Water Footprint: A critical review using sugar production as an example

This article deals with the numerical indicator water footprint. The definitions and terminology used in this indicator are analyzed in terms of their importance for water management. The individual components of the water footprint – blue, green, grey – are discussed in terms of their determination especially in relation to the aspects of evapotranspiration and fertilization. Using the example of sugar (beet and sugar production), it is shown that the determined water “consumption” with this indicator is only virtual and does not correspond to reality.

Improvements in water management can only be achieved through key figures that can be actively influenced. This is very questionable in the case of the indicator water footprint.