 Water Resources Water Resources and Usage in the Czech Republic

Water Resources  Consumption of water resources in the Czech Republic, as with other parts of the world, is a multi-faceted topic raising many questions and concerns. Available resources are reflected in Table 1.Table 1  The Czech Republic has conducted a multitude of studies through the collection of quantitative data relating to the diversification of water usage.  The use of this necessary resource affects every aspect of life on a global scale. Creating awareness regarding the challenges we face due to water consumption is the first step in bringing about a worldwide paradigm shift.  The Czech Republic has initiated this change using several concepts, one of these is called Water Foot Printing.

Water Foot printing ‘An indicator of water use that looks at both the direct and indirect water use of a consumer or producer. The water footprint of an individual, community or business is defined as the goods and services consumed by the individual or community or produced by the business. Water use is measured in terms of water volumes consumed (evaporated) and/or polluted per unit of time.’ A water foot print has been defined as:

Water Foot printing WATER FOOTPRINTING IS BECOMING A POPULAR WAY OF UNDERSTANDING THE TOTAL WATER INPUT TO CONSUMER PRODUCTS SUCH AS BEVERAGES, FOOD AND CLOTHES. JUST AS THE CARBON FOOTPRINT CONCEPT HAS ASSISTED BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS IN UNDERSTANDING THE LEVEL OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS CREATED BY THEIR ACTIVITIES, SO WATER FOOTPRINTING IS CREATING AWARENESS OF HOW AND WHERE THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE IS USED.

Foot Printing: Water Types  Green and blue water are considered direct consumptive use.  Grey water is an indirect consumption. In the development of a Water Foot Print three types of water are assessed: green water, blue water and grey water.

Split Between Net Green, Blue and Grey Water (Czech Republic – Data 2008) * Green and blue water are considered direct consumptive use while grey water is an indirect consumption.

Water Foot Printing is a useful tool to build awareness around the water used in the value chain. The following slides illustrate how this natural resource relates to consumers… Value Chain Approach to Water Foot Printing

 ENERGY  FERTILIZER  PESTICIDE  CROP GROWTH Crop Cultivation Water Usage: Agricultural INDIRECT WATER USE

Water Usage: Agricultural Crop Processing  TRANSPORT  ENERGY  CROP IMPORTS  DIRECT WATER USE INDIRECT WATER USE

Water Usage: Agricultural U nless water management improves significantly, we will face major challenges in securing enough water to support the growing world population, to underpin economic growth and to meet environmental needs. INDIRECT WATER USE

Water Usage: Brewing Brewing  DIRECT WATER USE IN BREWERIES - A SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRY IN THE CZECH REPUBLI C DIRECT WATER USE

Water Usage Across Value Chain

Other Links in the Overall Value Chain: Waterfalls  Pancavsky vodopad Pancavsky vodopad  Mumlavsky vodopad Mumlavsky vodopad  Labský vodopád Labský vodopád - Highest Waterfall in Czech Republic

 Kamenice River Kamenice River  Navarov, Czech Republic  Current Conditions Current Conditions Vltava River, South Bohenia, Czech Republic Other Links in the Overall Value Chain: Small Streams & Rivers

Challenges Concerning Water Usage Challenges Include: Competition for Water Resources Declining Water QualitySocial Dimensions of WaterInteractions with BusinessWater Scarcity Being aware of and understanding the water challenges they face undoubtedly allows businesses to make better management decisions and provides the platform to engage with a broader set of stakeholders to address issues outside their direct sphere of influence. Awareness of these issues is the primary catalyst that will make a difference for future generations......

Water Resources The complex challenges surrounding water in the 21 st Century will only grow in the coming years and companies must be prepared to engage outside their own fence line and traditional comfort zone to ensure the long-term viability…