Managing water footprint is one of the most important activities in the site remediation and assessment methods, for environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. In the site remediation procedures, the water footprint is a crucial statistic that indicates the amount of freshwater used or polluted during the cleanup processes of a site. In this blog post, we are going to explore how you can regulate your site’s water footprint.
Proper management of water includes measuring the current usage and water quality testing, as governments and regulatory authorities are becoming stricter with water management regulations. A proper audit of water usage shows how transparent the site inspection has been conducted. Here are the key steps of managing the water footprint of the site under inspection.
Phase #1: Assessing and Measuring the Current Water Usage
Management of water footprint cannot be initiated without understanding how much water is used in the construction or remediation process at the site. There are multiple ways to analyze the water usage on the site.
Site assessors typically use a water audit to thoroughly understand all the input and output destinations of water. By identifying leakages, drainages, or anomalies in the usage pattern, the flow data is analyzed to assess whether the usage pattern has been unusual. For high water usage areas, site assessors often implement sub-meters for water, monitoring the sources of consumption.
Phase #2: Implement Water Testing Methods
The next phase in managing water footprint will include water testing and bore monitoring. Assessing the water quality is important to understand whether it is contaminated. This way, it is possible to determine whether the water is hampering the quality of water in nearby water sources.
There are different parameters to test water, including pH, Salinity, Chloride, Sodium, Nitrate, heavy metals, hardness, saturation index, absorption ratio, etc. Many site assessment companies use advanced groundwater testing methods to assess the quality of water. Leachate testing is also an effective method to understand whether the water that filters through waste or contaminated soil carries pollutants.
Technologies Used in Water Testing
Samples are collected from the water sources and sent to the accredited laboratories for testing pH and dissolved particles present in them. Using technologies like Dissolved Oxygen meters (DO meters) and lab-standard equipment, the quality of water is determined.
Phase #3: Establishing Water Reduction Strategies
In this phase, the primary thing to do is to reduce the water usage. Based on operational actions, necessary steps can be taken to ensure appropriate water monitoring.
The simplest yet most effective step in this phase is to fix the potential leaks for the immediate stoppage of water wastage. Thereafter, the next phase will include reviewing the water-intensive industrial processes, including the wash-down procedures. Finally, making the workers aware of the water usage will ensure more mindful usage.
Switching to a more effective irrigation system that relies on a weather-based or sensor-controlled irrigation system will reduce current water usage and project owners will see a reduction in water footprint.
Phase #4: Assessing Reuse and Recycling Options
Designing buildings with integrated water reuse systems, such as greywater and rainwater harvesting systems, may allow for the collection and treatment of non-potable water sources. It reduces reliance on freshwater and delivers sustainable water management practices.
Greywater recycling is a great way of collecting, treating, and reusing cleaner wastewater from showers and sinks for non-potable uses like irrigation. Stormwater sampling is also done to test whether the collected water is contaminated.
Phase #5: Integrating Innovation and Advocating Sustainability
Contractor and stakeholders involved in the construction site need to ensure their long-term vision to protect the environment, and as part of it, reducing the water footprint will also contribute to advocating for sustainable practice and public safety.
Integration of green infrastructure, like the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS), can be implemented to analyze the level of consumption and recycling. Permeable paving and green roofs can be incorporated to manage stormwater and minimise runoff.
It is important to set clear goals that deal with measurable water reduction targets and make the stakeholders responsible for transparent reporting.
Benefits of Reducing Water Footprint
Reducing the water footprint adds several benefits. These include:
Cost Savings
Low water consumption at the site can minimise operational costs notably. The water supply cost and treatment costs are also minimised.
Environmental Impact
Reducing the impact of water extraction saves the groundwater from the local ecosystem and reduces the carbon footprint associated with water transportation. Furthermore, it reduces the footprint associated with the remediation procedures.
Corporate Responsibility
By managing the water footprint from the site, the commitment towards sustainability can be exhibited, enhancing the reputation of the constructor and developing stakeholder trust. Reducing water footprint is not all about following compliance. It helps to embrace innovation and make people responsible for protecting the water resources.
Final Words
Managing a site’s water footprint not only gauges and reduces the water consumption, but it also demonstrates environmental responsibility. Reputed site assessment companies consider water quality testing an important part of reducing the water footprint, alongside implementing the usage reduction strategies. Reducing and reusing water are key steps in achieving a neutral water footprint.
Start a Water Usage Audit to Assess the Quality of Water!
Want to measure the water usage on your site? Contact us to conduct a water audit and reduce your water footprint at your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Water Footprint Different From the Carbon Footprint?
While the carbon footprint addresses climate change, the water footprint analyses the freshwater scarcity. In the water footprint, the location of water matters most.
Does a Water Footprint Always Stay Negative?
No, not mandatorily. The water footprint indicates the volume, location, and timing of the water usage. It becomes negative when the usage of water in a specific location exceeds the local sustainability limits.
How Can I Minimise Water Consumption During Concrete Curing?
Implement alternative curing methods, such as using curing agents or membrane curing, which typically reduce the need for huge volumes of water.
