This study aims to measure the water footprint for conventional oil production over the entire life cycle. The overall methodology for the development of net water footprint (cubic meters of water/barrel of oil produced) included the modelling of different unit operations and an assessment of both primary and secondary data. A case study for three fields of Mansarovar Energy Colombia was performed. A water footprint calculation allowed the organization to carry out a sustainability analysis of resource consumpion, improve corporate image strategies, detect avoidable consumption costs and optimize processes and operations. It also provided specific actions with which to tackle sector sensitivity and answer stakeholder concerns with regards to responsible water use. These results are relevant in the decision making process for oil production. The following steps in the management process of water footprint were developed: a description of facilities and processes, organizational and operational boundaries in the definition of a functional unit; a water inventory, in order to quantify resource inputs and outputs; calculations of blue, green and grey water footprint; an assessment as to the degree of water footprint sustainability and water stress; actions to reduce the water footprint. Results indicate that the blue water footprint was the most significant compared to the green and gray. The value, the first ever calculated for a Colombian hydrocarbon company was between 0.04 and 0.07 m~3 /barrel, considering both indirect and direct consumption.
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