Brenda Khan
Water is a vital nutrient, and staying hydrated is essential for health and weight loss. Interestingly, the food we eat also impacts our water footprint, which refers to the amount of freshwater used in any given process or activity. The water footprint of food is high, especially for animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs. A vegan diet uses substantially less water than other diets, and a study found that it uses five times less water than a meat-based diet. Beef has a particularly high water footprint, and industrial livestock production that relies on grain-based feed further increases this footprint. To lower water footprints, individuals can make dietary changes such as eating less meat, choosing organic, and wasting less food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet with the least water usage | Vegan diet |
| Largest portion of an individual's water footprint | Their diet |
| Water footprint of food items | Rainwater used (green water footprint), water extracted from surface and groundwater for irrigation (blue water footprint), and water needed to dilute pollution (gray water footprint) |
| Recommendations to reduce water footprint | Eat less processed food, waste less food, choose organic, eat locally, and eat less meat |
| Water footprint of beef cattle | 1,800 gallons per pound |
| Water footprint of pork | 578 gallons |
| Water footprint of chicken | 468 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan diets use less water
It is true that vegan diets use less water. Research has shown that a vegan diet uses five times less water than a meat-based one. This is because a large amount of fresh water is used to grow the feed that livestock animals eat. Comparatively, it takes a lot less water to grow the grains, beans, legumes, fruits, and vegetables that make up a typical vegan diet.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, an average family of four uses about 400 gallons of water a day for various indoor activities. However, if each member of this hypothetical family of four ate a cheeseburger for dinner, the household's water consumption that day would shoot up to over 7,000 gallons, depending on the size of the burgers and the amount of cheese. This is because animals raised for food consume water, either directly or through their food.
The water footprint of food items is made up of three sectors: the amount of rainwater used (green water footprint), the amount of water extracted from surface and groundwater for irrigation (blue water footprint), and the amount of water needed to dilute pollution generated by producing the food (gray water footprint).
By choosing to eat more plant-based foods, you can drastically cut your carbon footprint, save precious water supplies, and help ensure that vital crop resources are fed to people rather than livestock. A study by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), which was published in Nature in 2018, found that the water footprint of a vegan or vegetarian is around half that of a meat-eater.
To reduce your water footprint, it is recommended to make diet-related changes such as eating less processed foods, wasting less food, choosing organic, eating locally, and eating less meat.
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Meat has a high water footprint
The water footprint of meat is generally higher than that of plant crops. This is because of all the plants that need to be grown to feed the animals. Pound for pound, meat has a much higher water footprint than vegetables, grains, or beans. A single pound of beef takes, on average, 1,800 gallons of water to produce, with 98% going towards watering the grass, forage, and feed that cattle consume over their lifetime.
The water footprint of food is high, and animal products, especially meat, dairy, and eggs, require more water than fruits, vegetables, and beans. The water footprint of meat is composed of the green, blue, and grey water footprints. The green water footprint refers to water from rain stored in the soil and plants, while the blue water footprint refers to irrigation from surface water like rivers and lakes. The grey water footprint refers to the water needed to dilute contaminants from agricultural practices.
The type of feed given to cattle also affects their water footprint. When their diet consists mainly of grain-based feed, such as in industrial livestock production, the blue water footprint is high. In contrast, when their diet consists mainly of grass and forage, the green water footprint is high. For example, grass-fed cattle have a higher green water footprint because they rely on grass that is predominantly rain-fed.
Worldwide consumption of meat and animal products makes up 27% of humanity's total water footprint. The average American eats around 181 pounds of meat annually, contributing significantly to their water footprint. Reducing meat consumption is, therefore, an effective way to lower one's water footprint. A vegan diet, in particular, uses substantially less water than other diets, with the water footprint of a vegan being around half that of a meat-eater.
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Water footprints of food
The water footprint of food is the amount of freshwater used in any given process or activity. The water footprint of food is high because of the water needed to grow and process crops and rear livestock. Animal products, especially meat, dairy, and eggs, have a higher water footprint than fruits, vegetables, and beans.
The water footprint of food can be divided into three sectors: the blue water footprint, the green water footprint, and the grey water footprint. The blue water footprint refers to the amount of surface water and groundwater used to produce an item, mainly for crop irrigation. The green water footprint refers to the amount of rainwater used, which is relevant for dry farming where crops only receive rainwater. The grey water footprint refers to the amount of freshwater required to dilute pollutants to meet water quality standards, which, for food, is polluted by agricultural runoff or leaching from the soil.
The water footprint of food is also impacted by where it is grown. For example, California produces more food than any other US state, but it is also one of the driest states, which puts enormous strain on water supplies. The water footprint of food is also related to the concept of "virtual water," which is the "hidden" component in the production process that contributes to the total water footprint. For example, a typical lunch of a cheese sandwich, sliced turkey, a small bag of potato chips, and an ice-cold soda would require about 206 gallons of water to produce.
To reduce the water footprint of food, individuals can make dietary changes such as eating less meat, choosing plant-based alternatives, eating less processed food, wasting less food, choosing organic, eating locally, and reducing food waste.
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Water pollution from food production
Water is a key factor in many food system activities, such as agriculture, food processing, and consumption. However, food production can also be a source of water pollution. For example, nutrients are lost from fertilized fields, and pathogens are released during livestock production. Water pollution from food production can have detrimental effects on both society and nature.
A recent publication by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE) program highlights the increasing global concern of water pollution caused by agriculture. The report states that the exploding demand for food with high environmental footprints, such as meat from industrial farms, contributes to unsustainable agricultural intensification and water quality degradation.
Agricultural practices, such as the intensive use of pesticides and chemicals, can lead to water pollution. Nitrate from agriculture is the most common chemical contaminant in the world's groundwater aquifers. The use of antibiotics, fungicides, and anti-fouling agents in aquaculture can also pollute downstream ecosystems. Additionally, the discharge of untreated or poorly treated wastewater from food processing manufacturers and consumers can contaminate surface water.
To address water pollution from food production, various measures can be implemented. On-farm practices in crop production, livestock, and aquaculture are crucial for preventing pollution. This includes managing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, establishing protection zones around water bodies, and reducing food losses and waste. Encouraging sustainable and healthy diets can also help moderate increases in food demand and reduce the environmental impact of food production.
Adopting a vegan or plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce water usage and pollution. Meat, especially beef, has a high water footprint, and replacing it with plant-based alternatives can significantly lower an individual's water footprint. Additionally, eating less processed food, choosing organic options, and consuming locally sourced produce can help reduce the water pollution associated with food production.
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Water aids weight loss
Water is a vital nutrient, and staying hydrated is essential for overall health and well-being. It carries out numerous functions in the body, including aiding digestion, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, aiding in the breakdown of fat, and carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells.
Water also plays a role in weight loss. Firstly, water has no calories, so replacing sugary or diet drinks with water can help reduce calorie intake and contribute to weight loss. Water can also increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger, leading to reduced calorie consumption. Additionally, water helps regulate the body's metabolism and energy expenditure, leading to more calories being burned. It is especially important to stay hydrated during exercise, as water helps muscles, connective tissues, and joints move correctly and supports the organs as they ramp up activity. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue, hindering workout performance.
Drinking water also helps the body get rid of excess sodium, reducing fluid retention. It is a common misconception that drinking water causes fluid retention, but the opposite is true. When the body does not receive enough water, it will retain fluids, leading to edema.
While drinking water can aid in weight loss, it is not a magic solution. Successful weight loss requires a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes. Water should be seen as a complementary tool in a comprehensive and sustainable approach to weight loss.
To incorporate more water into your daily routine, try carrying a reusable water bottle, setting reminders to drink water regularly, and adding flavour to your water with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber.
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Frequently asked questions
A vegan diet uses substantially less water than other diets. Vegetable-rich diets are beneficial for the planet's water supply.
The term "water footprint" is used to indicate the amount of fresh water that any given process or activity uses. One's diet makes up the largest part of their water footprint.
The water footprint of food is made up of three sectors: the amount of rainwater used (green water footprint), the amount of water extracted from surface and groundwater for irrigation (blue water footprint), and the amount of water needed to dilute pollution (gray water footprint).
Females need around 9 cups of water per day, and males need around 13 cups.
