How much water does it take to produce that item? (activity 2)

When we take a life cycle approach to thinking about products, we can start to think about the components that go into a product, including the amount of water that goes into the manufacture or processing of a product.

Most manufactured products and processed foods use water during some part of the manufacturing and production process. In manufacturing and industry, water can be used during fabricating, processing, washing, diluting, cooling or transporting a product or for sanitation needs within the manufacturing facility. The food, paper, chemical petroleum and mining industries all use large amounts of water.

1. Choose an item to investigate and try to find out at what stage in the production process water is used and how much water is used in the production of that item. Begin by thinking about what you know about the production of that item and map your ideas; then research your product to identify where water is actually used.

2. Compile a class list of the items and graph showing the amount of water used to produce everyday items; you will be amazed!

3. Look at the food items and the amount of water required to produce them. What types of food require larger amounts of water?

Go to the following resources and websites for information and data on the amount of water required to produce everyday goods:

• Water footprint website
• New Scientist (25 February 2006, issue 2540, cover story: The parched planet) - available from the EPA Victoria Library
• High quality water is conserved and maintained by cattle producers
• article (Adobe PDF file) from the International Young Professionals website
• The hidden uses of water - seeing beyond the kitchen tap (from savewater! website).

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