Total water availability vs use

Unit

i
: Cubic meters (m³), Percentage (%)

Indicator

i
: Wastewater treated, reused/recycled, avoided, water replenishment and sustainable water use

Metric type

i
: Pressure

Framework alignment notes

i
AWS - The catchment water-balance, and where applicable, scarcity, shall be quantified, including indication of annual, and where appropriate, seasonal, variance.

Target example
i

[Company name] will ensure that its level of water use does not exceed the total water available within [basin].

Target source: WBCSD target template

Metric assessment

i

Relevance: Medium

Feasibility: Low

Additional Metric Notes
i

ACT-D stage
Assess

Maturity stage
Developing

Metric Contribution to Action
Comparing availability to use helps prevent overconsumption and ensures operations remain within sustainable water limits.

Observations, Successes and Challenges

  • Global models exist, but local variations in hydrology, climate, and infrastructure can affect accuracy.
  • Does not reflect seasonal variability
  • If a company operates across multiple watersheds, determining “total availability” for reporting can be complex.
  • High availability does not always mean low risk (e.g., pollution, regulatory restrictions, or competing demands may still pose challenges).
  • Collective action and data-sharing across major water users in the catchment is essential for feasibility and success.

Related actions

i

Reduce water use and wastage, particularly in water-stressed areas

Reduce water use and wastage, particularly in water-stressed areas

Description