- The importance of water
- Raising awareness
- Organisations engaged in water management
- Key water management activities
- Download reference document
- Further information

The importance of water

Understanding the importance of water to the food and grocery sector is business critical.

The pressure on water resources is increasing; a growing global population, the impact of climate change, the increase in the demand for water for energy, and an increase in consumption of water intense products, will all put greater pressure on finite freshwater supplies. In addition United Nations Millennium Development Goal objectives to 2015 include a basic human right to reliable, affordable sources of clean water.

Water scarcity is now the single biggest threat to global food security. Earth Policy Institute

Water is increasingly recognised as vital to developing supply chain resilience. The longer-term ability of supply chains to maintain output, quality and price will depend on freshwater supply.
 

Raising awareness

Although awareness of the importance of water is increasing, the level of knowledge and engagement across this multi-faceted issue is fragmented and incomplete.

In response to this, IGD has undertaken some work to signpost the wide range of organisations that are currently engaged in the many aspects of water in the food and grocery supply chain.
 

Organisations engaged in water management

With support from IGD members, we have put directory featuring a list of more than 60 organisations that are engaged in water management. IGD’s breadth of knowledge and experience from farmers to retailers ensures that the whole grocery supply chain is considered. The directory can be downloaded via the link below.

The directory includes organisations that are engaged in a wide range of water-related issues, from drainage and flooding, through to irrigation, water use and water consumption. It includes those representing industry, governments, and non-governmental organisations - both in the UK and internationally.

Within the document, there is a brief description of each organisation’s activities, a summary of their water-related work, a link to their own website, and links to other organisations where appropriate.
 

Key water management activities

The list indicates a range of activities which organisations are working on in terms of the many aspects of water stewardship. The activities we highlight are:

The development of standards and tools to manage water – we looked at organisations developing standards to ensure consistency and conformity to water measurement, both national and international.   Research – organisations that are researching the physical aspects of water, such as quality, storage, cleaning and distribution, as well as the virtual aspect of the total amount of water used along the supply chain   Water footprints (also known as, embedded water or virtual water) - the concept of measuring the total amount of water used in the production of goods and services. The concept of water footprinting is over ten years old and organisations are refining it to gain a greater understanding of the implications of the water associated with food and grocery products   Focus on water consumption and use - looking at direct water consumption and usage in a specific geographic location, this would include giving advice on how to reduce consumption, re-use water and manage leaks, for example   Flooding as a water issue – the impact of flooding is likely to increase as a result of heavier rainfall, increased intensity, rising sea levels and greater run off. Flooding also impacts crop production. We have listed organisations that give advice on how to reduce and respond to flooding   Water quality - water can vary in required quality standards, from drinking water for humans and animals, to cleaning water, water for irrigation and using water in the energy sector. We have highlighted organisations establishing and maintaining standards for water - an important aspect of water governance and stewardship   Case studies – we have indicated whether organisations illustrate the work they are doing around water stewardship   Food and grocery companies – we have identified organisations that represent members of the food and grocery industry

Download the reference document

The objective of the exercise is to provide a reference point to those wanting to understand more about a specific facet or the wider implications of water in the food and grocery supply chain.

This mapping exercise also draws attention to the many and varied aspects of water in the food and grocery supply chain.

IGD, with support from members and other stakeholders will build on this document to promote engagement and best practice on this important area of sustainability.

Click on the following link to find out more and download the document:

Water in your Supply Chain directory

Please note, apart from one or two very limited examples for illustration, we have not included the many commercial organisations that sell and promote an extensive range of products or services to manage water.
 

Further information

We trust you will find the list useful, but acknowledge that not every organisation is represented.

We plan to update it when there are significant changes. If you have any comments or observations on the list please contact Alan Hayes at alan.hayes@igd.com

Related IGD links: Factsheets - Embedded Water in Food Production - Food and Grocery Sector: Water Reduction Commitments - National Water Footprints - The Increasing Demand for Water - Water Use in the Supply Chain Related Internet links: - Earth Policy Institute (IGD is not responsible for the content of external sites)