Every drop counts: Why water footprinting matters for the public sector

Setting the scene

Water is one of our most constrained natural resources, yet it is essential for every public service; it supports hospitals, schools, emergency services, local authority operations, social care facilities, public housing, and the infrastructure that keeps communities functioning.

Between 2025 and 2026, Water UK forecast that water bills are to rise by an average of 26%, with Southern Water regions seeing an increase of up to 47%. Water scarcity has also ranked within the list of top five risks released by The World Economic Forum since 2015. We are seeing more intense and frequent floods and droughts, and with every degree of global warming, the water-related risks are increasing and disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. 

Understanding how organisations use and depend on water is becoming just as important as tracking carbon. This is where water footprinting comes in.

What is a water footprint?

Water footprints are a measure of the total volume of freshwater used to produce goods and services, accounting for both direct and indirect consumption. Direct water use refers to water consumed on site, for example, the water required to run a school building or for park maintenance. Indirect water use, also known as virtual or embedded water, includes the water used throughout supply chains, such as in the production of food for schools and hospitals, and in construction materials used for social housing development.

As well as distinguishing between direct and indirect use, water footprints also consider the type of water consumed: 

• Blue water: sourced from surface or groundwater bodies. 
• Green water: rainwater that is stored in soil and used by plants.
• Grey water: the volume of freshwater required to dilute pollutants to meet water quality standards. 

Why do water footprints matter for public sector organisations?

Public and social sector organisations have a unique role in safeguarding community resilience, ensuring equitable access to resources and planning infrastructure that supports future generations.

1. Empower local authorities to ensure equitable and affordable water access 

With water bills rising, affordability is becoming a growing concern, especially for lower-income communities. By conducting water footprint assessments, local authorities can gain a clearer understanding of how water is used across their region. This insight can help in identifying inefficiencies, planning for fair distribution and implementing pricing strategies that protect vulnerable groups. A better understanding of local water use also supports smarter infrastructure investments, helping to keep water both accessible and affordable. 

2. Strengthen infrastructure planning

Ageing water infrastructure is under increasing strain. A water footprint assessment reveals where demand is highest and where shortages or system failures are most likely to occur. This enables government bodies to:

• Prioritise upgrades in areas facing the greatest pressure.
• Direct investment towards high‑risk areas or communities.
• Support evidence‑based funding decisions.
• Build climate-resilient infrastructure strategies.

3. Reduce operational costs

Water waste often goes hand‑in‑hand with energy waste and inefficiency. By identifying hotspots, including leaks, inefficient systems, outdated fixtures, high‑water‑use operations, public sector bodies can reduce utility bills, maintenance costs, and emissions simultaneously.

4. Support climate resilience and net-zero objectives

Water use is closely linked to carbon emissions. Treating, distributing and heating water requires significant energy. Reducing your water footprint helps cut both water consumption and carbon output, which supports with meeting net‑zero targets while enhancing resilience to climate impacts.