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Vista, Calif. - A comprehensive study released by Carnegie Mellon
University and reported in the February 23, 2010, issue of Environmental
Science & Technology finds that much of the water consumed in private
industry today is “hidden” because it is not used
directly.
The study found that it takes about 270 gallons of water to produce a dollar’s worth of sugar; 140 gallons to process a dollar's worth of milk; and 200 gallons of water to make a buck’s worth of cat and dog food.
However, the water is used indirectly, according to the researchers, in the processing and packaging of products as well as the shipping of food crops. An example of direct use of water would be watering crops and vegetation.
The goal of the study, according to Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co, Inc., manufacturers of waterless urinals and other water-conserving products, “is to determine which industry sectors use the most water and where it can be used more efficiently and sustainably.”
The researchers discovered that indirect or hidden use of water exceeded direct use in as much as 96 percent of the industry sectors examined.
However, the study could only track water withdrawal—water pumped to a facility, processing center, or manufacturing site from a local water department—and not if the water used was later recycled, reused, or simply drained into the local sewer system.
“Studies like this are helpful and important because we are hearing more and more calls for effective water management,” says Reichardt. “Millions of gallons of water are wasted each year unnecessarily, which could have social consequences as well as impact our fragile ecosystems.”
About Waterless
Waterless Co. Inc. has established a reputation as an innovative manufacturer, serving the building, plumbing, and janitorial industry for over 18 years. Based in Vista, Ca, Waterless Co. offers quality, innovation and expertise in water conservation and high efficiency products for building owners with a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning liquids, and cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com
The study found that it takes about 270 gallons of water to produce a dollar’s worth of sugar; 140 gallons to process a dollar's worth of milk; and 200 gallons of water to make a buck’s worth of cat and dog food.
However, the water is used indirectly, according to the researchers, in the processing and packaging of products as well as the shipping of food crops. An example of direct use of water would be watering crops and vegetation.
The goal of the study, according to Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co, Inc., manufacturers of waterless urinals and other water-conserving products, “is to determine which industry sectors use the most water and where it can be used more efficiently and sustainably.”
The researchers discovered that indirect or hidden use of water exceeded direct use in as much as 96 percent of the industry sectors examined.
However, the study could only track water withdrawal—water pumped to a facility, processing center, or manufacturing site from a local water department—and not if the water used was later recycled, reused, or simply drained into the local sewer system.
“Studies like this are helpful and important because we are hearing more and more calls for effective water management,” says Reichardt. “Millions of gallons of water are wasted each year unnecessarily, which could have social consequences as well as impact our fragile ecosystems.”
About Waterless
Waterless Co. Inc. has established a reputation as an innovative manufacturer, serving the building, plumbing, and janitorial industry for over 18 years. Based in Vista, Ca, Waterless Co. offers quality, innovation and expertise in water conservation and high efficiency products for building owners with a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning liquids, and cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com
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