water.
Green water is water stored in the soil from precipitation and available to plants. Blue water describes water used for irrigation or production in agriculture or industry. It originates from surface water, specifically lakes, rivers, and streams, but also from groundwater aquifers. Therefore, the use of blue water impacts ecosystems. Grey water is, on the one hand, water that becomes so heavily polluted during product production that it can no longer be used. On the other hand, the term also describes the amount of water that would be needed to dilute the polluted water sufficiently for it to be usable again. Pollution in food production occurs, among other things, through fertilizers or pesticides (Source: Water Footprint Network ).
Water footprint of food: Examples
One kilogram of beef requires 15,415 liters of water throughout its entire life cycle, which, using a 150-liter bathtub, is equivalent to 103 baths. One kilogram of chocolate requires even more water: 115 bathtubs, or 17,196 liters. Fruits and vegetables have a smaller water footprint. For example, one kilogram of bananas requires 790 liters of water, while one kilogram of tomatoes requires 214 liters (approximately 1.5 bathtubs) (Source: Water Footprint Network ).
| Groceries | Water consumption (liters/kilograms) | Bathtubs (with 150 liters) |
| Chocolate | 17196 | 115 |
| beef | 15415 | 103 |
| pork | 5988 | 40 |
| butter | 5553 | 37 |
| chicken meat | 4325 | 29 |
| peanuts | 2782 | 18.5 |
| Noodles | 1849 | 12 |
| Bread | 1608 | 11 |
| apples | 822 | 5 |
| banana | 790 | 5 |
| potatoes | 287 | 2 |
| Cabbage | 237 | 1.5 |
| tomato | 214 | just under 1.5 |
What is virtual water?
Of course, 214 liters of water aren't directly contained in one kilogram of tomatoes. This 214 liters also includes the amount of water used to produce one kilogram of tomatoes. Every product, not just food, has a water footprint that we can no longer see in the final product – the so-called water footprint. Virtual water . According to the German Federal Environment Agency, every person in Germany consumes 123 liters of direct water every day. This includes water used for drinking, showering, cleaning, washing, etc. However, an additional 3,900 liters of water are also used daily in products and food that we use or consume (source: Federal Environment Agency ).
The term “virtual water” encompasses the green, blue, and grey water described above. If we consider our own ecological footprint If we want to keep it as small as possible, we must always consider the virtual water as well.
Water consumption due to food waste
When we waste food, we waste not only the product itself, but all the resources that were used to produce it – including water! According to one study, up to 25%, or a quarter, of the total water used in food production is wasted. Freshwater consumption in foods we don't eat (Source: Hall et al., 2009 ).
What does water have to do with climate change?
Climate change has direct and indirect impacts on water consumption in agriculture and the availability of our water resources. Altered rainfall patterns mean that less green water in the form of rain is available in many regions, which in turn affects agricultural water consumption. irrigation This necessitates the use of blue water from rivers or groundwater reservoirs. The increasing drought exacerbates the problem, particularly in water-scarce regions, as plants like tomatoes or vegetables require a certain amount of water. constant water demand They need more water to grow optimally. This significantly increases water consumption. Foods like beef, whose production already has a high water footprint, could become even more problematic in the future, as feed production consumes more and more water under the new climatic conditions.
What does water have to do with hunger?
Water plays a crucial role in food production and is therefore closely linked to the issue of hunger. In many regions of the world, the access to water limited. Water shortage This severely restricts the cultivation of fields, which impairs food production. Without it sufficient water resources Plants cannot thrive optimally, leading to crop failures. Furthermore, climate change is intensifying unpredictable weather conditions, which further jeopardize water availability. As a result, Millions of people suffering from hunger affected, as the basic supply of food cannot be guaranteed in many parts of the world.
Water consumption in the processing and transport of food
Besides the cultivation of food, processing, packaging and transport also play an important role for the Water consumption . At the The production of products such as chocolate or processed foods often involves a large amount of virtual water Water is needed because it is used both for cleaning production facilities and for energy generation. Packaging, especially plastic packaging, increases this need. Water footprint Additionally, their production also consumes water resources. The long-distance transport of food also indirectly contributes to water consumption, as energy is used from water-intensive sources such as refineries or power plants.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Food and Water Consumption
The Water consumption in food production Varies greatly depending on the product and cultivation method – here we answer the most frequently asked questions about how you can influence your consumption through conscious choices. Reduce your water footprint can
Which foods require little water to produce?
During the production of carrots (130 liters per kg), tomatoes (214 liters per kg) and potatoes (287 liters per kg) uses comparatively little water, as they can be produced in a particularly water-efficient manner. Generally, the Water consumption The water footprint of plant-based foods is generally lower than that of meat, since a great deal of water is used in the production of animal feed. Therefore, eating plenty of vegetables is not only healthy, but also significantly reduces one's water footprint.
Which foods consume a lot of water during production and processing?
At the Production and generation of food A particularly large amount of water is consumed in the production of animal products, especially meat such as beef. One kilogram of beef requires an average of almost 16,000 liters of water, primarily due to the production of feed for the animals. Products with long transport routes and those grown out of season, such as imported meat, also contribute significantly to water consumption. Corn or soy have a high water consumption .
What can I do to save water when shopping for groceries?
To To save water , you should pay attention to this when shopping. regionally and seasonally produced food Pay attention to this, as these often require less watering. Prefer Choose plant-based products , as they generally require less water than animal products, since meat consumption is associated with high water demands. Avoid products from arid regions, which require precious blue water.
A great way to shop in a resource-efficient manner is, of course, SIRPLUS. By purchasing surplus products, you not only support the environment but also save resources like precious water. The water used to produce the products we sell at SIRPLUS is not wasted; instead, it is used efficiently.
Why is the water consumption of avocados so high?
The avocado Avocado cultivation is unfortunately not exactly known for its sustainability. A lot of water is consumed during cultivation, as avocado trees are particularly thirsty and require up to 1,500 liters of water per kilogram of fruit. Furthermore, cultivation primarily takes place in dry regions, which leads to... Water shortage This is because tap water is often used to irrigate avocados.
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