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IDRA Be Water Positive+

For the IDRA, being water positive means compensating for your water footprint by producing high-quality water and reducing water consumption.
Scientific evidence shows that rainwater harvesting can prove to be a useful method of being water positive+. Although it has pros and cons, evidence shows that the only differentiator contributing to the result is the implementation of specific systems. However, this can be done more efficiently through desalination and water reuse.
Therefore, desalination and water reuse are effective means of helping the natural water cycle. While industries remain steadfast in producing goods, food, and services at a high rate.
Only by being water positive+ can we create impact where it matters most.

Hero Image

IDRA Be Water Positive+

For the IDRA, being water positive means compensating for your water footprint by producing high-quality water and reducing water consumption.
Scientific evidence shows that rainwater harvesting can prove to be a useful method of being water positive+. Although it has pros and cons, evidence shows that the only differentiator contributing to the result is the implementation of specific systems. However, this can be done more efficiently through desalination and water reuse.
Therefore, desalination and water reuse are effective means of helping the natural water cycle. While industries remain steadfast in producing goods, food, and services at a high rate.
Only by being water positive+ can we create impact where it matters most.

What is Your Water Footprint?

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Be Water Positive, Carbon Neutral, and Environmental Stewardship Committee

In October 2022, IDRA formed the Be Water Positive, Carbon Neutral, and Environmental Stewardship Committee to promote best practices in environmental and energy efficiency for desalination and water reuse projects, using the most suitable technologies for each location.

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Key Objectives and KPIs

The committee task force
addresses environmental issues in
desalination and water reuse,
focusing on stewardship, reducing
water footprint, decarbonization,
increasing renewable power use,
and cutting chemical consumption.

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The Growing Importance of ESG (Economic Social and Governance)

Global companies are recognizing
the benefits of adopting ESG
philosophies, making them a key
part of corporate strategy. The
Water Positive+ commitment
helps companies align with UN
Sustainability Goals, focusing on
long-term objectives rather than
individual reputation.

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Achieving Water Positivity

To achieve a Water Positive+
balance, we must recover and
return more water than we use.
New regulations and
technological advances in water
purification and alternative
energies make desalination and
water reuse leading options for
supplying high-purity water.

What is Your Water Footprint?

Card Dots Image

Be Water Positive, Carbon Neutral, and Environmental Stewardship Committee

In October 2022, IDRA formed the Be Water Positive, Carbon Neutral, and Environmental Stewardship Committee to promote best practices in environmental and energy efficiency for desalination and water reuse projects, using the most suitable technologies for each location.

Card Dots Image

Key Objectives and KPIs

The committee task force
addresses environmental issues in
desalination and water reuse,
focusing on stewardship, reducing
water footprint, decarbonization,
increasing renewable power use,
and cutting chemical consumption.

Card Dots Image

The Growing Importance of ESG (Economic Social and Governance)

Global companies are recognizing
the benefits of adopting ESG
philosophies, making them a key
part of corporate strategy. The
Water Positive+ commitment
helps companies align with UN
Sustainability Goals, focusing on
long-term objectives rather than
individual reputation.

Card Dots Image

Achieving Water Positivity

To achieve a Water Positive+
balance, we must recover and
return more water than we use.
New regulations and
technological advances in water
purification and alternative
energies make desalination and
water reuse leading options for
supplying high-purity water.

Water Footprint

A water footprint is the amount of freshwater utilized in producing or supplying the goods and services used by individuals, communities, and companies.

Water Footprint

A water footprint is the amount of freshwater utilized in producing or supplying the goods and services used by individuals, communities, and companies.

Components of a Water Footprint
Green Water Footprint

Green Water Footprint

Precipitated water that is stored in the root zone of the soil and is evaporated, transpired, or incorporated by plants.

Blue Water Footprint

Blue Water Footprint

Water from surface or groundwater resources that is incorporated into a product or is taken from one body of water and returned to another body of water or is returned at a different time.

Gray Water Footprint

Gray Water Footprint

The volume of freshwater required to assimilate pollutants based on natural background concentrations and existing ambient water quality standards.

Assessment of Water Footprints

While the ISO 14046:2014 standard provides principles, requirements, and guidelines for assessing, conducting, and reporting a water footprint, it does not report on water footprint results, like a label or a declaration.
Some well-known water footprint certifications are:

Water Footprints by
Country

Water footprints vary between countries due to people’s consumption habits, climate, and water use practices. An example of this would be the areas shaded in green, depicting where the nation’s water footprint is equal to or less than the world average. Similarly, the countries in blue depict a higher water footprint than the world average. The map shows you the average national water footprint per capita (m3 / person / year) by people based on their consumption patterns.

GWSP Digital Water Atlas (2008). Map 33: Water Footprint per Country (V1.0). Available online at http://atlas.gwsp.org.

The map shows you the average national water footprint per capita (m3 / person / year)
by people based on their consumption patterns.

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Blue depicts a nation’s water footprint is equal to or less than the world average.

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Red depicts a higher water footprint than the world average.

Water Footprints by Industry

We know that water is a vital source for operations in many industries. According to the McKinsey & Company Report: The global corporate water footprint, by 2030 water demand will outstrip supply by 40% and about half of the world’s population will live in water-scarce areas. This means industries will face more public and regulatory scrutiny about water usage, especially in water-scarce areas.

Corporate water users are starting to understand the severity of the water crisis or its eventual impact on their business by assessing their water footprint and the water footprint of their suppliers.

Net Zero

The goal of Be Water Positive+ is to minimize the negative impact associated with usage of our natural water resources.

The objective of Be Water Positive+ pledges by companies align with the UN’s goals of adequate access to clean water for all while securing their water supply needs. Water security is a local issue that can be improved by reducing water consumption and replenishing water resources through recycling.

Negative impacts can be reduced by utilizing desalination and water reuse as a water source or even supporting local governments in the environmental restoration of watersheds.

Be Water Positive +

News & Awards

Learn more about the IMOCA team news and awards, IDRA Water Positive sailing ambassadors

Learn more about the IMOCA team news and awards, IDRA Water Positive sailing ambassadors

Follow IDRA on Social Media

Explore what’s happening in IDRA and the global advanced water treatment community.

Follow IDRA on Social Media

Explore what’s happening in IDRA and the global advanced water treatment community.

Join Us

Membership in IDRA is your connection to the global desalination and water reuse community. IDRA offers memberships for individuals and corporations, as well as special rates for full-time students, non-profit libraries and individuals from developing countries following the UN list of LDC’s.

Join as an Individual

Joining IDRA offers unmatched opportunities to build valuable connections, grow your network, and enhance your professional expertise.

Join as a Corporate Member

Corporate membership helps your company make business-building connections, gain visibility among industry decision-makers, and enhance the professional development of your staff.

Join Us

Membership in IDRA is your connection to the global desalination and water reuse community. IDRA offers memberships for individuals and corporations, as well as special rates for full-time students, non-profit libraries and individuals from developing countries following the UN list of LDC’s.

View Our Membership