In December 2008, Water21 assessed the growing application of virtual water and its application through water footprinting as a growing force in the debate on water scarcity, one that can inform decisions by businesses, governments and consumers on how to manage their total water demand (see: 'Virtual reality: progress on practical application of the concept of virtual water', by Jamie Pittock, p53-55).The water footprint of a business refers to the total volume of fresh water that is used directly and indirectly to run and support the business. It is essentially an accounting methodology for water use, and consists of two components: the operational water footprint, i.e. the direct water use by the business in its own operations; and the supply-chain water footprint, i.e. the water use in the business's supply chain, for instance, through the intake of agricultural products.
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